An Academic Odyssey

The Study Abroad Module is at the heart of Jio Institute’s global educational experience. It combines academic rigour, industry engagement and cultural exposure to broaden the horizons of students. As part of this module,

students of Jio Institute’s postgraduate programmes recently spent two weeks at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, a 26th ranked university on the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) index 2023.

Gaining New Insights in Every Field

The Study Abroad Module included short courses and lectures delivered by world-class NTU faculty. The interactive nature of the sessions allowed for in-depth discussions, while collaborative projects and case studies ensured a hands-on learning experience. Students gained new insights from world-renowned faculty in their fields of study – Digital Media and Marketing Communications (DM & MC); Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI & DS); and Sports Management. The students also got a glimpse of the practical side of their fields by visiting leading companies in Singapore, helping bridge the gap between theory and practice.

DM & MC Students Learn the Secrets of Consumer Persuasion

Students from the Digital Media & Marketing Communications (DM & MC) programme attended courses on

• Future Customer Experiences

• Consumer Neuroscience & Neuromarketing

These were delivered by industry expert Professor Jonathan Briggs, Adjunct Associate Professor, National University of Singapore and Professor Gemma Calvert, Professor of Consumer Neuroscience, Nanyang Business School. The Future Customer Experiences course explored activity cycles, the art of influencing customers, menu engineering, and technologies reshaping the consumer experience, such as AI, the metaverse, NFTs, and 3D printing. The Consumer Neuroscience and Neuromarketing course uncovered the neuroscientific insights underpinning consumer decision-making. The curriculum covered topics like persuasive and intuitive marketing, the influence of brain science on consumer strategies, ways to grab consumer attention, and the art of creating emotionally resonant marketing campaigns. 

The students also visited industry majors like NCS (National Computer Systems) Group, where they

learned about human-centered experience design, and the Decathlon Data Lab, where they observed ways to enhance the in-store experience through innovative features and strategies like self-checkout and inventory-checking robots. These industry visits enhanced their understanding of how digital media and marketing strategies could be applied in the real world.

AI & DS Students Explore Cybersecurity, Blockchain and Analytics

Students from the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI & DS) programme attended classes on

• Cybersecurity

• Blockchain Technologies

These were delivered by Prof Dr Anupam Chattopadhyay, Associate Professor, Nanyang Business School, Dr Shivam Bhasin, Principal Scientist, Temask Labs at NTU Singapore, and Professor Boh Wai Fong, President’s Chair in Information Systems, College of Business (NBS). The curriculum covered advanced topics like Cyber-Physical Systems, Cyber Security for AI, AI for Cyber Security, and Hardware Security. These classes provided a unique opportunity to delve into cutting-edge research, practical applications of AI & DS, and the latest trends and challenges in the industry. The students also explored data analytics at Teradata, where they learned about cutting-edge AI-driven analytics solutions and their use in deriving actionable business insights. They also visited Palo IT, where they witnessed the role of technology consulting in implementing AI solutions. They met professionals who develop and deploy AI-driven applications across sectors, appreciating the challenges and opportunities of the field. Praveen Kumar Singh, a student of the AI&DS cohort, recounted the experience, stating, "As we explored the frontiers of AI and Data Science, we weren't just learning; we were witnessing the future unfold before our eyes.”

Sports Management students attended classes on

• Future Customer Experiences

• Consumer Neuroscience & Neuromarketing

They studied the application of neuro-insights and its role in brand switching, the principles of neuro-aesthetics, and the Halo effect of market leaders. They learned about athlete endorsements and the intricacies of managing branding for personalities. They even had a chance to participate in the 12th Lau Teng Chuan Physical Education and Sports Science Symposium at NTU, where they learned about sports science, management, and holistic approaches to health.

The students visited the NCS (National Computer Systems) Group to learn about user experience design and then headed to Singapore Sports Hub, where they visited the Water Sports Centre, toured the National Stadium, the home of the Singapore National Football Team. The tour also covered the Shimano Cycling World Museum, which showcased the evolution of bicycles. The students learned about the intricacies of the sports business, event management, and marketing strategies, witnessing first-hand the complexities and challenges faced by professionals in the sports industry.

Exploring Singapore’s Culture

Beyond academic discovery, the Study Abroad module is all about experiencing new cultures and forging global connections. Making the most of their time in Singapore, the students immersed themselves in the vibrant local culture. They enjoyed the local cuisine and interacted with members of the local community, taking in Singapore’s technological advancements and rich cultural tapestry. They visited the Gardens by the Bay, a Singapore landmark known for its iconic vertical gardens. They also enjoyed campus tours of NTU and Singapore Management University (SMU), gaining a new perspective on Singapore’s industry-oriented, world-class higher education system.

This two-week sojourn was a transformative experience for the students, giving them new perspectives on a fast-changing world. Sree Kavya Godavarthy, a student from the DM&MC cohort remarked, “It was more than a learning experience, it was an exploration of the future world with AI. The blend of academic rigour by amazing professors, industry exposure, and cultural immersion has reshaped how I perceive the digital media and marketing world”. This experience has helped students expand their knowledge base and forge connections with global peers and faculty, planting the seeds for a new generation of global citizens.