SMU - Singapore Management University

01/22/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/21/2025 22:27

SMU Academy and TechFin Global unveil learning programmes to Japan, UK and US

Four new innovation programmes aim to empower corporate leaders and SMEs with future-ready skills in FinTech, AI, and Technology
By the SMU Corporate Communications team
22 Jan 2025

Singapore, 22 January 2025 (Wednesday) - In a world driven by rapid digital transformation, staying competitive requires more than just keeping up - it demands active immersion in innovation. Minister Chan Chun Sing's recent call for fostering a robust "culture of learning" underscores the growing need for individuals to remain agile and adaptive. Recognising this, SMU's professional training arm, SMU Academy, and TechFin Global jointly announced today the launch of four international programmes. These programmes aim to immerse participants in cutting-edge AI, VR, and fintech innovation across the world's top tech hubs: Tokyo, London, New York, and San Francisco.

With these new additions, SMU Academy's established Internationalisation Series now boasts a total of 21 programmes across 13 countries. These four programmes focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which is one of the top three training areas among Singaporeans utilising their SkillsFuture Credits. Designed to meet the shifting demands of a digital-first economy, they aim to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in an increasingly competitive global environment.

As participants embark on exclusively curated global journeys, they will have the opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders and explore cutting-edge innovations. A key highlight is the access to latest events and conferences, such as Nvidia GTC, Wall Street Journal Tech Live, NexTech Week Tokyo on transformative technologies including autonomous robotics, AI-driven health solutions, and sustainable innovation, through which participants can gain unparalleled insights into how disruptive technologies are reshaping industries worldwide.

In addition, participants will visit leading companies and engage in dialogues with thought leaders across ICT, FinTech, AI, and blockchain sectors. These interactions offer participants the unique opportunity to connect with global innovators, enabling them to gain transformative and actionable strategies which they can adapt and drive growth in their respective companies and fields.

Jack Lim, Executive Director of SMU Academy, said, "To thrive in today's fast-evolving landscape, companies must not only adopt new technologies but also cultivate a culture of continuous learning and innovation. These programmes provide corporate professionals and SMEs with unparalleled access to tech pioneers and transformative experiences in leading global cities. By equipping them with the relevant insights and tools, we empower Singapore businesses to innovate boldly and excel on the international stage."

Shaun Lai, Head of Programmes at TechFin Global, said, "The ultimate goal is to help organisations build a global outlook-navigating foreign markets, forging valuable partnerships, and adopting sustainable growth strategies. With knowledge and sharing from overseas partners, more local enterprises can seize this opportunity to future-proof their talent and capabilities."

About the Programmes

A survey by the Singapore Business Federation revealed that 71% of businesses that have expanded internationally - or are planning to - view overseas growth as critical to their long-term success. The four new programmes by SMU Academy and TechFin Global is strategically designed to equip corporate and SME leaders with actionable insights and strategies to thrive in the global market.

The four programmes (as follows) will be rolled out between March and May 2025:

The unique features of the programme are as follows:

1. Learn Directly from the Industry Leaders

  • Gain insights from visionaries at top universities and leaders from S&P 500 companies, exploring advancements in AI, technology, and innovation.

2. Discover Tech and Startup Success

  • Dive into exclusive sessions with venture capitalists and successful founders to discover how to invest in early-stage tech startups and scale AI-driven solutions globally.

3. Master AI and Digital Strategy

  • Get hands-on with immersive tech demonstrations and actionable strategies to transform businesses, with marketing automation and data-driven decision-making for real-world challenges.

4. Immerse in Global Innovation

  • Attend world-renowned tech events like Nvidia GTC in San Francisco, The Future of Everything Festival in New York, London FinTech Week, and AI EXPO Tokyo, featuring ground breaking AI technologies, expert keynotes, and live demos. Explore leading AI companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Wordware AI, and learn how Silicon Valley's creative, risk-taking culture drives continuous breakthroughs.
  • Engage with VR and gaming leaders to uncover how immersive technologies are shaping the future of entertainment and engagement.

5. Build Global Network

  • Expand connections with thought leaders, investors, and potential partners to drive sustainable growth and innovation for businesses.

Supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG)

These internationalisation programmes are eligible for SSG funding, allowing Singapore Citizens to utilise SkillsFuture Credits or Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) balances. Programme fees start from S$2,243.

For more information, visit the programme pages below:
1. https://academy.smu.edu.sg/courses/internationalisation-series-silicon-valley-techxperience
2. https://academy.smu.edu.sg/courses/internationalisation-series-japan-gaming-vr
3. https://academy.smu.edu.sg/courses/internationalisation-series-fintech-frontiers-new-york
4. https://academy.smu.edu.sg/courses/internationalisation-series-innovate-london

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