Twenty-five students from the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) participated in an intensive Summer Immersion Program in AI for Business Applications, organized by the HCT Business Division in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. The program focused on artificial intelligence and its applications through applied case studies and models that enriched students’ knowledge and experience in business, both regionally and globally.

During the one-week program, students engaged in advanced learning experiences in AI and machine learning and had the opportunity to interact with peers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) who were working on live projects with leading industry players such as Careem (UAE) and Healthpix (Singapore). The cohort also visited global institutions to explore advanced technological applications, including Standard Chartered and GoTo(GoJek).

Students delivered presentations and participated in class discussions about their experiences in business management and smart applications, showcasing the practical skills and knowledge they gained during the trip. Upon completing the program, they were awarded accredited certificates of completion from NTU Singapore, representing an important milestone in their academic journey.

The program was organized under the supervision of Dr. Augustinus Van Der Krogt, Executive Dean of the Business Division, and the initiative was conceived and led by faculty member Dr. Sriya Chakravarti and supported by Dr. Shahira Osama. The faculty played a key role in helping students maximize this learning opportunity, enhancing both their academic development and future professional competencies. Notably, the students selected for the program were chosen based on their strong academic performance and demonstrated excellence.

Students shared their views on the significance of the program and the benefits they gained on personal, academic, and practical levels.

Khadeyyah Alhashmi, a Business student from the Fujairah campus, noted that AI is having a major impact on today’s job market and employment landscape. She described the summer program organized by HCT in Singapore as a golden opportunity to gain exposure to global ideas and applications in business, and to experience new opportunities that encourage wider and deeper investment in AI in the future. Since returning, she and her colleagues have been working with a sales company to explore how AI can help address the company’s challenges and improve its services.

Abdulrahman Rashid, a Financial Accounting student from the Abu Dhabi campus, described the summer program as an excellent opportunity to experience a new culture and train at a global university. He said he plans to pursue deeper, more specialized studies in AI after graduation, in line with international skills and requirements.

Shahad Salem, a Marketing student from the Fujairah campus, explained how the program benefited her personally by fostering independence, responsibility, and communication with people from different cultures. It also broadened her understanding of machine learning, a branch of AI and advanced technology, which she had previously seen primarily as related to computer science and IT. The program’s lectures, presentations, and case studies revealed the importance of machine learning in data management and organization to support development and decision-making, a skill that can be applied in many fields, including marketing, which she studies.