- Founded and led by Dr. Gavin Wood, PBA will launch multi-week blockchain education and training programs in partnership with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, National University of Singapore, and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance.
- The Hong Kong program is scheduled to begin on January 3, 2024, and applications for the Singapore program will open later this month.
HONG KONG-The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA), a classroom-based education program covering the conceptual underpinnings and practical applications of blockchain technology, announced on January 3 that the next two iterations of its multi-week training program will take place in Hong Kong and Singapore, in partnership with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the National University of Singapore, and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance. APAC will remain the PBA's primary focus for 2024, as it seeks to drive the growth of blockchain developers and innovators across the region.
Each program will include two distinct curriculum paths designed to educate and support the next generation of blockchain engineers and developers, as well as provide advice and guidance to aspiring founders and entrepreneurs. The first curriculum path is the program's original developer-focused course, which delves into critical areas such as cryptography, game theory, blockchain concepts, and smart contracts. Following a successful beta launch at the UC Berkeley edition of PBA in 2023, the APAC editions of PBA will also feature a second curriculum path with the official launch of the "Founders Track," which aims to educate the next generation of blockchain founders and leaders with courses on decentralized governance, regulation, project funding, and growth.
Pauline Cohen Vorms, Head of Polkadot Blockchain Academy, said: "Our upcoming programs in Hong Kong and Singapore represent a significant investment in APAC talent. Working with top institutions, we aim to provide a transformative learning experience that goes beyond theory and equips participants with practical skills to succeed in the dynamic blockchain industry. We are excited to help shape the future of blockchain innovation in the APAC region and beyond."
The inaugural APAC program will kick off in Hong Kong on January 3, 2024, in partnership with Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With the largest cohort in the program's history of over 90 students, the Hong Kong edition will feature renowned faculty from leading organizations in the Polkadot ecosystem, including Parity, Astar, and Moonbeam, as well as professors from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
The second APAC wave is scheduled to begin in Singapore on May 20, 2024, in partnership with the National University of Singapore and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance. Those interested in joining the Singapore cohort can register their interest now, with the application window officially opening later this month.
Beyond its educational mission, the PBA promotes diversity within the blockchain ecosystem. With three successful cohorts to date, the program has successfully brought together students from around the world, with the Cambridge edition having participants from 18 different countries and the Buenos Aires edition having participants from 26 different countries. To bridge the skills gap that accompanies rapid technological advancement, the PBA welcomes students with varying levels of experience, from recent graduates to seasoned Web2 software engineers.
