Singapore Management University (SMU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s NTT Data Institute of Management Consulting (NTTDIOMC) to propel digital transformation and cultivate future leaders in Asia. The agreement, led by SMU’s Office of Industry Engagement, unites SMU’s strengths in Asian business and management with NTTDIOMC’s industry expertise, creating a collaborative platform focused on talent development, professional training, and digital innovation.
"Through this strategic partnership with SMU, a leader in advancing digital transformation across Southeast Asia, we aim to offer broader support to Japanese companies while highlighting Japan’s pioneering role in manufacturing innovation on the global stage," said Mr. Akihiro Ishizuka, Director of Global Business Development at NTTDIOMC. "This collaboration will not only boost the presence of Japanese firms but also invite new partnerships from international businesses and academia, driving enhanced competitiveness."
Fostering Cross-Border Talent Development and Digital Transformation
At the core of this partnership lies a shared commitment to fostering DX talent and professional growth across both countries. SMU and NTTDIOMC will develop targeted training programmes for Japanese professionals, covering fintech, entrepreneurship, and DX management — key areas necessary to meet the demands of an evolving digital landscape.
“This partnership with NTTDIOMC is a vital step in bringing SMU’s Growth in Asia strategy to life, driving cross-border innovation for a rapidly transforming world,” said Ms Catherine Chong, Director of the Office of Engagement at SMU.
She continued, “By combining SMU’s expertise in digital transformation across Singapore and Southeast Asia with NTTDIOMC’s industry insights, we aim to support Japanese companies in adopting agile, forward-thinking strategies for regional and global leadership. Focusing on fintech, innovation, and entrepreneurship, this collaboration will build future leaders poised to shape the evolving workplace and create impactful change across Asia and beyond.”
The collaboration will offer immersive opportunities for SMU students to gain insights into Japanese business practices, corporate culture, and start-up ecosystem, enhancing their global competencies and preparing them as future leaders and entrepreneurs in a connected world.
Additionally, the partnership also emphasises the accelerating importance of innovation, with both institutions seeking to create initiatives that build support for the growth of Japan’s startup ecosystem and facilitate cross-expansion across Japan and Singapore.
Bridging Education and Industry: Igniting Cross-Border Innovation at Growth-X Fireside Chat
To celebrate the partnership, SMU hosted a fireside chat offering students valuable insights into global consulting and the role of such alliances in cultivating future leaders.
Together, SMU and NTTDIOMC anticipate a new era of cross-border collaboration to advance digital transformation and build a dynamic network of innovators across Asia.