The partnership will involve having final year students enrolled in SP's diploma of infocomm security management work with selected SMEs over the course of one year, to help the latter fulfill their network security needs.
Such final-year projects are expected to give students industry exposure before graduation, while providing SMEs with the opportunity to beef up their IT infrastructure. There are currently eight students working with selected SMEs.
"I'm certain that the students will bring with them this valuable working experience as they embark on their next phase of life as much sought-after infocomm security professionals," said Timothy Chan, director, school of digital media and infocomm technology, SP.
Security lab
D-Link and SP also announced plans to jointly set up a laboratory which will be used for research and development in the enterprise network security space. The laboratory, which will be located at SP, is due for completion by end 2009, and is expected to contain S$100,000 (US$65,716) worth of D-Link products.
First and second-year networking students will also use the laboratory for practical sessions; while SMEs which have registered with SP will be able to utilise the laboratory for workshops and training courses specially tailored to their needs. Curriculum for the lessons will be co-developed by D-Link and SP.
Scholarship
Another aspect of the collaboration between D-Link and SP will see the former sponsor two annual scholarships worth S$2,500 each, for needy students enrolled in the diploma of infocomm security management programme. Each scholar will also get a seven-week industrial attachment at D-Link. The first such scholarship has been given out to a second-year student.
"I'm confident that this partnership marks the start of a high level of co-operation between D-Link International and Singapore Polytechnic in working towards new network security initiatives and programmes for the betterment of our students as well as businesses in Singapore and around the region," said Chan.