"Global immersion and internships are the cornerstones of a transformative education. They enable students to connect with the world, apply learning in real-world contexts, and build resilience for a dynamic future."-Dr. Yong Zhao, International Education Expert
From December 21, 2024, to January 4, 2025, SAI International’s Global Immersion Program embarked on an extraordinary journey, combining academic rigor with cultural exploration. This year, the program included a Global Internship in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the prestigious National University of Singapore (NUS) and hands-on sessions with Amazon Web Services (AWS). The trip aimed to provide students with cutting-edge knowledge, global exposure, and transformative experiences. Each day was a blend of insightful learning, team collaboration, and the vibrant cultural essence of Singapore, creating memories to last a lifetime.
The journey commenced with a flight to Singapore, landing early in the morning. After breakfast at the airport, students checked into Citadines Science Park. The day began with a campus tour of the NUS School of Computing, followed by an engaging orientation session introducing the AI internship program. A city tour highlighted iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Chinatown. The day concluded with a delightful dinner, setting the tone for an incredible program ahead.
Students participated in a riveting session on data analytics with Professor Tan, exploring data importing, visualization, and transformation techniques. Despite the cancellation of a second session, a productive Teaching Assistant (TA) session allowed participants to collaborate with peers from other schools on a Machine Learning project. The day ended with a visit to IMM Mall, where students enjoyed shopping and local treats, returning to the hotel fulfilled and inspired.
The day started with a group photoshoot and a thought-provoking session by Professor Tan on advanced Machine Learning concepts like decision trees and Support Vector Machines. A Japanese lunch added to the excitement before students delved into hands-on model building during the evening session. Exhausted yet exhilarated, they ended the day with a deep sense of accomplishment.
Christmas brought an adventurous spirit as students explored Universal Studios, Singapore. From thrilling rides like Battlestar Galactica to the captivating Hollywood Dreams Parade, the day was packed with excitement and festive cheer. Students returned to their hotel with cherished memories of a magical Christmas celebration.
The internship sessions at NUS focused on real-world applications of Machine Learning in industries like healthcare and smart cities. Students analyzed datasets and created models under Professor Tan’s guidance. The evening was dedicated to collaborative project preparations, reflecting on the program's academic enrichment.
The day featured sessions on computer vision, covering techniques like object detection and sentiment analysis. Students actively participated in TA-led exercises, solidifying their learning. A quick Starbucks break and team collaboration made the day both productive and enjoyable.
The group visited Sentosa Island, enjoying attractions like the Sky Luge and Sky Ride while soaking in stunning views of Singapore's skyline. A Harry Potter-themed attraction added a whimsical touch, and the day ended with a mock presentation session, highlighting teamwork and skill development.
Students embarked on their AWS journey, beginning with an introduction to cloud computing and its role in AI. Guided sessions allowed them to set up AWS accounts and explore key services like EC2, S3, and Lambda. Evening TA sessions reinforced their understanding, marking a promising start to the AWS segment of the program.
The second day of AWS sessions delved into Amazon SageMaker and S3. Students created an S3 bucket for dataset storage and linked it to SageMaker for ML model training and deployment. A TA session focused on project preparation, followed by a leisure visit to Orchard Road, where the group soaked in Singapore's vibrant atmosphere.
The final day of the year was a mix of learning and celebration. AWS experts introduced advanced cloud computing applications, inspiring students to envision the future of technology. The evening was spent at the Night Safari, exploring nocturnal wildlife, followed by a dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration at Marina Bay Sands, complete with spectacular fireworks.
The Global Immersion Program in Singapore was an unforgettable blend of academic excellence and cultural exploration. From NUS internships to AWS sessions, and iconic city tours to festive celebrations, students returned home with profound knowledge, enriched perspectives, and lasting memories. This program continues to empower SAIoneers to dream big, explore global opportunities, and prepare for a future of endless possibilities.
