Oracle, Kingston International College and Murdoch University Launch Industry–Academic Initiative to Develop Day 1 AI Talent in Shanxi

Singapore, 27 January 2026 Oracle Corporation, Kingston International College, and Murdoch University have jointly launched a new industry–academic initiative in Shanxi, aimed at developing Day 1, job-ready AI talent through an integrated training and education pathway.

The initiative establishes a teaching center that combines industry-led training, academic progression, and international exposure, enabling students to transition from applied AI learning in China to further studies and career opportunities in Singapore and the growing ASEAN region. The launch was marked by an inauguration ceremony attended by representatives from the partner organisations, as well as members of the local education community and government.

Shanxi: A Large Talent Base in Transition

Located in northern China, Shanxi province is home to a population of approximately 34.5 million people, providing a substantial talent base for workforce development.

Traditionally known for its strengths in energy, coal, and heavy industry, Shanxi is undergoing a significant transformation toward digitalisation and high-value industries, including artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. With a strong network of universities and technical institutions, the province presents a compelling opportunity to develop future-ready, Day 1 talent aligned with China’s evolving digital economy.

Bridging Industry and Academia for Day 1 Readiness

The programme is designed around a collaborative model where industry and academic partners jointly shape curriculum and delivery to reflect real-world workforce requirements.

Oracle Corporation contributes its enterprise technology capabilities, curriculum framework, and global training standards to support the development of applied AI skills that enable students to contribute from Day 1.

Murdoch University provides academic progression pathways, allowing students to pursue internationally recognised degree qualifications and postgraduate opportunities, ensuring both academic depth and practical relevance.

Supporting Transition to International Study and Employment

As the Singapore-based partner, Kingston International College plays a key role in enabling students to successfully transition into international education and the workforce.

Students who progress to Singapore will benefit from academic bridging and study support, helping Chinese students adapt to international education systems, teaching styles, and assessment methods. They will also receive language and communication development in an English-medium environment, alongside industry exposure, applied learning experiences, internship opportunities, and career development support.

This integrated approach ensures graduates are not only academically qualified, but also professionally capable of contributing from Day 1.

A New Model for Global Talent Development

The initiative reflects a growing shift toward closer collaboration between industry and education providers in response to evolving skills demands in the AI and digital economy.

By combining applied training, academic progression, and international mobility, the project aims to build a pipeline of globally competitive, industry-aligned Day 1 talent ready to meet the needs of employers.

Media Contacts
Joshua Chong, COO — [email protected]
Jerry Tay, Strategic Projects Manager — [email protected]

About Kingston: 

Kingston International College is an EduTrust-certified private education institution established in Singapore, with over 20 years of experience in delivering quality education programs. The college is committed to bridging academic learning with practical industry needs by collaborating with businesses across Singapore and the ASEAN region.

Kingston offers industry-aligned programs designed to enhance employability, emphasizing mentoring, internships, and workplace readiness through its initiatives. The college’s mission is to prepare students with relevant skills, sound knowledge, and professional attributes to succeed in a rapidly evolving global and digital economy. For more information about Kingston International College, visit: www.kingston.edu.sg/.

About Oracle:

Oracle (China) Software Systems Co., Ltd. (Oracle China) is a subsidiary of Oracle Corporation. In addition to offering software, hardware products and services, Oracle provides integrated application suites and secure, autonomous infrastructure in Oracle Cloud – empowering enterprises to achieve high-quality innovative development through artificial intelligence, data and cloud technologies. Oracle entered the Chinese market in 1989. For more information about Oracle Corporation, visit: www.oracle.com or www.oracle.com/cn.