AMTD, Xiaomi Finance, SMU and ISS launch digital finance program

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.

 

Click there to view the virtual signing ceremony

 

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 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.

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: https://exdmarketing.smu.edu.sg/acton/media/11523/digital-finance-leadership

About AMTD Group

AMTD Group is Asia’s leading comprehensive financial service conglomerate in Asia, with businesses in financial services areas to include investment banking, institutional asset management, digital banking, digital insurance and risk solutions, etc. and non-financial services areas to include real estate investment and hospitality, education, digital media marketing and data intelligence services, and digital investments.

AMTD International (NYSE: HKIB; SGX: HKB), a subsidiary of AMTD Group and dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Singapore Exchange, is the No.1 independent investment bank in Asia, one of Asia’s largest independent asset management companies, and a leading investment house in the financial and new economy sectors.

AMTD Digital, another subsidiary of AMTD Group, is one of Asia’s rare few diversified digital technology platform, whose major businesses cover digital financial services, digital media marketing and data intelligence, digital connectors and ecosystem and digital investments. Among them, AMTD Risk Solutions under AMTD Digital is Hong Kong’s largest corporate insurance brokerage company. AMTD Digital and Xiaomi Corporation have also jointly launched Airstar Bank, which holds one of the eight Hong Kong virtual banking licenses. AMTD Digital is also leading a consortium with Xiaomi Corporation, SP Group, and Funding Societies and submitted an application to the Monetary Authority of Singapore for a digital wholesale banking license. Earlier this month, AMTD Digital completed the acquisition of PolicyPal, a leading InsurTech company in Singapore and the first graduate of FinTech regulatory sandbox approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which marks the first controlling stake acquisition in the Southeast Asian InsurTech industry since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.

AMTD Group also has diversified businesses in real estate investment, hospitality, and education areas. In particular, AMTD Property Development Group acquired Singapore’s landmark building from OUE to rename as Oakwood Premier AMTD Singapore.

For more information on AMTD, visit www.amtdgroup.com.

About AMTD Foundation

AMTD Foundation, a charitable organisation founded by the AMTD Group’s Chairman and CEO Mr. Calvin Choi, is set up to fulfil its commitment of giving back to the society and upholding its social responsibility. AMTD Foundation has been putting in great efforts in promoting education, relieving poverty, and supporting people in need in Hong Kong and across the world. The Foundation actively supports a range of corporate social responsibility activities, such as the sponsorship of Caritas Charity TV Show for 12 consecutive years, being a key supporter of amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research), one of the world’s leading non-profit organisations on AIDS research. AMTD has entered into strategic partnerships with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Waterloo in Canada respectively, for the establishment of “AMTD FinTech Centre of PolyU Faculty of Business” and “University of Waterloo – AMTD Innovation Hub”. In April 2020, AMTD Group and AMTD Foundation, partnering with the ASEAN Financial Innovation Network, established the S$50 million AMTD ASEAN-Solidarity Fund to support and anchor FinTech companies in ASEAN countries during such challenging time of the pandemic. Last month, AMTD Group and AMTD Foundation, together with the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Singapore FinTech Association, also announced the launch of the S$6 million MAS-SFA-AMTD FinTech Solidarity Grant.

For more information on AMTD Foundation, visit www.amtdfoundation.com.

About Xiaomi Corporation

Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810.HK). Xiaomi is an internet company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.

With an equal emphasis on innovation and quality, Xiaomi continuously pursues high-quality user experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.

Xiaomi is currently the world’s fourth-largest smartphone brand, and has established the world’s leading consumer IoT platform, with 252 million smart devices (excluding smartphones and laptops) connected to its platform. Xiaomi products are present in more than 90 countries and regions around the world. In July 2019, the company made the Fortune Global 500 list for the first time, ranking 468th among all, and 7th among internet companies. Xiaomi is the youngest company on the 2019 Fortune Global 500 list. In May 2020, the company made the Forbes Global 2000 List again and its ranking jumped to 384th.

About Xiaomi Finance

Launched in May 2015, Xiaomi Finance is a financial technology service platform and a subsidiary of Xiaomi Corporation (1810.HK).

Xiaomi Finance’s current FinTech business focuses on consumer lending and supply chain financing. With sophisticated risk management model and technology capability, and extensive user base and supply chain partners, Xiaomi Finance has grown rapidly. Xiaomi Finance is also actively exploring other FinTech business opportunities including third-party payment, wealth management, InsurTech, virtual banking and so on. Its subsidiary, Airstar Bank, officially launched business in Hong Kong this month.

About Singapore Management University

A premier university in Asia, the Singapore Management University (SMU) is internationally recognised for its world-class research and distinguished teaching. Established in 2000, SMU’s mission is to generate leading-edge research with global impact and to produce broad-based, creative and entrepreneurial leaders for the knowledge-based economy. SMU’s education is known for its highly interactive, collaborative and project-based approach to learning

Home to over 10,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate professional and post-graduate research programmes, SMU, is comprised of six schools: School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, School of Information Systems, School of Law, and School of Social Sciences. SMU offers a wide range of bachelors’, masters’ and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with the six schools, as well as in multidisciplinary combinations of these areas.

SMU emphasises rigorous, high-impact, multi- and interdisciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance. SMU faculty members collaborate with leading international researchers and universities around the world, as well as with partners in the business community and public sector. SMU’s city campus is a modern facility located in the heart of downtown Singapore, fostering strategic linkages with business, government and the wider community.

For more information on SMU, visit www.smu.edu.sg.

About National University of Singapore (NUS)

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. We have 17 faculties across three campuses in Singapore, as well as 12 NUS Overseas Colleges across the world. Close to 40,000 students from 100 countries enrich our vibrant and diverse campus community.

Our multidisciplinary and real-world approach to education, research and entrepreneurship enables us to work closely with industry, governments and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in our faculties, 30 university-level research institutes, research centres of excellence and corporate labs focus on themes that include energy, environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases common among Asians; active ageing; advanced materials; as well as risk management and resilience of financial systems. Our latest research focus is on the use of data science, operations research and cybersecurity to support Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative.

For more information on NUS, please visit www.nus.edu.sg

About the Institute of Systems Science

Established in 1981, the Institute of Systems Science at National University of Singapore (NUS-ISS) develops digital talent for the industry through graduate education, executive education programmes, consultancy and research services. ISS is widely recognised as a champion of the Singapore’s SkillsFuture movement, enabling a digital economy that is always learning and always leading.

ISS has implemented a unique portfolio of multiple learning pathways, with a wide spectrum of programmes in critical industry disciplines, such as software development, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smart health, digital government and digital innovation. Its programmes are delivered by staff with an average of more than 20 years of industry experience.

For more information on ISS, visit www.iss.nus.edu.sg.