Strengthening Ties: The Evolution of SMU-Fudan Partnership

Singapore Management University (SMU) and Fudan University have built a robust collaboration spanning 17 years, starting with an undergraduate exchange programme in 2008. This partnership has grown through joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and forums on critical topics like AI governance and sustainable societies. Elevated to a strategic level in October 2025, it now culminates in the launch of the SMU-Fudan Doctor of Business Administration (Technology), or DBA (Tech), marking a pivotal step in cross-border higher education between Singapore and China.

This alliance leverages SMU's expertise in computing, data science, and digital regulation—hallmarks of Singapore's position as a global fintech and smart nation hub—with Fudan's renowned strengths in economics, management, and industry partnerships. Together, they address the pressing need for leaders who can bridge technological innovation with strategic business governance in Asia's dynamic landscape.

What is the SMU-Fudan DBA (Tech)? A Professional Doctorate Redefined

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a professional doctoral degree tailored for senior executives, distinguishing itself from the traditional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in its emphasis on applied research that solves real-world organisational challenges rather than purely theoretical contributions. The SMU-Fudan DBA (Tech) is the region's inaugural programme with a dedicated technology focus, launched on March 2, 2026, to equip leaders with doctoral-level skills at the nexus of business strategy and emerging technologies.

Unlike general DBA offerings in Singapore, such as those from Aston University or Kaplan partners, this programme integrates cutting-edge domains like artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, FinTech, cybersecurity, and digital platforms. It empowers participants to conduct practice-driven research, generating actionable insights for policy, governance, and value creation in tech-disrupted industries.

Curriculum Highlights: Blending Business Research with Tech Innovation

The curriculum is structured around three pillars: technology-integrated business research, cross-border learning, and responsible technology leadership. Participants delve into advanced research methods applied to technologies reshaping industries, such as AI ethics, data governance, and sustainable digital infrastructure.

• Core modules cover AI and Data Science, Web3 and blockchain applications, FinTech innovations, and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Emphasis on ethical, regulatory, and societal implications ensures graduates can navigate complex challenges like data privacy under Singapore's PDPA or China's evolving AI regulations.
• Doctoral research phase focuses on industry-relevant theses, supervised jointly by faculty from both institutions.

This step-by-step approach begins with foundational tech-business integration, progresses to specialised seminars, and culminates in a dissertation addressing organisational pain points, such as scaling AI responsibly across borders.

In Singapore's context, where the Smart Nation initiative drives digital transformation, this curriculum aligns perfectly, preparing leaders for roles in government-linked companies and multinational tech firms.

Ideal Candidates: Senior Executives Ready for Doctoral Leadership

Targeted at mid-to-senior executives with at least 10 years of experience, the programme suits C-suite leaders, directors, and strategists grappling with tech's strategic implications. Ideal applicants include those in fintech, digital transformation, or tech governance, seeking to elevate their influence through evidence-based research.

Benefits include enhanced decision-making, access to elite networks across Singapore and Shanghai, and credentials that signal expertise in responsible tech leadership. For instance, executives can apply learnings to real cases like implementing Web3 for supply chain transparency or AI for predictive analytics in finance.

World-Class Faculty and Joint Supervision Excellence

Led by Programme Directors Zhu Feida from SMU's School of Computing and Information Systems (SCIS) and Liu Yu from Fudan, the faculty comprises top scholars blending SMU's digital expertise with Fudan's economic prowess. Joint supervision ensures diverse perspectives, with mentors guiding theses from conceptualisation to defence.

SMU's SCIS, ranked highly in analytics masters globally, brings practical insights from Singapore's innovation ecosystem, while Fudan's industry ties provide China-scale case studies.

Cross-Border Immersion: Singapore-Shanghai Synergy

Delivered across Singapore and Shanghai, the programme offers residential modules, workshops, and networking in both hubs. Singapore provides exposure to regulatory excellence and fintech leadership, exemplified by the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) sandbox innovations. Shanghai delivers insights into massive-scale tech deployment, from Alibaba's AI ecosystems to blockchain pilots.

This dual-location model fosters cultural agility, crucial for Asia-Pacific executives managing China-Singapore trade corridors.

Emphasising Responsible and Sustainable Tech Governance

A distinctive feature is the focus on sustainability and ethics. Modules explore AI's societal impacts, Web3's regulatory challenges, and green digital strategies. Graduates emerge equipped to lead with integrity, addressing issues like algorithmic bias or data sovereignty—pressing in Singapore's multicultural, data-rich environment.

• Step-by-step governance frameworks for tech deployment.
• Case studies from Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0 and China's Digital Silk Road.
• Actionable insights for ESG-compliant tech strategies.

Strategic Impact on Singapore's Higher Education Ecosystem

Singapore's universities are pivotal in the nation's ascent as Asia's tech talent hub, with initiatives like the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan investing billions in AI and digital skills. The DBA (Tech) positions SMU as a pioneer in professional doctorates, attracting top executives and fostering industry-academia ties.

It responds to surging demand: a 2025 report noted 70% of Singapore executives lack advanced tech-strategy skills amid AI adoption rates exceeding 50% in firms. This programme bridges that gap, enhancing Singapore's edge over regional competitors.

Insights from Leaders: Quotes Shaping the Narrative

Programme Director Zhu Feida emphasises: "Technology today is no longer a functional tool. It is reshaping strategy, governance and the social contract between business and society." Liu Yu adds: "By bridging Fudan’s economic insights with SMU’s technological expertise, this programme empowers leaders to transform innovation experience into rigorous, research-backed strategies." Industry voice Tony Tang highlights the cross-border value for Asian executives.

How to Apply: Pathways to the Inaugural Cohort

Applications for the August 2026 intake are open. Requirements typically include a master's degree, substantial executive experience, and a research proposal aligned with tech-business themes. The process involves interviews and assesses potential for impactful doctoral work.

Visit the programme site for details. Aspiring applicants can prepare by honing research skills via SMU's executive education.

Future Outlook: Transforming Asia's Tech Leadership Landscape

With inaugural graduates poised by 2030, the programme will spawn a network of tech-savvy C-leaders, influencing policy from Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority to China's tech regulations. It signals a trend: Singapore universities expanding tech-focused doctorates amid 40% projected growth in AI jobs by 2030.

Stakeholders anticipate enhanced bilateral innovation, with implications for sustainable growth. For professionals, it's a gateway to roles blending academia and industry.

In conclusion, the SMU-Fudan Tech DBA exemplifies forward-thinking higher education. Explore Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, and recruitment services at AcademicJobs.com.