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SMU revamps its Industry Practice Master programme and offers 14 new Industry Graduate Diplomas

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A major move to provide more flexible, modular and stackable industry-aligned certification pathways in support of Singapore’s focus on skills-based lifelong learning

SINGAPORE, March 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Management University (SMU) today announced key enhancements to its Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE) programme offered at SMU Academy, the University’s professional training arm. First launched in January 2024, the master’s programme currently has over 130 learners enrolled.

As part of its continuous enhancement, a structural revamp is set to roll out in August 2025, introducing Industry Graduate Diplomas (IGDs) to provide professionals with a more modular, flexible, and industry-aligned learning pathways. This aligns with Singapore’s national focus on lifelong learning, offering an accessible, customisable, and skills-based approach to career advancement and workforce transformation. Learners who are currently enrolled in the IPMDE will not be affected, however, those who wish to transition to the revamped structure will have the opportunity to do so, subject to the completion of the newly introduced modules.

The revamped IPMDE further strengthens its blend of academic excellence and practical, industry-relevant applications. The expanded modular format is expected to enhance learners’ access to in-demand skills while providing the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital economy. Participants will first earn an IGD upon completing a curated set of modules. Those who choose to stack their learning further can work towards the IPMDE certification. This allows them to progressively build expertise while balancing their professional commitments.

“The IPMDE has been well-received since its launch in January 2024 and we have observed a healthy demand,” said Professor Gary Pan, SMU’s Academic Director (Lifelong Learning). “The revamped IPMDE continues to focus on the needs of mid-career professionals, industry practitioners, and aspiring leaders who are seeking to deepen their expertise, enhance career prospects, or transition into new roles. With the introduction of Industry Graduate Diplomas, learners will have a more accessible and customisable pathway to upskilling. Whether they pursue a standalone industry graduate diploma or stack it towards a master’s certification, they will gain industry-relevant knowledge that immediately enhances their careers.”

Jack Lim, Executive Director, SMU Academy, said, “SMU Academy’s dedication to bridging the gap between evolving industry needs and cutting-edge expertise reinforces its role as a cornerstone in preparing a future-ready workforce and advancing sustainable national development. Through our extensive range of programmes, deep industry partnerships, and focus on lifelong learning, we continue to play a significant role in shaping Singapore’s professional landscape.”

As one of the largest Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore, and provider of Continuing Education and Training (CET) courses, SMU Academy offers over 1,500 industry-relevant programmes, demonstrating its strong commitment to lifelong learning and workforce development. Its extensive industry collaborations and emphasis on equipping professionals with in-demand skills further reinforce its significance in the sector.

Key updates and enhancements in the revamped IPMDE

The updated curriculum continues to adopt a modular, learner-centric approach that balances foundational knowledge with specialised expertise, enhanced with expanded options for greater flexibility. It includes:

Graduate Diploma with Expanded Modules
The programme will include 14 Industry Graduate Diplomas (full list in Annex) which replaces the previous 10-track core modules, offering greater depth and flexibility. The IGDs serve as stackable qualifications, allowing professionals to earn recognised graduate diplomas before committing to the full master’s programme.Modular and Customised Learning
Learners enjoy a flexible and learner-centric approach with:
7 Programme Core Modules: Focused on critical frameworks and foundational concepts.8 Programme Electives: Select 8 out of 16 electives tailored to career aspirations and personal interests.SMU-XL Project
A practical, experiential project emphasising innovation and real-world problem-solving. Learners will either work on a project for their employer or be involved in a consultancy project which focuses on problem-solving, digital solutions and streamlining business processes through active mentoring from organisations.Personalised Learning Pathways
Learners can tailor their learning experience through two flexible options: (i) ‘Design Your Own Course’ which allows for a customised learning pathway, or (ii) pursue industry-recognised credentials that develop industry-specific technical skills and competencies while addressing their unique interests and career goals.Recognition of Prior Learning
To enhance accessibility, the revamped IPMDE will recognise relevant diplomas and CET certificates from Polytechnics and Autonomous Universities, marking a significant first for an IHL in Singapore. Additionally, the programme will recognise the prior learning of individuals who have previously attended CET courses by SMU Academy, allowing learners to leverage prior learning and fast-track their progression.

Benefits of the Revamped IPMDE

Industry-Relevant Curriculum
A modular structure, coupled with the hands-on SMU-XL Capstone Project, ensures participants are prepared to meet emerging industry demands.

Flexibility for Working Professionals
The modular format and personalised pathways enable learners to balance their studies with work commitments.

Enhanced Credentials
Graduates will receive a Graduate Diploma (serving as a stackable qualification) progressively, as well as a master’s degree certificate issued by SMU upon successful completion, thereby bolstering their professional credentials and career opportunities.

Pathway to Specialisation and Innovation 
The programme blends broad industry knowledge with niche expertise, preparing participants for agile and future-focused roles.

Real-World Application and Impact 
The SMU-XL Project equips graduates with tangible experience in addressing complex, real-world challenges.

Career Development Coaches
Dedicated career development coaches provide personalised guidance to help participants navigate their professional journey effectively.

The new IGDs and the revamped IPMDE are now open for registration and will take effect from August 2025. Designed to equip professionals with in-demand skills, the programme aligns with the Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2025 and offers industry-relevant training in sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, marketing, social media management, and logistics.

Its skills-based modules are mapped to the Technical Skills Competencies ensuring strong alignment with workforce needs. The recommended duration of the IPMDE is three years, with an extended completion period of up to four years.

Admission is open to individuals with a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of working experience or a Diploma from a local Polytechnic with at least 10 years of relevant working experience, applicable to both the IGD and IPMDE pathways.

The IPMDE is one of the most highly subsidised master’s programmes in Singapore, with up to 90% funding by SkillsFuture Singapore, including subsidies for mid-career professionals. Singapore Citizens can offset costs using SkillsFuture Credits, Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) balances, and the $4,000 Mid-Career Support SkillsFuture Credit top-up for all skills-based modules. With these subsidies, the approximate total programme fee is $19,000.

– End –

Enclosures:

•  For more information, please visit https://academy.smu.edu.sg/courses/industry-practice-master-ipm-digital-economy.
•  Annex – List of Industry Graduate Diplomas

About Singapore Management University and SMU Academy 

Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that address issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education, incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. Home to over 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas of Accountancy, Business, Economics, Computing, Law and Social Sciences, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas. It also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. 

As the professional training arm of the University, SMU Academy (SMUA) offers cutting-edge interdisciplinary programmes that support lifelong learning and help organisations meet reskilling goals to thrive in an ever-changing economy. SMUA integrates a practice-oriented, experiential, and interactive approach, integrating academic depth, real-world business cases, and interdisciplinary learning.  Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond by fostering strategic linkages with business, government and the wider community. More information can be found at www.smu.edu.sg and http://academy.smu.edu.sg

Annex: List of Industry Graduate Diplomas

Brand New Industry Graduate Diplomas

Digital Economy & Innovation

1.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics for Data-Driven Decision Making with Python Programming

2.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Python Programming and Machine Learning

3.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Python Programming and Applied Data Analytics

4.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Web and Mobile Application Development

Data Governance & Compliance

5.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Data Governance and Management

6.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Data Protection

Supply Chain & Operations

7.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Digital Supply Chain and Intelligence

8.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Transformation

9.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Procurement

10.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Strategic Procurement

Leadership & Management

11.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Applied HR

12.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Coaching

13.

Industry Graduate Diploma in Digital Health

Customer Experience

14.

(Launching Soon)
Stay tuned for an upcoming Industry Graduate Diploma specialising in CXUX Management and Design

 

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SOURCE Singapore Management University

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Wise introduces first-of-its-kind multi-currency Interest feature in Canada

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Wise customers can now opt in to earn market-leading returns on CAD, USD, EUR and GBP from the convenience of one multi-currency accountCustomers opted in can continue to send, spend and convert funds while earning a return, with no penalties or minimum balance requirements

TORONTO, May 4, 2026 /CNW/ – Wise, the global technology company building the best way to move and manage the world’s money, today announced the launch of its new Interest feature for people and businesses in Canada. Wise is the first provider in Canada to enable customers to earn a return on balances held across multiple currencies within one consolidated account.

Millions of Canadians send international payments each year, with outbound remittances and cross-border commercial activity steadily increasing, according to public data from Payments Canada. However, options for holding and growing money across multiple currencies have historically required opening separate accounts with financial providers in each currency. These accounts often come with minimum balance thresholds and promotional rates that get more expensive over time. Wise Interest removes these barriers for Canadians.

Eligible customers can now opt into the new Interest feature to earn a market-leading return on balances held in CAD, USD, EUR and GBP from the convenience of their Wise multi-currency account. Once opted in, customers can continue to hold, spend, send and convert their money internationally from their balances with no penalties or minimum balance requirements.

Key features of the new feature include:

Earn market-leading returns across currencies: Opt in to Interest and earn 2.22% in CAD, 3.14% in USD,  0.8% in EUR and 2.21% in GBP from the convenience of the Wise multi-currency account*Instant access to your funds: Continue to hold, spend, send funds internationally with no minimum balance requirements or lock-up periodsSimple opt-in: Activate the feature in just a few taps within the Wise app

Vinay Nilakantan, Head of Product for North America at Wise, said: “Earning a return on your money across currencies shouldn’t require opening and managing multiple accounts or giving up access to your funds — but that’s the reality many Canadians have grown accustomed to. With Wise’s Interest feature, we’re changing that. We’re offering a more flexible way for our customers to make their money work harder across currencies, combining market-leading returns with the ability to use funds instantly, all in one convenient account.”

This launch builds on Wise’s growing momentum in Canada, where its active customer base grew by more than 30% in FY25. As Wise continues to scale in the market, it is investing in local infrastructure to better serve its growing customer base. Wise became a member of Payments Canada earlier this year, making it eligible to apply for direct participation in Canada’s national payment systems, including ACSS, Lynx and the forthcoming Real-Time Rail. Over time, this direct access to local payment infrastructure would enable Wise to move money faster and reduce costs further for Canadians and people sending to and from Canada.

*To find out more about Wise’s Interest feature in Canada, please visit http://www.wise.com/ca/interest

About Wise

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world’s money. With Wise Account and Wise Business, people and businesses can hold 40 currencies, move money between countries and spend money abroad. Large companies and banks use Wise technology too; an entirely new network for the world’s money. Launched in 2011, Wise is one of the world’s fastest growing, profitable tech companies.

In fiscal year 2025, Wise supported around 15.6 million people and businesses, processing over $185 billion USD in cross-border transactions and saving customers around $2.6 billion USD.

Media Contact: Samantha Krupa‑Carbone, skrupa-carbone@national.ca

SOURCE WISE

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Ecobat Completes Sale of Germany & Austria Operations to Clarios, Marking Exit from European Lead Market

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DALLAS, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ecobat, a global leader in battery recycling, today announced the successful completion of the sale of its battery recycling and specialty lead operations in Germany and Austria to Clarios, a global leader in advanced energy storage solutions. The transaction encompasses Ecobat’s facilities in Freiberg and Braubach, Germany, as well as the Arnoldstein operation in Austria.

This sale, together with previously completed divestitures in France, Italy, and the United Kingdom, marks Ecobat’s exit from the European lead market and the completion of a multi-transaction repositioning of its Resources division.

“The sale of our Germany and Austria operations is a defining milestone for Ecobat,” said Tom Slabe, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ecobat. “With our European lead footprint now fully transitioned to new ownership, Ecobat is positioned as a focused North American platform. We will continue to pursue opportunities to maximize value for shareholders as we build on that foundation.”

Mr. Slabe added, “Clarios’ expertise and strategic vision offer a strong foundation for the continued success of these operations in Germany and Austria. We’re confident they will continue to foster and enhance the valued relationships we have built with our employees, customers, and suppliers across Europe.”

Rothschild & Co acted as financial advisor and White & Case as legal advisor to Ecobat on the transaction.

About Ecobat

Ecobat is the world’s largest recycler of batteries with global operations. The company delivers innovative solutions for battery recycling, resource recovery and energy storage by responsibly managing valuable materials essential to modern life.

About Clarios

Clarios is the global leader in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies for mobility and owner of the brand VARTA in the automotive sector. Our batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. With around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, we bring deep expertise to our Aftermarket and OEM partners, and reliability, safety and comfort to everyday lives. We answer to the planet with a rigorous sustainability focus – advancing best-in-class sustainability practices and advocating for them across our industry. We work to ensure 100% of our products sold are recyclable, and we recycle 8,000 batteries an hour in our network.

For Media Inquiries:

Elizabeth Tuma

Ecobat

Press@Ecobat.com

1-888-317-4687 ext. 703

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SOURCE Ecobat

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Hyperscale Data to Launch 20-Week Business Spotlight Series to Highlight the Scale, Scope and Value of Its Operations

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Company Plans Weekly Monday Releases to Help Investors Better Understand Businesses Owned Directly and Through Ault Capital Group; Management Believes Hyperscale Data’s Assets and Operating Businesses Are Not Fully Reflected in the Company’s Market Valuation

LAS VEGAS, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), an artificial intelligence (“AI”) data center company anchored by Bitcoin (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that it plans to launch a 20-week business spotlight series, with a new press release expected to be issued each Monday morning, highlighting the Company’s businesses, subsidiaries, assets and strategic initiatives owned directly and through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”).

Management believes that the market does not fully appreciate the scale and breadth of the platform Hyperscale Data has built, the operations it conducts through acquisitions, internal development and ongoing investment or its resulting long-term growth opportunities. Through this 20-week series, Hyperscale Data intends to provide investors, stockholders and the broader market with enhanced transparency into its business, including its AI data center strategy, Bitcoin treasury and digital asset initiatives, robotics platform, financial services, lending operations, market platforms, defense-related businesses, energy services and other strategic assets.

The Company expects that more consistent and detailed communication may assist investors in more fully evaluating Hyperscale Data as a diversified operating platform with multiple potential growth drivers.

Management has previously indicated that it believes the Company has the potential to generate between $180 million and $200 million in annual revenue across its operating businesses for its fiscal year 2026, based on current operations and internal estimates. These expectations are forward-looking, subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially.

The 20-week series is expected to highlight businesses and strategic initiatives across the Hyperscale Data ecosystem, including, among others:

Infrastructure, AI, Digital Asset Platform and Robotics

Hyperscale Data’s AI data center infrastructure and strategy;The Company’s Bitcoin treasury and digital asset strategy;Sentinum, Inc. and its Bitcoin mining operations;Omnipresent Robotics, LLC and robotics and data collection opportunities;Ault Blockchain and blockchain-related initiatives; andDigital asset market-making, decentralized finance and tokenization initiatives, including through strategic investments, partnerships and other arrangements.

Financial Services and Market Platforms

ACG and its financial services platform;Ault Lending, LLC and its private credit activities;Ault Markets, Inc. and financial technology initiatives;askROI, Inc. and AI-powered software solutions; andOnlyBulls and consumer financial technology offerings.

Industrial, Energy and Defense Operations

Gresham Worldwide, Inc. and its defense and mission-critical operations;TurnOnGreen, Inc. and its design and manufacturing of power products for mission-critical applications across defense, healthcare, industrial and other sectors; andCircle 8 Crane Services, LLC and energy services.

Additional operating subsidiaries, investments and strategic assets that management believes are important to understanding the overall enterprise may also be highlighted among this series of press releases.

Milton “Todd” Ault III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data, stated, “We believe Hyperscale Data is not yet fully understood by the market. Over the last several years, we have assembled a broad operating platform spanning AI data centers, Bitcoin and digital assets, robotics, financial services, lending, market platforms and defense-related businesses. Through this spotlight series, we intend to provide greater transparency into our operations and strategy, and to help investors better understand how these businesses may contribute to our long-term growth objectives as they continue to scale and integrate.”

The Company reserves the right to either issue press releases of the kind described in this announcement on Monday afternoons in the event that management believes a different kind of press release must be issued on Monday mornings or not issue them for a particular Monday at all. Further, the Company reserves the right to terminate the 20-week spotlight series in its entirety at any time.

For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging AI ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, ACG, is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

Hyperscale Data currently expects the divestiture of ACG (the “Divestiture”) to occur in the second quarter of 2027. Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, as well as a holder of the digital assets. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through Ault Lending, LLC, a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be shareholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

 

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SOURCE Hyperscale Data Inc.

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