Overseas Immersion Programme: A Collaborative Expedition between NTU-CCTF and Business School of Nankai University
From 4-7 October 2023, NTU-CCTF and Nankai University's Business School partnered in an immersion programme, with over 70 Nankai faculty and students exploring Singapore's innovative strategies amidst global digitisation.
Nanyang Technological University's Centre for Computational Finance (NTU-CCTF) recently orchestrated a meaningful overseas immersion programme in collaboration with the Business School of Nankai University. Welcoming over 70 faculty members and students from Nankai University to Singapore, the initiative aimed to immerse participants in Singapore's forward-thinking development strategies, offering insights into the nation's adaptive approaches amidst a rapidly digitising global landscape.
On 4 October 2023, the specialized MBA students and faculty from the Business School of Nankai University arrived in Singapore to begin their overseas immersion programme, meticulously designed by NTU-CCTF. This comprehensive programme not only encompassed rigorous academic learning but also showcased the rich tapestry of Singapore's culture, offering the students a deep dive into both the academic brilliance and cultural essence of the city-state.
On 5 October, at the inaugural ceremony held at Nanyang Technological University's main campus, representatives from both NTU and Nankai University enthusiastically expressed their aspirations for the upcoming overseas immersion programme. Professor Wen Yonggang , Associate Vice President of NTU and Director of the NTU Centre in Computational Technologies for Finance, extended a warm welcome to the faculty and students. He conveyed NTU's profound honour in establishing a partnership with the Business School of Nankai University and voiced his anticipation for enhanced academic and cultural collaborations between the two universities.
Subsequently, Professor Bai Changhong, Dean of the Business School of Nankai University, presented a commemorative cultural gift to Professor Li Yi, the Associate Director of the NTU-CCTF, symbolising the commencement of their amicable exchanges. Vice Dean of Nankai University's School of Business, Professor Tian Li, also delivered a captivating speech. She expressed her hopes that through classroom studies, hands-on experiences, and interactions with alumni, participants would embark on an enriching journey of learning, deep exploration, and fascinating discoveries.
For the first lecture, Professor Wu Wei from NTU's School of Social Sciences imparted knowledge on "The Art of Leadership in the Digital Age", sharing key insights into leadership and management in this evolving era.
Following on-campus sessions, the NTU-CCTF arranged field trips for Nankai participants, guiding them through the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and other iconic facilities in Singapore. Through these excursions, the students gained deep insights into Singapore’s rich experience in urban development, planning, and management.
In the days that followed, NTU-CCTF continued to offer enriched academic and cultural exchange opportunities for the participants of Nankai University's Business School.
On 6 October, Professor Li Zhifeng of NTU's Business School delivered a lecture titled "Strategic Innovation: Business Model Innovations in the Data-Driven Age". Subsequently, the Nankai participants toured the prestigious Koufu HQ and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI). Mr. Pang Lim, the founder of Koufu, graciously hosted the Nankai delegation, presenting them with distinctive local gifts. The innovative management of modern food courts by the Koufu Group and their solid business principles left a profound impression on the visitors. As the leading organization of the local Chinese business community, the SCCCI demonstrated the immense contributions made to the nation's development, emphasizing the instrumental role that local Chinese businessmen have played in Singapore's consistent growth over the years.
On 7 October, Nainkai students and faculty proceeded to Alibaba Group's Singapore headquarters located on Orchard Road. Greeted warmly by the Alibaba staff, they engaged in a comprehensive lecture about Alibaba Cloud's international outreach. In line with the visit, Professor Zhang Hanwang from NTU’s School of Computer Science and Engineering offered a talk entitled "ChatGPT: More Than Mere Chat". Using lucid language, Professor Zhang elucidated the technical intricacies of ChatGPT, imparting essential knowledge and shedding light on key aspects, thereby broadening the participants' understanding.
That afternoon, an illuminating seminar between Chinese and Singaporean entrepreneurs emerged as another highlight of the immersion programme, unfolding at NTU's Novena Campus. Jointly hosted by the NTU-CCTF, Business School of Nankai University, and the Hainan Business Chamber - Singapore, and bolstered by robust support from the Nankai University Alumni Association in Singapore, the session bestowed invaluable insights. Five esteemed Singaporean entrepreneurs shared their career paths and existential reflections, making the event not merely an exchange session but a vibrant replay of life’s journeys. Through sincere narratives, the young scholars distilled philosophies of life, decoded the nuances of career pathways, and departed with a depth of enriched understanding.
In conclusion, the overseas immersion programme reached its pinnacle with a memorable graduation ceremony and farewell banquet at the Changi Beach Club. Through this initiative, the NTU-CCTF sought to widen students’ global viewpoints, probe into the business models and innovative strategies of the digital era, and fortify collaborations with upper-echelon institutions and international organisations.
Singapore, internationally recognized as a cosmopolitan metropolis, is distinguished for its profound expertise in economics, urban management, and the development of smart cities. The NTU Centre for Computational Finance (NTU-CCTF) adheres to a robust mission, architecting its endeavours around three foundational pillars: Education, Research, and Community Development. Overseas immersion programmes perennially stand at the forefront of the Centre's distinctive offerings, with a concerted emphasis on forging alliances with elite institutions worldwide to facilitate invaluable academic and cultural exchanges. Looking ahead, NTU-CCTF is poised to cultivate further partnerships, aspiring to enrich the global student community with a multifaceted array of academic and cultural experiences.