AUS students explore Singapore’s cultural gems and its fast-growing FinTech scene

Sitting on a plane waiting to explore a new culture and delve into the realm of FinTech and multinational corporations in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies can be a thrilling experience. With a love for discovery and a sense of curiosity, 16 students from the School of Business Administration (SBA) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) embarked on a one-week adventure in Singapore where they met with representatives from the fast-growing FinTech industries, visited one of the country’s top public universities and explored the country’s wondrous cultural sites. Students also met with H.E. Jamal Abdulla Al Suwaidi, the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore.

“No learning experience can compare to immersion in a study tour abroad. That is why SBA has always organized memorable study tours since before the pandemic: to the US to meet Warren Buffet, to Hong Kong to visit the miraculous Asian Tiger Group, to the UK to learn about wealth management, and to France and Germany to learn about tackling financial fraud and crime detection from some of the biggest banks in Europe. All the study tours combine an academic component with tours to universities, a professional component with visits to organizations, and a cultural component with stops at tourist attractions. SBA prides itself on offering such opportunities for our students to learn in a setting outside the classroom and achieve personal growth,” said Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Dean of SBA. 

During their visit to Singapore Management University (SMU), the AUS students met with the Deputy Dean and Academic Director and learned about SMU’s history, programs and research. They also visited the Singapore FinTech Association, where they were introduced to Singapore’s journey to becoming a FinTech center. Representatives from Synfindo, a FinTech company, provided insights into the history of its establishment, highlighting how the World Bank, Monetary Authority of Singapore, MasterCard and the ASEAN Bankers Association came together to launch it. MasterCard representatives also spoke to the students about how global multinationals have built on Singapore's powerful regulatory, judicial and capital infrastructure.

A highlight of the trip included visiting the cultural sites, starting with a city tour at Kampong Glam; Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore's oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples; the popular Merlion Park; Gardens by the Bay, which represent a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry; the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, where students learned about the role of sustainability in Singapore's national development; Sentosa Island and SkyHelix Sentosa—the highest open-air panoramic ride in Singapore; and Universal Studios.

“I have always had a passion for traveling and exploring new cultures. Visiting Singapore and learning about its financial sector was a great opportunity, especially that it gave insights into a new business operation, further expanding my horizons. This was definitely a lifetime experience. The people I met, the new culture I explored, the networking I enjoyed and the broad perspectives I gained were great. Most importantly I felt independent and confident. I encourage students to take advantage of trips the university organizes because they are not only a great way to explore different cultures but also help build one's growth, have self-confidence and learn to be independent. After all, exposure to other lifestyles helps us see the world we live in differently,” said Noor Hamad, a third-year student majoring in finance with a minor in data science.

SBA is a leader in providing a rigorous and forward-looking education to future business professionals. It is one of the region’s top business schools, with QS World University Subject Rankings 2022 placing AUS as number one in the UAE and among the top 250 universities globally for business and management studies, and number one (tied) in the UAE and among the top 250 universities globally for accounting and finance. The school plays a vital role as an integrator between corporations, both in the private and public sectors, and students. For more information about the AUS’ School of Business Administration, visit www.aus.edu/sba/about-sba.