ERA and Ngee Ann Polytechnic partner to nurture students through industry, innovation and real-world learning

ERA Singapore (“ERA”), the largest international real estate agency, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ngee Ann Polytechnic (“NP”) today to strengthen collaboration between the real estate industry and education sector, while creating more opportunities for students to gain practical experience, develop industry-relevant skills and explore future careers. 

The partnership, anchored by ERA’s 45^th anniversary, will bring together industry learning, research, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and career development for students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) School of Design & Environment. The MOU was signed by Mr Marcus Chu, Chief Executive Officer of ERA Singapore and Mr Leon Pey, Director of NP’s School of Design & Environment and witnessed by Ms Doris Ong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ERA Singapore, and Mr Tan Kok Ling, NP’s Course Chair for Diploma in Real Estate Business, School of Design & Environment. 

As part of this collaboration, ERA and NP also launched its pilot ERA45 ERAi Innovation Challenge, which will engage students pursuing the Diploma in Real Estate Business. The challenge will provide students a platform to consider how technology, design and data can contribute to better housing experiences and more liveable communities. Students involved in the challenge will present their proposals in February 2027, with the award presentation scheduled for 16 March 2027, at ERA’s annual large-scale Asia Pacific Business Conference (APBC). 

Apart from the challenge, the partnership will also include:

• Industry talks, guest lectures, workshops and mentoring sessions

• Showflat tours, site visits and collaboration in relevant modules

• The annual My Dream Home survey and future consumer research

• Digital marketing, content creation and AI-related workshops

• Student internships, career talks and recruitment opportunities

• Potential sponsorships, bursaries and other financial support

• Community outreach and social sustainability initiatives

• Student recognition through awards, a S$250 book prize and innovation-related activities

Mr Marcus Chu, Chief Executive Officer of ERA Singapore said, “ERA has enjoyed a close relationship with Ngee Ann Polytechnic for many years, and through today’s MOU signing, we want to take that partnership further. We want to dedicate our time, expertise and resources to helping young people discover opportunities, develop their capabilities and prepare for the future.”

Commenting on the challenge, Ms Doris Ong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ERA Singapore added, “Through this ERAi Innovation Challenge, we invite students to explore how AI can transform the real estate industry, whether it is helping real estate professional work smarter or making the property journey simpler for consumer.”

Mr Leon Pey, Director of NP’s School of Design & Environment said, “At Ngee Ann Polytechnic, we believe that strong industry partnerships are essential in preparing our students for the evolving world of work. ERA has been our valued partner over the years, providing our students with meaningful industry exposure, real-world learning experiences and career opportunities. Through this MOU, we look forward to deepening our collaboration in areas such as innovation, artificial intelligence and applied research, while creating more opportunities for our students to develop industry-relevant skills and contribute to the future of the real estate sector.”

The MOU currently builds on an existing collaboration between ERA and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, including the annual My Dream Home survey, industry talks, showflat tours, site visits and module-related activities.  

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For media enquiries, please contact: 
Eugene Syn
PR Manager
eugene.syn@era.com.sg