Fintech tie-up with IBM

NUS Computing is collaborating with IBM Research’s IBM Center for Blockchain Innovation (ICBI) to jointly develop and deliver a module on financial technology (fintech), focused on blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, to prepare students for this area of rapid growth.

Blockchain, or distributed ledger technology, is a database of digital transactions that can be shared and accessed by a network of trusted entities. The technology offers greater accountability, transparency and potentially trust for transactions, and is gaining traction in many industries, particularly banking, healthcare and in the government.

“Our collaboration with ICBI marks yet another important milestone in our continuous efforts to bring industry relevant knowledge to the classrooms and at the same time inculcate technological responsibility in our students,” said Associate Professor Hahn Jungpil, Head of NUS Information Systems.  “We are confident that our graduates will be well-prepared for the wide-ranging career opportunities in this fast-growing sector.”

The new module will form part of the newly enhanced Information Systems degree programme, which includes a new specialisation in fintech. Expected to be introduced in January 2018, the new module will equip students with an understanding of the fundamentals of the technology behind distributed ledgers, the latest developments and its diverse uses. NUS faculty members and IBM researchers at ICBI will co-develop the module curriculum, as well as co-teach with the use of fintech software like Hyperledger Fabric. The software will also be made available to NUS researchers for research purposes.

The partnership will help prepare a future workface that is “born on blockchain, ready to implement improve and innovate”, said Mr Robert Morris, Vice President Global Labs at IBM Research, adding that these are core skills necessary to achieve Singapore’s vision as a Smart Financial Centre and Smart Nation.