Driving Digital Innovation: AI, Data Analytics, and Blockchain

Introduction

• Overview of Singapore Economy
  Singapore was a fishing village with an estimated population of only 150 when the island was founded as a British trading post by Stamford Raffles in 1819. It attained self-rule in 1959 and political independence in 1965. Today, Singapore has a total population of close to 6 million people. Its economy is characterized by full employment, high savings and investment rates, a healthy trade surplus, and a low inflation rate.
  We will start by discussing some of the key characteristics of the Singapore economy. These key characteristics, both strengths and weaknesses, shape the choice of Singapore’s development strategies. Next, we will review Singapore’s economic performance over the last 60 years and discuss key policy measures adopted by Singapore.
  
  

• Digital Disruption, Big Data, and Innovation
  This introductory session explores the landscape of ongoing digital disruption in the business world, examining how companies compete by creating and appropriating value from big data. We will define big data and contrast it with traditional business data, highlighting the critical role of digital innovation in building and sustaining a competitive advantage today. The session concludes with an interactive case discussion of the technology startup Duobus.

• Innovating with Artificial Intelligence
  This session demystifies various AI technologies and examines how they are developed using machine learning. The discussion focuses on how AI automates business operations and augments decision-making to drive business model innovation. Participants will explore real-world applications of Generative and Agentic AI through contemporary industry examples.

• Innovating with Data Analytics
  This session covers distinct data analytics technologies, exploring their descriptive capabilities (understanding past business performance) and predictive power (foreseeing future trends). Participants will learn how descriptive and predictive analytics drive data-driven decision-making and fuel product and service innovation. The concepts will be brought to life through the cases of Netflix and Airbnb.

• Innovating with Blockchain
  This session focuses on decentralized data management using blockchain technology, which enables traceable, immutable, and trustworthy data flows across industry ecosystems. We will also examine how smart contracts streamline multi-party business processes, alongside the creation of cryptocurrencies and the tokenization of digital assets. Participants will engage in a simulation to experience firsthand how blockchain works, supported by case studies on Chow Tai Fook and Bitcoin.

• Group Presentation by Participants
  The course has a collaborative group project where participants conduct a case study of a real-world company’s digital innovation leveraging AI, data analytics, and/or blockchain. Utilizing archival data from news releases, industry reports, and academic articles, teams will synthesize their findings into a final presentation. While Generative AI tools are permitted to assist with data collection and analysis, the core insights, frameworks, and content must be autonomously generated by the participants.

• NTU Campus Tour - Explore NTU’s vibrant campus with our student ambassadors and experience a glimpse of university life.
• Innovation Learning Journey - Visit NTU's state-of-the-art facilities where ideas and research come to life through prototypes and early experimentation.
• Industrial Learning Journey - Gain insights into how technology is explored and applied in real-world settings through a visit to an industrial firm.
• Singapore City Highlights - Enjoy a free and easy experience exploring some of Singapore’s popular attractions and discovering Singapore’s distinctive cityscape.