Staff Reporter 

Bhutan and Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) virtually on the establishment of model technical training centres (MTTC) in the Technical Training Institute of Thimphu and Technical Training Institute of Khuruthang yesterday. 

Bilateral Affairs Director Sonam Tobgay and Ambassador of Singapore to Bhutan in New Delhi Simon Wong signed the MoU. 

A Terms of Reference (TOR) detailing the areas of support was signed between labour secretary Sonam Wangchuk and Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Technical Education Services (ITE-Education Services)Bruce Poh. The ITE-Education Services of Singapore will provide technical assistance to the labour ministry in developing modal technical training centres. 

Singapore will provide high-quality practice-oriented skills training for Bhutanese youth in automotive technology at Technical Training Institute in Thimphu and facility technology-mechanical and electrical at Technical Training Institute in Khuruthang, Punakha. 

“His Majesty the King’s clear and forward-looking vision for Bhutan, and his support for the Singapore-Bhutan relationship, have made this initiative possible,” Ambassador Simon Wong said. 

He said that it was timely for the two countries to launch this collaboration now, as we look to emerge from the global pandemic. “It will complement Bhutan’s broad efforts in enabling the youth of the nation to fulfil their potential.”

The first MoU to strengthen the Technical & Vocational Education & Training (TVET) between MoLHR and ITE-Education Services was signed on May 15, 2017 in Thimphu during the Singapore Foreign Minister’s visit to Bhutan.