Leading University in Innovation, Research, and Education in Asia
10 April 2026
Education, Report
Short-term Training Programs, Spring
From Classroom to Real World: Spring Training Programme 2026 in Singapore
Nagoya University Global Campus (NUGC) · 15–30 March 2026 · Singapore
From 15 to 30 March 2026, Nagoya University Global Campus (NUGC) conducted the Spring Training Programme in Singapore, bringing together 15 students for an intensive two-week experience spanning academic learning, industry exposure, and cross-cultural exchange.
Arrival and Orientation
The programme began with a Welcome Reception at Marina Bay Sands, followed by a large-scale fireworks and drone display at Marina Bay, held in conjunction with celebrations surrounding the Disney Adventure cruise ship—offering a vivid introduction to Singapore’s precision and scale.
An orientation at HANGAR, NUS Enterprise—National University of Singapore (NUS)’s startup incubator, established the programme framework, partners, and expectations.
At Republic Polytechnic, participants joined a Personal Branding and LinkedIn workshop led by Mr. Goh Yong Sheng, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, Republic Polytechnic, refining their professional profiles using AI-assisted tools.
Academic Engagement and Design Learning
At the National University of Singapore (NUS), an international research seminar titled "New Trends in Design, Operation and Evaluation of Mobility Services," led by Professor Kurauchi Fumitaka of the Department of Civil Engineering at Gifu University, examined emerging trends in mobility services, including autonomous transport and demand-responsive systems.
The “Design Your Life!” workshop by NUS College Growth Mentoring Team, guided students through personal values, reframing challenges, and future prototyping, followed by a campus tour and the GeX Student Exchange with NUS students.
At the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), participants completed the “DIVE IN: Accelerate Innovation with Design·AI” workshop, progressing from empathy mapping to AI-assisted prototyping and team presentations.
Exploration and Field-Based Learning
Independent exploration allowed students to navigate Singapore on their own terms, engaging with the city beyond structured programming.
The Exchange program with Bunka Language School Singapore encouraged candid discussion on identity, communication, and cross-cultural adaptation.
At the Singapore City Gallery, operated by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), students explored long-term urban planning strategies. A visit to Mandai Bird Paradise, operated by Mandai Wildlife Group and coordinated by Mr. Peter Liang, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, highlighted the intersection of conservation and urban development.
Innovation, AI, and Global Collaboration
Over two intensive days, the programme focused on innovation, artificial intelligence, and international collaboration.
An Artificial Intelligence session by Mr. Tianyu Xu, Generative AI Educator introduced AI capabilities, real-world applications, ethical considerations, and broader societal implications.
At NUS Sandbox, a two-day workshop "NUS Design and Engineering " led by Ms. Sharon Goh, Specialist in UX Design, Innovation, and Product Development, and NUS-affiliated facilitator, focused on market entry strategies for Japanese products in Singapore.
Through the IDP Global Partners Exchange, participants engaged with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Stanford University, fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue.
An AI and Career session by Dr. Kentaroh Toyoda, Director of Generative AI Security Research, Vulcan (AIFT), Singapore, explored generative AI and career development, outlining the evolution from machine learning to generative and agentic AI, while emphasising adaptability and the Happenstance Theory.
The experience concluded with NUS’s “The Collective Faire,” showcasing student-led initiatives and campus culture.
Entrepreneurship and Industry Perspectives
Mr. Boyle Suwono, Chief Executive Officer, Medulla Pro Technology, led a session on entrepreneurship, highlighting risk-taking, iteration, and resilience as transferable skills.
At the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), a language exchange facilitated by Professor Kuriko Shinozaki, School of Humanities, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) highlighted the global relevance of Japanese language and culture.
Professor Imaizumi Hiroshi, Director, Nagoya University Global Campus (NUGC) Singapore, delivered a session on financial literacy and investment fundamentals - making for young professionals entering a complex global economy.
An industry workshop by Takihyo Co., Ltd. examined sustainability in fashion, focusing on responsible sourcing and supply chain accountability.
Sustainability and Global Awareness
At the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, students conducted joint fieldwork with NUS BnS JSS participants, exploring sustainability strategies through comparative perspectives.
A Global Awareness lecture by Mr. Shibata Masaru, Managing Director of TC Capital, framed global awareness as an ongoing, active practice.
Reflection and Conclusion
The programme concluded with a Reflection and Wrap Session, where students presented their learning outcomes and personal growth—often delivered in a second language and shaped by two weeks in an unfamiliar environment.
Spring Training 2026 ended with a visit to Google Singapore at Mapletree Business City, offering insight into innovation culture and product development at scale.
The Spring Training Programme 2026 provides a rigorous model of international education beyond the classroom. By integrating academic learning, industry engagement, and cross-cultural exchange, it equips students with the skills and perspectives needed to navigate an increasingly complex global environment.
More than a short-term overseas experience, the programme enables students to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and engage with the world with greater confidence.