From June 30 to July 2, 2025, twelve U.S. community college institutions visited Singapore to engage with local educational institutions. The visit aimed to explore technical and vocational academic exchange and partnership opportunities as part of the inaugural U.S.-Singapore Technical and Vocational Education Exchange (TVET) program. This initiative was organized by the U.S. Embassy in Singapore and Community Colleges for International Development (CCID).
The program's objective is to strengthen technical and vocational education in ways that benefit both Singaporean and U.S. global workforce interests. It focuses on cooperation in areas such as workforce development for green industries, environmental sustainability, cybersecurity, and information technology.
U.S. community colleges involved in this program include Alamo Colleges District, College of Southern Nevada, College of the Canyons, Fresno City College, Green River College, Lone Star College, Madison College, Miami Dade College, Parkland College, Santa Ana College, and Santa Fe College. Representatives from these colleges included presidents, vice presidents, deans, and directors of international programs.
During their stay in Singapore, the delegates engaged with several educational institutions including Singapore Polytechnic and Institute of Technical Education East. They also met with private sector organizations involved in education outreach across Singapore.
Dr. Karen McBride from CCID highlighted the role of educational institutions as a primary resource for workforce development: “CCID and U.S. Embassy Singapore recognize the importance of educational institutions...as a primary resource responsible for workforce development.” Mr. Toh Ser Khoon from Singapore Polytechnic expressed similar sentiments about the exchange: “Singapore Polytechnic is honored to be part of this meaningful exchange with our U.S. counterparts.”
Chargé d’Affaires Casey Mace emphasized the importance of such initiatives: “This initiative underscores the U.S. commitment to building strong educational partnerships in this region.”
U.S. Embassy Singapore has a history of collaboration with higher learning institutions supporting educational exchanges while CCID remains dedicated to advancing internationalization initiatives at collegiate levels.