NTU Marks Three Decades of Nanyang Business School with Landmark Institute Launch
The finale of NBS30 on 29 and 30 May 2026 brought together scholars, industry leaders and the Nanyang Business School community at Nanyang Technological University to celebrate 30 years of excellence while unveiling a major new initiative. The two-day programme featured masterclasses, lectures and panel discussions on artificial intelligence, fintech and sustainability before culminating in the official launch of the Global Institute of Finance, Technology and Society.
Jointly established by NTU’s Nanyang Business School and College of Computing and Data Science, the institute will drive interdisciplinary research at the intersection of business, economics, finance, technology and society. It aims to generate insights that help policymakers, regulators and industry navigate rapid technological change, market stress, new regulations and emerging risks such as scams and supply-chain disruptions.
Highlights from the NBS30 Finale Programme
Day one opened with sessions exploring sustainability and technology, including a masterclass by Professor Hao Liang on green finance and a lab tour. Scholars from NTU, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Chicago delivered public lectures and interactive workshops. Day two featured the institute launch officiated by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, followed by a keynote address from Nobel Laureate Professor Thomas Sargent of New York University and an industry panel on building trusted digital financial infrastructure in the AI era.
The celebrations closed with the NBS30 Gala Dinner at Marina Bay Sands, where alumni and supporters contributed to the NBS30 Fund. The fund supports student projects that partner with non-governmental organisations and social enterprises across the region, strengthening NBS’s commitment to impact-driven education.
Introducing the Global Institute of Finance, Technology and Society
The Global Institute of Finance, Technology and Society, or GIFTS, represents a strategic expansion of NTU’s research capacity. By bringing together expertise from business and computing faculties, the institute will examine how firms, households, investors, regulators and AI agents interact under conditions of uncertainty. Research themes include digital economics, fintech innovation, digital assets, sustainable finance and the societal implications of emerging business models.
University leaders emphasised that GIFTS will serve as a hub for collaboration with local and international partners, translating academic findings into policy recommendations and industry solutions. The institute’s work aligns closely with Singapore’s national priorities in digital transformation and financial-sector resilience.
Why the Timing Matters for Singapore Higher Education
The launch comes at a pivotal moment for Singapore’s universities. Demand for talent skilled in both finance and advanced technology continues to grow, while regulators seek evidence-based guidance on AI governance and digital-asset frameworks. GIFTS positions NTU to contribute directly to these national conversations while offering students and researchers new pathways for interdisciplinary training.
By embedding computing and data-science perspectives within business research, the institute also responds to broader shifts in higher education toward cross-disciplinary programmes that better prepare graduates for complex, technology-driven workplaces.
Keynote Insights from Nobel Laureate Thomas Sargent
Professor Sargent’s address explored the evolving relationship between economic theory and artificial intelligence. He highlighted how machine-learning techniques can enhance traditional models of market behaviour, yet cautioned that human judgment remains essential when interpreting results under stress or regulatory change. Attendees noted the lecture’s relevance to the institute’s mission of bridging rigorous academic analysis with real-world policy needs.
Industry Perspectives on Digital Infrastructure
The industry panel brought together executives from banking, fintech and technology sectors to discuss the infrastructure required for trusted financial services in an AI-first world. Topics ranged from cybersecurity standards and data-privacy frameworks to the role of central-bank digital currencies. Participants stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, a theme that GIFTS is well placed to advance through joint research projects.
Implications for Research, Teaching and Talent Development
GIFTS will expand opportunities for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working at the nexus of finance and technology. New courses and executive-education programmes are expected to emerge from the institute’s work, helping mid-career professionals stay current with rapid technological change. The initiative also strengthens NTU’s position in global university rankings that value interdisciplinary output and industry engagement.
For Singapore’s wider higher-education ecosystem, the institute demonstrates how established business schools can evolve by integrating computing capabilities, a model other institutions may study as they refresh curricula.
Support for Students through the NBS30 Fund
The gala dinner highlighted the NBS30 Fund, which channels alumni and corporate donations into student-led social-impact projects. Past initiatives have included partnerships with regional NGOs on financial-literacy programmes and sustainable-business models. The fund ensures that the celebratory spirit of NBS30 translates into tangible benefits for the next generation of leaders.
Looking Ahead: GIFTS and Singapore’s Innovation Agenda
University officials described GIFTS as a long-term investment in Singapore’s status as a global hub for finance and technology. By fostering research that anticipates regulatory and market challenges, the institute aims to support both economic competitiveness and societal well-being. Early projects are expected to focus on AI-driven risk assessment, digital-asset regulation and sustainable-finance metrics.
Observers noted that the institute’s university-wide mandate could encourage similar cross-faculty collaborations elsewhere at NTU, further embedding interdisciplinary approaches across the campus.
Conclusion: A Milestone for NTU and Singapore Higher Education
The NBS30 Finale and the launch of GIFTS mark a significant chapter in the evolution of one of Asia’s leading business schools. By combining deep domain expertise in finance and business with cutting-edge computing capabilities, NTU has created a platform for research and education that directly addresses the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. As the institute begins its work, it will offer new avenues for academics, students and industry partners to collaborate on solutions that matter for Singapore and beyond.
