Category: Featured

  • Unleashing Innovation Through Design Thinking

    Unleashing Innovation Through Design Thinking

    In today’s ever-changing business landscape, staying ahead requires more than just traditional strategies. It demands a fresh perspective—one that places people at the heart of every decision and embraces creativity to solve complex challenges. This is where Design Thinking shines. Whether you’re a manager seeking to drive innovation, a professional eager to enhance problem-solving skills, or a leader aiming to initiate change, the Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation course at Ngee Ann Academy is tailored for you.

    What Is Design Thinking?

    Design Thinking is more than just a buzzword; it’s a transformative approach to strategy and problem-solving. At its core, Design Thinking is about empathy—understanding your stakeholders deeply and using their needs as a compass for your decisions. It offers a structured yet flexible framework that encourages creativity, collaboration and iterative testing. With these principles, organisations can innovate faster and more effectively, meeting the needs of their stakeholders at the same time.

    Why Choose This Programme?

    This full-day workshop, held over three days from 25 to 27 March 2025, offers a hands-on experience that equips participants with practical tools and strategies. Whether you’re a professional at the front line, a supervisor or a senior executive, the course ensures you walk away with actionable insights.

    Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll gain:

    • Human-Centred Strategy Formulation: Learn to put your stakeholders at the centre of your strategic decisions. Through empathy-driven insights, you’ll uncover real needs and craft solutions that truly resonate.
    • Innovative Problem Solving: Move beyond conventional methods with tools designed to spark creativity and innovation. From stakeholder analysis to framing the right questions, you’ll master techniques to generate impactful ideas.
    • Prototyping and Testing: Innovation doesn’t stop at ideas. The course teaches you how to turn those ideas into tangible prototypes, test them in real-world contexts, and refine them iteratively for success.

    Who Should Attend?

    This programme is ideal for frontline, supervisory professionals, managers, executives and business leaders who want to innovate, solve complex problems and lead change. Whether you’re looking to foster a culture of creativity within your team or seeking tools to tackle business challenges more effectively, this course is your gateway to strategic transformation.

    A Step-by-Step Journey

    The workshop is thoughtfully structured, beginning with an introduction to Design Thinking and its relevance to business strategy. Participants will progress through stakeholder analysis, problem framing, idea generation and finally, prototyping and testing. This step-by-step approach ensures a deep understanding of each stage, building confidence in applying these concepts to your workplace.

    Meet the Trainers

    The course is led by three seasoned experts, Dr Daniel Lim, Ms Low Lay Leng and Ms Phyllis Marie Peter, who bring decades of professional experience. 

    1. Dr Daniel Lim, is the Academic Dean at Ngee Ann Academy. Armed with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Dr Lim is an experienced educator who has played a pivotal role in shaping education for higher learning.
    • Prior to his present role at Ngee Ann Academy, Dr Lim was previously a research scientist in a reputable research agency in Singapore and course chair from one of Singapore’s higher institutes of learning.
    • Dr Lim is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the quality of education at Ngee Ann Academy, ensuring that the institution remains competitive and continues to meet the evolving needs of students and the broader community.
    1. Ms Low, With over 20 years of experience in public relations, education and organisational development, Ms Low has a diverse background, particularly in Design Thinking. 
    • During her time at Singapore Polytechnic, she held various roles, including educator, leader and strategist, focusing on innovation and growth. 
    • In her last decade there, she developed strategies that encouraged creative collaboration and problem-solving. 
    • Now an independent consultant, Ms Low empowers professionals through hands-on Design Thinking workshops, combining real-world examples, interactive activities, and actionable insights to help participants tackle challenges with innovative solutions.
    1. Ms Phyllis, a former lawyer turned higher education strategist, brings her analytical and strategic expertise, making her a dynamic mentor in innovation. 
    • In her 34-year career in Higher Education, she excelled in various roles, including teaching, course management and strategic planning.
    • With over seven years of steering large-scale strategies to foster innovation and growth, she trained teams and individuals to tackle complex challenges creatively. 
    • Now an independent consultant, Ms Phyllis empowers professionals to apply Design Thinking to innovate and adapt, using a practical, interactive approach that ensures participants gain immediate, actionable tools and strategies.

    Programme Title:

    Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation

    Programme Schedule:

    Format: Full day workshop, face-to-face 

    Date: 25, 26 and 27 March 2025 (Tue-Thu)

    Duration: 25, 26 March 9am to 5.30pm (Tues & Wed)
    27 March 9am-4pm (Thu)

    Location: Ngee Ann Academy, 391A Orchard Road, #25-02A. Ngee Ann City Tower A, Singapore 238873

    Certificate: Candidates who demonstrate competency in the course assessment and achieve at least 75% attendance will receive a Statement of Attainment awarded by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). 

    Programme Fee:

    Course Fee and Government Subsidies
     IndividualSME SponsoredNon-SME Sponsored
    Full Course Fee
    (For those not eligible for subsidy)
    $900$981 (with GST)$900$981(with GST)$900$981(with GST)
    For 21 years old and above·       Singapore Citizens·       Permanent Residents$450$531 (with GST)$270$351 (with GST)$450$531 (with GST)    
    For 40 years old and above·       Singapore Citizens$270$351 (with GST)  $270$351 (with GST

    Enjoy up to 70% funding for this Design Thinking for Enhancing Strategy Formulation Course, with grants available for individuals and companies. This is your chance to upskill and innovate affordably!

    With the 70% subsidy from the Singapore Government, a Singapore citizen aged 40 years and above will only need to pay S$270. In addition, they can also use their SkillsFuture credits to cover this portion.

    Step into a world where empathy meets innovation and strategies are crafted with people in mind. Design Thinking is not just a methodology—it’s a mindset that can reshape the way you approach business challenges. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with a powerful toolkit to drive impactful change in your organisation.

    Don’t miss the opportunity to redefine your strategic approach. Contact Ngee Ann Academy’s Admissions Team today to sign up and secure your spot now!

  • The Benefits of Attending an Accredited Cosmetology School

    The Benefits of Attending an Accredited Cosmetology School

    A cosmetology school is a form of educational institution that provides training and education in various beauty and cosmetology services. Attending an accredited cosmetology school in Sandy Springs is a significant step towards a rewarding career in the beauty industry. An accredited institution ensures that students receive a high-quality education that meets industry standards, making them well-prepared for various professional opportunities upon graduation. This article will discuss the benefits of attending an accredited cosmetology school and why it is a valuable investment for those interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry.

    Comprehensive Training and Curriculum

    One significant advantage of enrolling in a reputable cosmetology school is the well-rounded training program. Students gain hands-on experience in various beauty treatments, including hair styling, skincare, makeup application, and nail artistry. This comprehensive curriculum equips students with the necessary skills to excel in their chosen specializations.

    Career Opportunities and Advancement

    Graduates from accredited cosmetology schools often have access to a broader range of career opportunities. The credibility of an accredited program can open doors to high-end salons, spas, and even television and film industries. Additionally, the foundational knowledge and skills acquired can pave the way for further specialization and career advancement within the beauty sector.

    Building Professional Networks

    Attending a reputable cosmetology school also offers the benefit of networking with industry professionals and peers. These connections can be invaluable for career growth and can lead to job referrals, mentoring opportunities, and partnerships in business ventures. Engaging with a professional community while still in school can provide a significant advantage as students transition into their careers.

    Licensing and Certification

    An accredited cosmetology program ensures that upon completion, students are prepared to meet the licensing requirements necessary to practice professionally. State boards of cosmetology generally require graduation from an accredited school to sit for licensing exams. Successfully obtaining a license is crucial for legal practice and establishing trust with clients.

    Continual Learning and Professional Development

    The beauty industry is ever-evolving, with new trends, techniques, and technologies emerging regularly. A solid educational foundation from an accredited school encourages lifelong learning and professional growth. Graduates are more likely to continue seeking advanced education and certifications, staying current with the latest industry developments.

    Seeking the Ideal Cosmetology School

    Understanding how to choose the perfect cosmetology school is essential for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the beauty industry. It is crucial to research and consider factors such as accreditation, curriculum, reputation, and cost when making this decision. Students should also take advantage of campus tours, open houses, and shadowing opportunities to get a feel for the school’s culture and program offerings.

    Conclusion

    Enrolling in an accredited cosmetology school offers numerous benefits that can significantly impact your career trajectory. From comprehensive training and career opportunities to professional networking and licensing, the advantages are manifold. By choosing a well-regarded program, aspiring cosmetologists can set a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in the beauty industry.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What should I look for in a cosmetology school?

    When choosing a cosmetology school, look for accreditation, a comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and strong career support services. It’s also beneficial to consider hands-on training opportunities and the overall reputation of the institution.

    How important is accreditation for a cosmetology school?

    Accreditation is crucial as it ensures the program meets industry standards and prepares students to meet licensing requirements. Graduates from accredited schools are typically more competitive in the job market.

    What career opportunities are available after graduating from a cosmetology school?

    Graduates can pursue various careers, including positions in salons, spas, and entertainment industries. With additional experience and training, opportunities for advancement and specialization are plentiful.

  • 5 Important Skills That You Need to Master for NEET

    5 Important Skills That You Need to Master for NEET

    As the NEET Exam 2022 scheduled for July 17 is approaching near, aspirants have accelerated their NEET preparation levels. There are these stacks of books on the NEET syllabus, constant updates and everything. Amid all the chaos, aspirants must keep their minds in place with a well-defined strategy and certain skills that they need to master the NEET exam. This article talks about the 5 essential skills that candidates must develop in order to nail the exam.

    1. Time-management and Discipline

    As per the latest update of the NEET exam pattern, students have to attempt a total of 180 questions out of 200 questions within a time duration of 3 hours and 20 minutes. That means a candidate gets approximately one minute to answer one question. While some questions will be answered in less than a minute, other questions may require more than a minute as well. As a result, time management is extremely important to attempt the NEET exam properly.

    Time management is equally important while preparing for the NEET exam as well. The best way to strengthen your time-management skills is to practise mock tests regularly. Take up at least one mock test each day and prepare well to become comfortable taking the final exam and ensure you have enough time to complete all the questions in time.

    1. Objective Approach

    Unlike board exams that require you to follow a subjective approach, competitive exams are mastered by following an objective approach. The NEET Exam Pattern is in MCQ format. Therefore, try and focus on objective learning rather than long reasons and answers.

    For this purpose, pick the NEET syllabus and start by creating points, flow charts, concept maps, and more. The use of this objective method of learning aids in thorough and accurate coverage of the curriculum while also maintaining an engaging learning environment.

    More so, this objective approach gives you an upper hand while attempting the NEET exam. Since the exam is time-based, avoid spending too much time on time-consuming questions.

    1. Problem-solving Skills

    Problem-solving is an essential life skill that will not only help you while preparing for or attempting the NEET exam, but it will help you throughout your life journey. You can incorporate problem-solving skills in your personality to help you tackle questions and problems in the exam as well as in real life. More so, problem-solving skills enhance your creativity and decisive power which are again beneficial to crack the NEET exam.

    Competitive exams often throw twisted questions with straightforward answers. However, the twisted words leave you scratching your head. Here the problem-solving skills come into play. All you have to do is mark the important things in the questions and what it expects. Constant and rigorous practice helps you master this skill set.

    1. Calculate risk

    Weighing marking schemes and NEET exam patterns are important while preparing for competitive exams. In the NEET UG exam, you earn 4 marks for every correct answer and you lose one mark for every incorrect answer. That said, 1 correct answer is nullified by 4 incorrect answers. Besides, even one correct answer out of four guesses would give you a plus one, balancing the three incorrect guesses.

    In competitive exams, guesswork can be risky, but the calculated risk can prove to be beneficial. So, avoid making blind guesses, and leave out the questions that are completely out of the line for you. Do not waste your attempt.  

    1. Self-confidence

    Another important skill that you need when you sit for the exam is self-confidence. Do not be underconfident as that can make you rethink your answer and waste your time. Be confident that you have put in a lot of effort and practice to prepare for the exam and give your 100 per cent. Believe that you can do it.

    At the same time, being overconfident is not something that you need as well. Overconfidence can make you commit silly mistakes, and in competitive exams, there is no scope for the slightest of errors. You just need precise confidence to attempt the NEET UG Exam.

    While in the NEET preparation stage, make sure you revise and practice even if you are confident about a particular subject. Moreover, you must practice NEET mock tests and engage in self-evaluation. 

    These are the five important skills that you need to Master NEET Exam. Get the latest updates and information on the NEET Exam on our website CollegeSearch, a global platform that connects students, colleges, and alumni. 

  • 5 Effective Teaching Methodologies to Teach Classes Online

    5 Effective Teaching Methodologies to Teach Classes Online

    With the advancement of technology, everything is taking a U-turn. In all fields of life, you can see the use of digital gadgets. It is all because of digitalization that now, we can do all of our tasks quickly and without human error. Like the other platforms, technology also plays a significant role in the education sector. In the last one and a half years, technology is assisting us in adopting the new routine. During the pandemic, online classes played a huge role in the educational field. Even though distance learning is not a new concept, it is not widely used.

    Nowadays, you can see many schools opting for remote learning. The reason is that it has a significant impact on the education sector. The LMS software in Pakistan is getting popular after the corona pandemic. The benefit of remote learning is that it removes boundaries in the educational field. You can take and conduct classes from anywhere in the world with a secure internet connection.

    It is a fact that remote learning is different than on sight classes. In distance learning, students and teachers are not physically present in the classroom. It is the sole reason why remote learning requires different teaching strategies than on sight classes. As an instructor, you need to opt for other teaching techniques for the online sessions. Being a new field, many instructors can become complicated to carry the remote sessions. This guide is here to help you out with the teaching tactics of online sessions.

    • Focus on creative work:

     The first point is to focus only on the creative work. As an instructor, you aim to make the student understand the concept. Cramming will not help your students. It is better to make your student the essence of your topic. You have to teach your students the essential points instead of lengthy paragraphs.

    • Apply teacher-student centered:

    The second technique is to make your class sessions student teacher-centered. There is nothing better than to involve the students during your lectures. This way, you can enhance the learning process of your students. This way, you can give a better understanding to your students. Ask several questions to your students. It is crucial to involve students in your online sessions.

    • Involvement of the entire class:

    It is a must-have to involve your class in between your lectures. Your students will not participate attention if you do not include them in the sessions. Ask them questions regarding the topic you are teaching. In addition to that, you can also ask your opinion on the concepts.

    • Use the digital gadgets:

    The use of digital gadgets makes everything easy for you and your students. You can use several tools to make the lesson understandable. Moreover, it is always better to involve technology in your online sessions to make things easy.

    • End class with question session:

    Last but not least, you have to end your online sessions with a quick questions phase. You can ask different questions regarding the topic. This small session will tell you how much attention all of your students pay to your lecture.