Bridging the AI execution gap: NUS launches premier Executive Master Programme to shape Asia's digital future

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To address the anticipated shortage of leaders capable of turning artificial intelligence (AI) potential into economic reality, the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF) at the National University of Singapore has officially launched the inaugural Executive Master in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation (EMAI) on 14 January 2026. Hosted at the NUS School of Computing, the new programme seeks to address a critical industry challenge: AI projects struggling to scale due to lack of strategic leadership.

The launch event, which was held at Marina Bay Sands, was officiated by Guest-of-Honour Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information and Ministry of Education.

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The urgent "why" of EMAI: Moving beyond proof-of-concept

As AI adoption accelerates, organisations face a "widening AI value gap", where frontrunners pull ahead while others struggle to break out of the middle. The EMAI programme was designed specifically to close this gap.

"Many Generative AI projects fail at the proof-of-concept stage due to various strategic and execution hurdles," said Associate Professor Huang Ke-Wei, Executive Director of AIDF and architect of the programme. "It is therefore timely to launch this programme to prepare next-generation AI leaders to identify, implement, and scale AI projects responsibly."

For Singapore, this capability is an economic imperative. "In a small country like Singapore, AI is critical to overcoming manpower constraints and sustaining our position as a premier regional headquarters for multinational corporations," added Assoc Prof Huang.

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Accomplished inaugural cohort and industry-aligned learning

The programme's rigour is evident in its inaugural cohort, comprising 31 senior leaders with an average of 19 years of professional experience, and setting a new benchmark for executive AI leadership.

Demonstrating a joint commitment to applied, industry-embedded learning, AIDF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Standard Chartered as the programme's Knowledge Partner at the launch event. Under this collaboration, Standard Chartered will contribute industry perspectives, practical insights, and practitioner expertise to equip senior leaders in navigating responsible, AI-led transformation. This strategic partnership reinforces the critical bridge between academia and industry in executive education, ensuring that learning remains anchored in real-world transformation and business impact.

Executive Master in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation (EMAI)

The EMAI programme is a 12-month, part-time executive programme. Curated at the intersection of research, industry engagement, and executive education, this unique programme is designed to equip senior leaders with the strategic, technological, and governance capabilities to lead AI-driven transformation in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The programme's modular, hybrid format blends online and in-person learning. Participants will also join global immersions that pair academic sessions with exposure to innovation ecosystems in Singapore, New York, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen.

More information about the programme is available at: https://www.aidf.nus.edu.sg/emai.