The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and Abacus Travel Systems Pte Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). With the MOU, the partners would jointly set up a dedicated Abacus software laboratory – the only one of its kind – at ITE College West to support the Tourism courses in ITE. More than 15 lecturers and 200 students are expected to be trained in Abacus award-winning travel reservation solutions by the end of the year.

Dr Yek Tiew Ming, Principal, ITE College West, said ITE was delighted to be partnering Abacus Travel Systems Pte Ltd. “This MOU reaffirms ITE and Abacus’ mutual commitment to build a professional pool of talent to meet Singapore’s travel industry needs through close cooperation, and fostering partnerships in the field of technical education and training with leading travel companies.”

Mr Tan Kim Thiam, General Manager, Abacus Travel Systems Pte Ltd, said Abacus is delighted to be the only Global Distribution System chosen to provide the training to groom Asia’s next generation of travel agents.

“With the economic recovery, there is an increased demand for skilled manpower in the travel industry. The urgent need to advance the skills and knowledge of travel professionals makes this collaboration even more valuable and timely.”

ITE students in the Nitec in Service Skills (Tourism) and Higher Nitec in Leisure & Travel Operations modules will be trained in the Abacus Basic Reservations Course, Abacus PowerSuite Course and Abacus ClientBase Course.  Students will also have an industry attachment opportunity which forms a vital component of the module that allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge and which cements their overall learning experience.