【Summer Program】SUTD Elite Camp on AI and Robotics
01. School Profile
Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Singapore’s fourth public university, is among the world’s first institutions to integrate the arts and sciences of design and technology into interdisciplinary curricula. As a new-concept university focusing on research in design, innovation and engineering, SUTD is committed to cultivating versatile talents with global vision and leadership capabilities.
As artificial intelligence emerges as a core driving force reshaping the global industrial landscape, SUTD has incorporated AI into its core interdisciplinary framework, further consolidating design, artificial intelligence and technology as the cornerstones of its higher education features. Guided by this strategic layout, the university has advanced systematic reforms in teaching and research and made comprehensive inroads into the AI sector. Centered on the in-depth integration of Design and Artificial Intelligence (Design AI), it has boosted links between research and industry, built a full-fledged ecosystem spanning education systems to industrial implementation, and earned its status as the world’s first university dedicated to design and artificial intelligence.
Renowned for its interdisciplinary education model that dismantles conventional disciplinary barriers, SUTD anchors its academics in four core pillars: Architecture and Sustainable Design, Engineering Product Development, Engineering Systems and Design, as well as Information Systems Technology and Design. It boasts an outstanding faculty, with numerous academics ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists.
Placing high priority on hands-on practice and innovation, SUTD adopts design-based learning, engaging students in abundant intensive design projects. Meanwhile, maintaining close ties with the industrial sector, it collaborates with enterprises and organizations to create extensive internship and research platforms for students, enabling them to translate theoretical knowledge into practical competency.
02. Project Overview
Against the backdrop of continuous iteration and upgrading of global AI technologies and accelerated digital transformation, Singapore, guided by its Smart Nation strategy, has evolved into a global frontier for AI talent cultivation and technological application thanks to its internationalized education ecosystem and an innovation system featuring in-depth integration of industry, academia and research.
As a top public university in Singapore, the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) takes "Design + Technology" as its core educational philosophy. It focuses on three key fields: intelligent systems, robotics and future urban design, delves into the interdisciplinary integration of AI with various subjects, and strives to cultivate versatile technological elites with disruptive innovative thinking and cross-cultural collaboration capabilities.
To build a bridge between outstanding students from Chinese universities and top-tier educational resources in Singapore, our university has launched the Elite Camp on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Breaking the confines of traditional academic exchanges, we construct an immersive, practice-oriented international academic training platform. The program helps students broaden their global horizons, consolidate their foundational knowledge of AI, improve innovative practical capabilities, lay a solid groundwork for future career development, and strengthen cross-cultural collaboration skills.
03. Program Arrangement
Eligible Participants：Undergraduates of NPU with outstanding academic performance.
Program Duration： 7 days including round-trip travel. The program is tentatively scheduled from July 19 (Sunday) to July 25 (Saturday), 2026. The dates may be slightly adjusted according to school vacation schedule and shall be subject to the final official notice.
Instruction Language：Bilingual in Chinese and English.
Faculty：All instructors are senior academic scholars and industry experts in AI-related fields from top public universities in Singapore, including Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Equipped with solid academic background, abundant frontline teaching experience and corporate practical experience, they keep pace with cutting-edge industrial trends and deliver lectures combining in-depth theories and practical values.
Program Outcomes：Participants who complete all courses will be awarded a certificate of completion issued by SUTD.
04. Research Content
Module 1: Cutting-edge AI Theories
Based on the advanced curriculum system of SUTD, this module centers on core AI sectors, covering key themes including the present and future of artificial intelligence, robotics and AI applications. Beyond conventional classroom learning, it guides students to deeply comprehend the underlying logic and development trends of AI technologies and build a systematic knowledge framework of artificial intelligence.
Module 2: Practical Competence Improvement
Supported by SUTD’s exclusive practical platforms, hands-on sessions such as intelligent robot workshops and AI-driven design innovation workshops are arranged. Students are encouraged to convert theoretical knowledge into tangible deliverables, improving their technical proficiency, innovative thinking and teamwork skills through practice, as well as experiencing the charm of integrated "Design + Technology".
Module 3: Cross-cultural Communication and Cultural Visits
Participants will visit top-tier universities including Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore and SUTD to immerse themselves in the academic atmosphere and international education model of Singapore’s higher education. Aligned with Singapore’s Smart Nation strategy, institutional visits and cultural excursions are organized to witness real-world AI applications in urban governance, cultural heritage preservation and industrial upgrading. The program systematically analyzes Singapore’s global development strategies and regional competitive edges to expand students’ global strategic vision.
05. Schedule
| Morning | Afternoon |
Day1 Sunday | Depart for Singapore and arrive at Changi Airport |
Day2 Monday | Lecture: The Present and Future of Artificial Intelligence • Experience cutting-edge AI technologies and future applications, and unveil the true essence of artificial intelligence; •Conduct high-level debates on hot topics in AI, analyze technological nature and controversies amid idea collisions, and hone critical thinking and logical expression skills. | Campus Visit and Exchange: Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) • Visit Smart Design Lab, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Innovation Sports Venue, etc.; • In-depth tour of the world’s first university focused on Design & AI, immerse in its unique interdisciplinary education philosophy, and observe advanced lab equipment and innovative design achievements up close. |
Day3 Tuesday | Lecture:Robotics and Artificial Intelligence •Interpret the deep integration logic of robotics and AI, explain core robot frameworks and underlying AI algorithms; •Share real-world multi-scenario applications of AI-powered robots, discuss existing challenges and future trends of technological integration. | Campus Visit and Exchange: Nanyang Technological University (NTU) •Visit iconic landmarks including the Learning Hub, Yunnan Garden and Chinese Heritage Centre; •Experience smart transportation, food hubs, community life, club activities and one-stop campus services; communicate with local students over study differences, campus culture and overseas study challenges. |
Day4 Wednesday | Practical Workshop: AI-Driven Design Innovation • Exploration Phase: Adopt AI to analyze stakeholder mapping, user persona building and scenario development; •Definition Phase: Build the How Might We (HMW) problem framework via activity mapping; •Development Phase: Generate creative solutions with AI-powered mind mapping. | Campus Visit and Exchange: National University of Singapore (NUS) • Visit University Town and Stephen Riady Centre; • Immerse in the rigorous academic atmosphere, international campus ecosystem and inclusive multicultural environment of a top global university; visit research excellence hubs and tech parks to learn the industry-academia-research integration model. |
Day5 Thursday | Workshop: Challenges and Modification of Intelligent Robots •Access SUTD labs to learn concepts and future applications of intelligent robots and their potential in research & daily life; •Group challenge workshop: build basic prototypes with modular parts and coding tools, assemble & debug robots in person, and deliver project roadshows. | Institutional Visit and Cultural Exploration : Explore Urban Operation System – Singapore City Gallery • Explore urban AI models via interactive galleries and hidden infrastructure layouts; •Learn stories behind urban planning challenges and innovative solutions; •Group presentation: design an ideal city with sustainable & innovative proposals. |
Day6 Friday | Special Seminar: AI Application Prospects and Future Careers • Focus on core AI application scenarios in technology, urban construction and industry under global and Singapore’s Smart Nation strategy; analyze tech trends and market potential; • Interpret key AI job roles and competency requirements; share career planning and improvement advice based on Singapore’s university talent training models. | Institutional Visit and Cultural Exploration: Urban Sustainability – Wisdom of Water & Urban Vitality • Explore sustainable development initiatives through landmark projects such as Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay; • Dialogue between human & water: understand Singapore’s “Four National Taps,” and water resource management; • Group creative output: feasible water management and water-saving proposals. |
Day7 Saturday | Wrap up the program and return to China |
The program schedule is subject to change, and the finalized itinerary will prevail.
06. Logistics Support
To guarantee the safe and smooth operation of the study tour, the project team has set up a comprehensive logistics support system with detailed arrangements as follows:
1. Personnel Support
One full-time faculty member (group tutor) assigned by NPU will accompany the whole program to promptly resolve students’ academic and daily-life issues and enable rapid responses to emergencies.
2. Safety Support
Pre-departure safety training will be held to brief participants on Singapore’s laws, traffic regulations and safety precautions. Headcounts will be strictly conducted during classes, site visits and outdoor activities to ensure all students attend on time and no one falls behind.
3. Insurance Support
Overseas travel accident insurance will be purchased for every participating student.
4. Transportation Support
Full local transportation after arrival is covered, including airport pick-up & drop-off, daily commute for lectures and field trips. Vehicles from licensed Singaporean coach companies driven by experienced local drivers will be arranged to ensure safe and convenient travels.
5. Communication Support
A dedicated WeChat group for the study group will be created to share daily schedules, study reminders and safety alerts. An emergency contact list will be compiled to facilitate timely communication with the home university, parents and other relevant parties in case of urgent incidents.
07. Program Fees
The program fee is CNY 14,000 per person, covering tuition fees, accommodation (twin-share dormitory or apartment), site visit fees, group transportation fees for activities, and overseas insurance premium.
Items excluded: international airfare, meals, and personal expenses throughout the program.
NPU Funding Policy:
The Office of International Cooperation will provide financial support, on a discretionary basis, to undergraduate students who successfully complete the program in accordance with all requirements. Funding will be granted in accordance with the NPU Funding Management Measures for Undergraduate Students Participating in Overseas Exchange Programs.
The maximum subsidy for programs in Asia is CNY 5,000 per student.
Notes：
1. Each student is eligible for only one subsidy for winter/summer vacation programs within a single calendar year.
2. If funding quotas exceeds the limit, priority will be given to first-year and sophomore undergraduates participating in the "Soaring Across Globe" program for the first time.
3. For college-level matching funding policies, please consult the international affairs secretary of your respective school.
08. Program Application
1. Application Deadline: May 30, 2026
2. Scan the QR code below to join the Q&A QQ group for the SUTD Summer Program; the application form will be released in the group later.
3. On-campus Contact: Teacher Han
Contact Number: 88492839
(Editor: Luo Yi, Initial Reviewer: Han xiaoyanqi, Second Reviewer: Chen Siwei, Final Reviewer：Chen Jun, Translators: Tan Yayue, Mei Leyun)
