In September 2024, Lenovo’s Singapore office collaborated with Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education College East’s *SCAPE programme, supporting the development of skilled and environmentally aware technicians in the local IT ecosystem. The program has since trained and certified more than 200 students to be technicians for Lenovo devices, aiming to equip individuals for a career in IT while supporting the local circular economy with critical skills.
This Summer, they’ve expanded on the initiative with the ‘Clean, Secure, and Renew’ (CSR) Programme. The comprehensive three-year programme represents Lenovo’s continued commitment to fostering environmental responsibility and youth empowerment in Singapore’s digital landscape.
“Our partnership with Lenovo reflects ITE’s commitment to equipping students for success in the rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Alvin Goh, Principal of ITE College East. “Through robust certification programmes, we’re not only building strong technical competencies, but also nurturing digitally responsible individuals who value sustainability in technology. By gaining hands-on, real-world experience, our students are given the opportunity to actively support Singapore’s circular economy aspirations—and we’re proud to see them grow into skilled, purpose-driven technicians who are ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
Strengthening Singapore’s Digital Resilience
The programme’s three core pillars – Clean, Secure, and Renew – embody Lenovo’s holistic approach to digital sustainability.
Under the Clean pillar, students learn proper tech hygiene practices, providing laptop cleaning and maintenance services to extend device lifespans and reduce electronic waste. Meanwhile, the Secure pillar focuses on data protection and cybersecurity awareness, data sanitisation techniques, secure device handling, and how to identify emerging digital threats. Finally, the Renew pillar emphasises circular economy principles through laptop refurbishment skills, where students assess, repair, and upgrade devices to extend their life while reducing environmental impact.
The programme’s AI prompting workshops also empower participants with practical AI skills for smarter working and streamlined workstreams, which are essential in supporting Singapore’s smart nation initiatives. More than 50 of these certified technicians have already actively applied these skills in real-world settings as well, promoting a culture of tech hygiene and care.
Extending Impact Through Digital Learning
To amplify the programme’s reach, Lenovo and ITE have also co-developed a free online micro-learning course on tech hygiene, designed to educate students, educators, and the public on essential device maintenance practices. This initiative aims to foster the development of everyday tech awareness and lifelong habits that support digital wellness and sustainability.
The programme also recognises students through the “Top 10 Lenovo Certified Technician” Awards. Launched as part of the CSR programme’s commitment to recognising real-world application of skills, these awards are presented annually to students who have gone above and beyond in their service to the community, demonstrating measurable impact through their tech hygiene and maintenance activities.
“We look forward to this long-term partnership with ITE and their network of youths, expanding our sustainability mission through this comprehensive CSR programme,” said Nigel Lee, Country General Manager at Lenovo Singapore. “Through this joint initiative, we hope to create a pipeline of skilled, environmentally conscious technicians who are leading the charge towards a smarter and more sustainable technology, ultimately honing their digital skills for the competitive global workforce. This initiative perfectly aligns with our global vision of delivering Smarter Technology for All.”
Building Towards SG60 and Beyond
Aligned with Singapore’s SG60 vision and Lenovo’s global sustainability commitments, the programme will enhance AI literacy, cybersecurity training, and refurbishment capabilities. To date, a cumulative total of 300 hours of training has been completed by corporate participants. Supported by Lenovo’s sustainability infrastructure, including the Sustainability Lab at ITE College East and collaborations with partners such as the Association for Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME), the programme exemplifies the impact of industry-education partnerships in building Singapore’s digital future.
“As sustainability and digitalisation become key pillars of Singapore’s future economy, it’s important for SMEs to gradually build familiarity and capabilities in these areas,” said Tan Ching Hwee, Chair of ASME’s Sustainability Action Group. “Supporting such initiatives ultimately becomes an investment in our nation’s human capital and our collective commitment to responsible, long-term growth.”
Read more about Lenovo’s social impact and sustainability initiatives in the latest ESG Report.