AMTD, Xiaomi Finance, SMU and ISS launch pivotal programme to empower digital finance leaders

The S$5 million AMTD-Xiaomi-SMU-ISS Digital Finance Leadership Programme provides in- depth digital business transformation and finance perspectives for senior leaders in Singapore and beyond

AMTD Group, Xiaomi  Finance, Singapore Management University (SMU) and the Institute of Systems Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS-ISS), jointly launched the ‘AMTD-Xiaomi-SMU-ISS Digital Finance Leadership Programme’ (“AXSI Programme”) today at a virtual signing ceremony graced by Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

This unique programme will strengthen Singapore’s leading position as a FinTech and innovation hub by deepening the knowledge and ability of senior finance and regulatory leaders, as well as FinTech entrepreneurs in Asia in the areas of digital business transformation and digital finance, enabling them to harness digital financial solutions and services to drive business excellence.

The AXSI Programme leverages the strengths of its four partners – AMTD’s leadership and network of resources in digital financial services and AMTD SpiderNet eco-system; Xiaomi Finance’s deep experience in digital technology services, consumer IoT and innovations; SMU’s expertise in digital finance, law and governance and track record of delivering leadership programmes; as well as NUS-ISS’ expertise in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

In addition to the five-day executive programme in Singapore, participants of the AXSI Programme will undergo two days of learning journeys in Hong Kong and Beijing, hosted by AMTD and Xiaomi Finance, respectively. They will be able to gain first-hand knowledge and insights into the FinTech development at both companies, and the opportunities available in the two cities. During their five days in Singapore, the learning sessions will comprise curated content drawn from Asia focusing on the topics of new financial ecosystem, financial innovation, sustainability and green finance, FinTech solutions and cybersecurity. Beyond FinTech related topics, participants will also learn and share the best practices of various issues in a post-Covid-19 world, including being responsible and responsive leaders.

Participants such as regulators, corporate leaders and FinTech entrepreneurs, are expected to come from different segments of the FinTech ecosystem in the Greater Bay Area, Southeast Asia and other parts of Asia, to learn and network with policymakers, faculty and industry experts during the Programme. Such interactions with practitioners from different geographies will broaden the minds of the participants to the existing and emerging opportunities and challenges in these fast-growing regions. Through this shared learning experience, the participants will be engaged on a common and powerful platform to foster collaboration and growth in the digital finance space.

Caption: Mr Khoong Chan Meng (CEO of NUS-ISS) and Professor Annie Koh (Vice President of Business Development & Interim Head of Department of Executive Development, SMU) signed the Memorandum of Understanding to design and deliver the AXSI Programme, witnessed by Mr Sopnendu Mohanty.

Mr. Calvin Choi, Chairman and CEO, AMTD Group and Founder, AMTD Foundation, said, “AMTD has been a long-time supporter of Singapore's FinTech community and endeavours to contribute to Singapore's continuous role as an international FinTech centre. AMTD Digital, the digital arm of AMTD Group headquartered in Singapore, leverages its "fusion-in" strategy and AMTD's SpiderNet ecosystem to enable and empower entrepreneurs as well as support talents’ cultivation and up-skills in Singapore. We are glad to continue supporting the Lion City's talents and provide continuous education and business connectivity opportunities in Singapore and beyond through this Digital Finance Leadership program.”

Mr. Shouzi Chew, Senior Vice President, President of International, Xiaomi Corporation, said, “Together with our long time partner AMTD Group, Xiaomi is excited to be part of this programme in Singapore. We look forward to sharing our experience as a technology and internet company, and opening our supply chain and FinTech ecosystem to FinTech leaders in Singapore. It's our honour to participate in this programme, and help strengthen their leadership skills and understanding of the leading technologies to boost the competitiveness of Singapore’s FinTech ecosystem.”

Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, said, “The rapid advancement of digital technologies and the advent of the digital economy have brought about transformative impact on businesses, governments and societies. Senior executives, entrepreneurs and policy makers who are nimble in adopting a multidisciplinary approach will be required to drive business success and lead the growth in the development of FinTech and financial innovation in Singapore, Southeast Asia and the Greater Bay Area. We are confident that participants of the AXSI Programme will be equipped with the expertise and skillsets to contribute meaningfully to the development of the digital finance sector.”

Professor Tan Eng Chye, President of NUS, said, “These unprecedented times have magnified the pressing need for sharpened skillsets and the AXSI Digital Finance Leadership Programme is set to deepen the capabilities of FinTech leaders. The gift agreement signed today underscores our continued support through our Institute of Systems Science in developing digital talents for the industry. We would like to express our gratitude to AMTD, Xiaomi and SMU for partnering NUS in growing the digital finance ecosystem for a stronger post-pandemic future.”

AMTD and Xiaomi Finance will contribute a total of S$5 million to support the AXSI Programme. The contribution will enable SMU and NUS-ISS to build the relevant curriculum and teaching resources, as well as support the cost of managing and organising this Programme. Part of the contribution may also be used to fund scholarships to attract the most outstanding candidates from the public sector to join the AXSI Programme.

The AXSI Programme, which will have two runs each year, will welcome its first cohort of participants in November this year. Each run will have up to 25 participants. The inaugural run has been designed to coincide with the Singapore FinTech Festival, which brings insights from global thought leaders, showcase innovative solutions, and engage entrepreneurs, investors and innovators from around the world.  Participants of the inaugural AXSI Programme would be invited to the Festival.

To register your interest in the Programme, click here.

Caption for main photo: Mr Calvin Choi (Chairman and CEO, AMTD Group and Founder, AMTD Foundation), Guest-of-Honour Mr Sopnendu Mohanty (Chief Fintech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore), and Mr Shouzi Chew (Senior Vice President, President of International, Xiaomi Corporation).

[Second row] Professor Lily Kong (SMU President), Professor Tan Eng Chye (President, NUS), and Mr Khoong Chan Meng, (CEO, NUS-ISS).

Mr Calvin Choi, Mr Shouzi Chew, Professor Lily Kong and Mr Khoong Chan Meng signed the Gift Agreement for the AXSI Programme today, witnessed by Mr Sopnendu Mohanty and Professor Tan Eng Chye.