SMU kicked off its 9th Global Summer Programme (GSP) on 24 June 2024 with a groundbreaking new addition — the Digital Intelligence track. Designed to prepare students for a world reshaped by artificial intelligence and digital transformation, this exciting new offering empowers participants with cutting-edge skills in AI, business-data management, and beyond. Over 250 programme participants from 35 countries gathered at the Mochtar Riady Auditorium, and 125 of them showed they were eager to dive into the opportunities and challenges of the digital future by taking at least one Digital Intelligence track.
The track is aligned with SMU’s strategic pillar of Digital Transformation, a key element in working towards realising the University’s Vision 2025. It also complements the programme’s existing Asian Insights and Sustainable Futures tracks.
Speaking at the launch event, Guest-of-Honour Ms Feon Ang, managing director, Asia Pacific, LinkedIn, emphasised the need for students to adapt to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence within the context of an ever-evolving digital landscape. Ms Ang also shared insights into the complexities of technological advancements that are facing both employers and jobseekers.
“We’ve arrived at a pivotal moment in the future world of work, where skills needed for the same job will change by 72 per cent in Singapore,” she said.
“Today, we need to look at jobs as a set of tasks, some of which can be made more efficient with AI. In fact, our data shows that companies are placing emphasis on candidates who possess not only AI expertise but also soft skills and a learning capacity.
“My advice to fresh graduates is to adopt a growth and skills-first mindset, picking up both hard and soft skills for success in an era of work shaped by AI.”
A holistic way to see digital evolution in industry
The GSP’s Digital Intelligence track leveraged SMU’s strengths in digital transformation, as well as the University’s strong links with industries across the ecosystem to offer students a holistic experience that paired classroom learning with global networking.
Over the span of the four-week programme, participants had the opportunity to step into the offices of technology behemoths such as Huawei, Salesforce, and OCBC bank – a home-grown blue-chip organisation that has successfully embraced technology – where they heard first-hand from industry practitioners.
These corporate visits allowed GSP participants to gain insights into topics such as blockchain applications, Internet of Things and customer analytics that were generously shared by employees and management.
GSP participants also engaged with members of industry on real-world business issues during guest lectures, such as one where speakers from Capital A (AirAsia Group) explained how they had leveraged technology to tackle business issues with innovative design and management of their databases.
An enriching platform to network and forge friendships
Through their onsite visits, GSP participants also gained an edge in enhancing their socioeconomic and cultural understanding of Singapore and Asia. Visits were hosted by the likes of JTC Corporation, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the PIXEL Innovation Hub by Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).
These visits allowed participants to glean the value of leveraging technology for business success, as well as to use technology potentially as a force for good.
Participants also visited Old Town White Coffee and Ji Xiang Ang Ku Kueh, which gave real-world exposure to the local food industry, and boosted their appreciation of cultural diversity during organised tours to heritage sites in Singapore’s Chinatown and Kampong Glam.
Kin Ho Cheung, from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, was impressed: “I highly recommend the GSP. Through it, I had the opportunity to study in one of the most important global business hubs and broaden my global mindset.”
The GSP, since its inception in 2015, has endured in its goal of providing an enriching platform for participants to learn, network and forge friendships.
In this vein, workshops ranging from Drone Flying, Archery 101 and 3D Printing were organised, allowing students to explore new interests while striking up conversations with fellow participants. A particularly memorable Tchoukball session during this year’s programme was credited with bringing out a friendly and competitive team spirit that bonded participants.
Wimansa Selini Samaranayake, a GSP participant from the University of Melbourne, relished these non-academic activities. “It was wonderful to participate in the many amazing activities on offer! Through them, I made friends with students from around the world and developed a newfound cultural appreciation of Singapore.”
Commenting on the successful conclusion of GSP 2024, Mr Rick Tay, head of the SMU Centre for Global Education and Opportunities (GEO), said, “We are happy that students were immersed in the latest trends and innovations and are empowered to create positive impact in their communities.
“They are now part of a global network of changemakers, and we have no doubt that they will achieve great things together.”
See also: SMU Global Summer Programme 2024 introduces a new Digital Intelligence Track | SMU Newsroom
