Technology

Nanyang Polytechnic introduces Singapore’s First Common Programme in Business, IT and Engineering

Published

1 year ago

May 21, 2025

First-of-its-kind in Singapore, it allows learners articulation into diplomas in three Schools.
Programme is one of five new NYP options for the 2025 Early Admissions Exercise.

SINGAPORE, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time, learners can opt for and enrol in the new Common Business & Technology Programme (CBTP) offered by Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Approved by the Ministry of Education, the new programme will be offered for the first time at the upcoming Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) next month.

The CBTP has innovatively structured the first semester so that entrants can articulate to diplomas in three separate NYP Schools: Business Management, IT and Engineering (or BITE). Learners will take interdisciplinary modules like Applied Business Fundamentals & Communication, Programming, and UX Design in Web Development in the first semester. After a taster of all three disciplines, they can make informed choices and select their preferred diploma in the three Schools to pursue.

“We believe in empowering learners with the choice to shape their own polytechnic journey,” said Mr Russell Chan, Principal and CEO of NYP. “We call it our ‘programme with bite!’ Why? It’s powerful: it gives learners room to explore their interests in three distinctively different disciplines, discover their strengths, and make confident choices about their future.”

“We’re proud to be the first polytechnic in Singapore to offer this cross-school programme, and we’re excited to see how it opens new doors for a new generation of learners.”

Navigating post-secondary education can be challenging for learners who are still unsure about their pathways. This is perhaps why Common Entry Programmes (CEPs) have gained popularity since their introduction in 2017. Today, 30 per cent of the cohort enrolling into Polytechnics choose CEPs to start their polytechnic life. These Programmes allow learners to spend one or two semesters learning fundamental modules before deciding on their specialised diplomas.

However, all previous CEPs in local polytechnics have been School-based. This means that learners would go on to specialise in their chosen academic School’s disciplines. For example, a learner who enrols in NYP’s Common Engineering Programme would then choose among the School of Engineering’s diplomas, such as Aerospace Engineering, AI & Data Engineering, or Sustainability in Engineering with Business.

NYP’s new Programme becomes the 26th Common Entry Programme to be offered across the five polytechnics in Singapore. It is one of five new options that NYP is offering for learners starting polytechnic next year in AY2026. Applications for all these courses will be open at the upcoming EAE.

The other new courses are:

1. Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics

With data being critical in the decision-making process, particularly for the healthcare sector where time is of essence, the demand for professionals who can bridge science and analytics is ever increasing. The new Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics combines biomedical fundamentals with applied data skills, enabling learners to analyse complex biological datasets to support research, diagnostics, and innovation in healthcare.

Beyond equipping learners with skills in diagnostic and clinical research, graduates will also be equipped with practical skills in AI and data analytics, bioinformatics and biomedical research to put them at the forefront of the biomedical industry.

Through partnerships with leading healthcare institutions and research facilities in Singapore, learners will gain hands-on experience working with real-world biological datasets and analytical tools.

2. Diploma in Cloud Engineering

The cloud engineering industry is estimated to grow more than 14 per cent annually, and be worth US$1,066 billion globally by 2031[1]. With cloud platforms now underpinning everything from e-commerce to entertainment, the demand for cloud engineers continues to surge.

NYP’s new Diploma in Cloud Engineering is the only polytechnic course in Singapore that integrates both hardware and software knowledge and skills, preparing tomorrow’s cloud engineers with the skills to design, build and manage the infrastructure that powers digital transformation across various industries.

Learners will gain hands-on experience through projects and internships with industry leaders in cloud technology like GovTech and Singtel-Nxera, and be equipped with industry-recognised certifications from AI Singapore.

3. Diploma in Media & Communication Management

In a media landscape driven by digital platforms and rapid content cycles, communicators must be strategic, agile, and tech-savvy. The Diploma in Media & Communication Management will train learners at thinking holistically about strategic communication, craft compelling messages, manage brand narratives, and execute integrated campaigns across multiple channels.

Learners will gain practical experience not just in the aspect of media and communications like content creation, public relations, and communications strategy, but also business management fundamentals, preparing them for dynamic roles in branding, media, corporate communications and beyond. They will be able to put these skills into practice through internships and projects with the likes of Mediacorp, SGAG, and Mothership.

4. Diploma in Business Management: New Specialisations in AI, Psychology

A McKinsey report in 2025[2] found that while nearly all companies invest in AI, only one per cent consider themselves mature in AI integration – not due to a lack of technology or talent, but a shortfall in strategic leadership and human-centred thinking.

To equip our learners with future-ready skills needed to thrive in the everchanging landscape, NYP’s Diploma in Business Management will offer two new specialisations from academic year 2026 (commencing Apr 2026) – AI & Business Digitalisation and Business Psychology.

The only business diploma in Singapore that allows learners to start specialising from year two, the diploma also boasts the largest number of specialisations – seven – among local polytechnics. Beyond the two new specialisations, learners can choose from existing specialisations like International Business, Human Capital Management, E-Commerce & Retail, Supply Chain & Logistics Management, and Marketing.

More information on all five new course offerings is found in the Annexes.

Enrolment into these new programmes starts in June 2025, through the EAE. For more information, visit NYP’s EAE Festival on campus on 30 and 31 May 2025, or www.nyp.edu.sg/eae.

FACT SHEETS

ANNEX A

All of NYP’s new diploma offerings are taught under its unique Professional Competency Model – as its name suggests, it is about ensuring that graduates emerge with skills that address real world needs alongside theoretical knowledge.

This integrated approach means that subjects are not taught in isolation but are combined in practical, real-world scenarios. For instance, when learners work on assignments and projects, they simultaneously apply technical knowledge, data analysis skills, and business communication as they develop solutions and present recommendations.

Through partnerships with industry leaders, learners will undergo curriculum that is co-developed and co-taught by experts in their field. They will also receive industry-recognised co-certificates that put them a step ahead of their peers.

Common Business & Technology Programme (CBTP)

School of Business Management, School of Engineering, School of Information Technology

This new cross-disciplinary common entry programme helps address a common challenge faced by post-secondary learners who are uncertain about their preferred diploma. Many O-Level graduates, while possessing strong academic foundations, often find it challenging to choose between business, engineering, or technology pathways. The CBTP provides these learners with the unique opportunity to experience all three disciplines firsthand, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their academic and career trajectories based on actual experience rather than preconceptions.

Learners who enrol in the CBTP will learn the fundamentals for all three disciplines in their first semester, before selecting one discipline to pursue. Those who choose the business discipline will pursue a Diploma in Business Management, while learners with interest in engineering or technology will be posted to the Common Engineering Programme or the Common ICT Programme respectively. This group of learners will undergo another semester in the common entry programme and take on more domain-specific modules, before deciding on their preferred Engineering or IT diploma to pursue from Year 2.

As part of the programme, learners will also go through a series of education and career guidance (ECG) activities, including school immersion activities, career profiling, and mentorship, to guide them in making confident and informed choices about their learning path.

ANNEX B

Diploma in Biomedical Science with Analytics (DBMSA)

School of Applied Science

With hands-on experience in analysing datasets and leveraging analytical tools, DBMSA learners are skilled in handling both laboratory and analytical work. The programme’s industry-aligned curriculum ensures graduates are ready to contribute in clinical research organisations, pharmaceutical companies, or healthcare technology firms. They will be equipped to support data-driven decision-making in healthcare, contribute to biomedical lab research, and drive innovation in diagnostic technologies.

Graduates of the Diploma programme can sit for the International Medical Laboratory Technician MLT(ASCPi) certification examinations offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This internationally recognised qualification is highly valued, being a benchmark of excellence for laboratory professionals across more than 30 nations. Having this certification enhances one’s prospects for both job opportunities and career growth within the healthcare sector.

ANNEX C

Diploma in Cloud Engineering (DCE)

School of Engineering

Cloud engineers are the brains that power the tech behind the likes of Netflix and Spotify. Additionally, businesses and government agencies are also moving operations and data to the cloud for scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, bringing about an increasing need for skilled and versatile individuals.

DCE prepares learners for more than just data centre management. In addition to key domain skillsets in cloud engineering such as cloud architecture, automation and cybersecurity, it also equips them with significant transferrable skills in innovation, sustainability, digitalisation and AI, which aligns with broader digital sustainability efforts in Singapore.

As Singapore continues its Smart Nation journey, DCE graduates will be well-positioned to support various sectors in their cloud adoption and digital transformation efforts, contributing effectively to Singapore’s growing digital economy.

ANNEX D

Diploma in Media & Communication Management (DMCM)

School of Business Management

DMCM equips learners with competencies in the likes of business communication and innovation, business intelligence and data science, digital media communication, on top of hard skills in media design and production. Learners graduate as all-rounders in media, communications and business – opening doors for hybrid roles and multiple pathways for further studies.

Through partnerships with prominent media organisations, the public sector, and businesses, learners can hone their ability to produce compelling content that educates, amuses, and motivates audiences. They also gain hands-on experience through industry-based projects, learn from seasoned professionals during guest sessions, and build valuable connections whilst staying current with emerging media trends.

For example, year one learners can enhance their presentation abilities through workshops with SPH Radio, with the opportunity to work alongside evening radio presenters.

ANNEX E

Diploma in Business Management (DBM)

School of Business Management

The dual specialisation structure in a business management diploma addresses a growing industry need for hybrid talent – professionals who are agile, adaptable, and able to work across disciplines. As the business landscape evolves, graduates will need more than technical knowledge. They will need the ability to think creatively, analyse trends, and understand people.

The new AI & Business Digitalisation specialisation offers learners hands-on learning opportunities with low-code digital tools, empowering them to create business apps and digital solutions with ease. By demystifying technologies like predictive analytics and automation, learners gain the confidence to apply digital strategies in real-world settings – with no technical background required.

In the new Business Psychology specialisation, learners explore areas such as consumer behaviour, user experience (UX), and organisational psychology – skills that are increasingly vital for companies seeking to enhance customer experience and manage workplace change.

[1] Source: Verified Market Research, “Cloud Engineering Market Size And Forecast,”

https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/cloud-engineering-market/

[2] Source: McKinsey, “Superagency in the workplace: Empowering people to unlock AI’s full potential,”
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/superagency-in-the-workplace-empowering-people-to-unlock-ais-full-potential-at-work

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SOURCE Nanyang Polytechnic

Technology

Genesis Wealth Welcomes Veteran $725MM JPMorgan Advisor

Published

4 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

Latest addition underscores Genesis Wealth’s drive to become a preferred destination for highly experienced breakaway advisors as new office opens in Chicago’s North Shore

CHICAGO, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Genesis Wealth, a leading wealth management platform and non-OSJ branch office within LPL Financial, today announced the addition of a veteran advisor, Alan Feutz, CFP®, from JPMorgan Securities, who has previously overseen $725 million in client assets. Feutz, who joins Genesis Wealth as Partner and Wealth Advisor, is based in Deerfield, IL, and brings 26 years of industry experience. He currently serves high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients. The move continues Genesis Wealth’s recruiting momentum among experienced bank-based advisors.

Feutz has built a reputation for delivering highly personalized wealth management and long-term client relationships grounded in trust and transparency. Focused on customized wealth planning for affluent households, he attributes the strength of his practice to attentive listening and guiding clients through all market environments – an approach enhanced by serving a smaller number of households to deepen engagement and deliver highly personalized advice.

“We are delighted to welcome Alan to our young and burgeoning firm,” said Kosta Tanglis, Founder and Managing Partner at Genesis Wealth. “This transition further validates Genesis Wealth’s platform and supported independence model, as experienced advisors increasingly seek a better way to serve clients while maintaining the infrastructure and support they need to grow.”

The transition reflects growing demand among experienced advisors for supported independence models that allow greater flexibility, autonomy and client customization. For advisors seeking more freedom from traditional bank constraints, the Genesis platform enables deeper planning relationships and tailored advice. Feutz’s decision reinforces Genesis as a destination for breakaway advisors and validates the Genesis platform and advisor-first structure.

“Alan shares our commitment to personalized planning and client care,” said Genesis Wealth Managing Director Jack Kennedy. “The advisors joining Genesis Wealth are looking for more than independence – they want a platform that empowers them to deliver customized advice while being surrounded by partners who share the same client-first mindset.”

New Genesis Office Opens in Chicago’s North Shore

The addition of Feutz also marks Genesis Wealth’s expansion into Chicago’s North Shore, one of the Midwest’s most established wealth management markets. Recently recognized by Forbes as one of Illinois’ Best-in-State Wealth Advisors for 2026, Feutz will operate from Genesis Wealth’s newly opened North Shore office in Deerfield.

Designed to support the firm’s continued growth, the approximately 10,000-square-foot office accommodates more than 20 advisors and staff and features private advisor offices, a large conference room equipped with hybrid meeting technology, oversized digital displays and dedicated collaboration spaces. The office also includes an employee lounge and ergonomic workspaces designed to support productivity and client engagement.

Located in the heart of Deerfield, the office will initially be home to Feutz and his client service team, Genesis Wealth founding advisor Joel Feiger and his team, as well as Managing Director Jack Kennedy. The location establishes a strategic presence in Chicago’s North Shore while creating capacity for future advisor recruitment and expansion throughout the region.

ABOUT GENESIS WEALTH

Genesis Wealth (GW) is a partner in the growth and success of bank-based advisors who are ready to transition to fully supported independence, operating through LPL Financial as its broker-dealer and Registered Investment Adviser (RIA). Founded in January 2024, GW officially launched under the Genesis Wealth brand in July 2025 and its advisors currently service more than $3 billion in client assets. Genesis Wealth’s high-caliber, growth-oriented advisors are enriched by and strengthen the collective culture and enterprise value of the firm. For more information about Genesis Wealth, please visit the firm’s site at genesiswealth.com

MEDIA CONTACT

Mitch Manning

424 317 4858

mmanning@haventower.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/genesis-wealth-welcomes-veteran-725mm-jpmorgan-advisor-302804654.html

SOURCE Genesis Wealth

Technology

79% of Global Data Center Capacity Faces Elevated Climate Risk

Published

4 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

New research from First Street finds the world’s largest and fastest-growing data center markets are concentrated in locations exposed to flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, wind and drought risk.

NEW YORK, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new First Street analysis finds that climate risk is emerging as a critical factor in data center investment performance, with physical hazards increasingly shaping operating costs, infrastructure reliability, financing conditions, and long-term asset values across global markets.

The research, Climate Risk in Global Data Center Markets: Implications for Investment and Performance, examines 97 global data center markets and finds that many of the industry’s largest and fastest-growing hubs are concentrated in locations facing elevated exposure to flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, wind, and drought. As trillions of dollars flow into digital infrastructure to support cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the analysis suggests climate risk is becoming a key determinant of which markets can deliver durable returns.

Global data center capacity has expanded rapidly over the past decade and is expected to nearly double again by 2030. Yet while investors have traditionally focused on power availability, connectivity, land access, and demand growth, climate risk remains largely absent from many underwriting and valuation frameworks despite its direct influence on uptime, operating costs, insurance availability, and infrastructure reliability.

By analyzing climate exposure across global data center markets, First Street finds:

54% of global data center capacity is located in markets exposed to chronic climate stress, including extreme heat and drought, which increase cooling costs, reduce efficiency, and put operating margins under pressure.79% of global capacity faces elevated acute climate hazards, including flooding, wind, and wildfire risks that can disrupt operations, increase downtime, and drive insurance and repair costs.Chronic exposure varies significantly across major investment markets. Exposure reaches 89% of capacity in APAC, compared with 50% in the Americas and 46% in EMEA, creating meaningful differences in operating performance.The industry’s largest growth markets rank among its most climate-exposed. Major hubs including Northern Virginia, Johor, and Marseille sit in the highest climate-risk tier globally, while lower-risk Nordic markets rank among the least exposed.

The findings suggest that climate risk is increasingly differentiating data center markets that may appear similar based on traditional investment metrics but face very different long-term operating conditions.

“Where you build a data center determines a large share of what it will cost to run for the next 20 or 30 years. Climate is a big part of that: cooling, water, and reliability all depend on location,” said Dr. Jeremy Porter, Chief Economist at First Street. “But most valuations still focus on growth and treat climate as a secondary concern.”

“Most underwriting for real assets still uses historical data, but the climate is no longer behaving the way the historical record would predict. As heat, drought, and water stress increase, outdated models simply don’t offer a complete view of risk anymore,” said Matthew Eby, Founder and CEO of First Street. “Investors who incorporate these factors into underwriting and capital allocation decisions will be better positioned to identify resilient markets and avoid mispriced risk.”

The full report is available at firststreet.org/research.

To learn more or to request a demo, visit firststreet.org or reach out to bd@firststreet.org.

About First Street:

At First Street, we are on a mission to connect climate and financial risk. For nearly a decade, our scientists have created transparent, peer-reviewed physical climate risk models that quantify the financial impacts of perils such as flooding, wildfire, and extreme wind events for every property in the world. In December 2024, we launched the First Street Enterprise Suite, a global software platform that transforms our models into actionable financial signals for decision-makers worldwide. First Street is the standard for Climate Risk Financial Modeling, empowering asset owners, asset managers, governments, real estate investors, corporations, and millions of homebuyers every day to make climate-informed decisions.

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Technology

iLEAD Schools and School Pathways Expand Their Partnership with the Launch of iLEAD Flex in Lancaster

Published

4 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

With the California moratorium on the creation of new non-classroom-based (NCB) charter schools lifted this year, iLEAD is expanding into new communities, using the School Pathways SIS Suite to run its operations.

CHICO, Calif., June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — iLEAD Schools, a California network of tuition-free public charter schools serving TK–12 learners through classroom-based, hybrid, online, and independent home study models, announces the expansion of its charter network into Lancaster, California, adding a new charter school in their network beginning in 2026. The announcement builds on iLEAD’s longstanding partnership with School Pathways and its continued use of the SIS Suite, which has supported the network’s operations and compliance since 2021.

A New Opening for Flex-Based Charter Schools

Since the statewide moratorium on new nonclassroom-based charters concluded on January 1, 2026, mission-driven networks like iLEAD have been moving quickly to bring their programs to communities that have long lacked access to flexible, learner-centered options. For iLEAD, the moment reflects over a year of preparation. The decision to open in Lancaster was driven by the needs of families in the Antelope Valley, where a combination of school closures and strong community demand made the case for iLEAD Flex clear.

With California’s oversight standards for flex-based programs continuing to evolve, iLEAD’s investment in purpose-built compliance infrastructure, anchored by the School Pathways SIS Suite, positions the network to launch and grow responsibly.

“School Pathways has been a great partner in our beginning stages of growth. Their team is responsive, collaborative, and always willing to troubleshoot challenges as they arise, helping us build strong systems and processes as we expand,” said iLEAD Chief Integration Officer Cassandra Coleman. “We value the relationships we have built with their team.”

A Flexible Learning Model for Every Family

iLEAD Flex will open in August 2026, a community where iLEAD already has a strong presence. The TK–12 campus introduces a new level of flexibility to that community, offering families a choice between full classroom-based instruction, Independent Study, or hybrid options on campus each week.

Each pathway is designed to be adaptable as a student’s needs evolve, and all three are grounded in iLEAD’s established educational approach, which includes hands-on project-based learning, a social-emotional curriculum, and individualized instruction to meet the needs of every unique child. At the high school level, iLEAD Flex students will have access to dual enrollment with the local community college, allowing them to earn college credits at no cost while completing high school requirements. The campus is also developing Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways in partnership with local businesses and community leaders to build leadership and career readiness skills.

iLEAD Flex is expected to open with approximately 750 learners, bringing iLEAD’s total network enrollment to nearly 7,000 students. The launch is part of a longer growth plan that includes iLEAD Innovate, the network’s next planned campus, which would be their first school outside of Los Angeles County and is expected to open in fall 2027.

School Pathways and the iLEAD Partnership

The partnership supports iLEAD’s broader ten-year goal of positively impacting 10,000 learners across California with sustainable launches of new schools over the coming years. From guiding the scope and launching iLEAD Flex on a compressed timeline to maintaining clean data, streamlined CALPADS reporting, and efficient workflows across the organization, School Pathways has supported iLEAD’s growth at every stage with consistent, responsive support. As the network continues to grow, iLEAD also plans to leverage School Pathways’ AI-powered features to manage enrollment and administrative workloads, allowing staff to focus on serving learners and families.

School Pathways brings more than 20 years of experience partnering with charter and non-traditional schools across California and currently works with 300+ schools statewide. The integrated SIS suite includes a student lottery system, online registration, Student Information System, and a platform for Independent Study program management, all built specifically for hybrid, virtual, and non-traditional learning environments.

For iLEAD, the platform supports the full range of the network’s needs across all learning modalities, including:

Enrollment management with online registrationCALPADS reporting and state compliance for Independent Study programsLearning agreements, student activity tracking, and program documentationFamily and educator access to real-time student records and progress

“The lift of the moratorium marks a meaningful turning point for flex-based education in California and for the schools that have been doing this work with intention,” said School Pathways CEO Kacie Jester. “iLEAD is a strong example of a network that invested in the right systems, maintained compliance through a challenging regulatory period, and is now in a position to grow. We’re proud to support them, and to be the platform that schools across California trust to make that kind of expansion possible.”

About iLEAD Schools

iLEAD Schools is a network of tuition-free public charter schools in California committed to helping every learner become a lifelong learner, empathetic citizen, authentic individual, and design thinker. With classroom-based, hybrid, online, and independent home study options serving grades TK–12, iLEAD provides personalized, project-based learning experiences that celebrate each student’s individuality and inspire them to lead. For more information, visit ileadschools.org.

About School Pathways

School Pathways is a California-based education software company with more than 20 years of experience serving charter and non-traditional schools. We provide solutions for virtual, hybrid, and Independent Study programs that simplify school operations and foster student success in a variety of learning environments. In addition to a Student Information System better-built for non-traditional learning environments, we offer software that enables our clients to manage online learning agreements, student activity tracking, re-engagement communications, audit preparation, adult education, and more. For more information, please visit schoolpathways.com.

Media Contact:
Elena Chow
Growth Marketing Manager
elena@schoolpathways.com

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SOURCE School Pathways