Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with students and clubs in Singapore through BlendED’s flagship AI+X Learning Plan and the AI+X Global Talent Community (GTC).
Singapore has quickly become one of the most vibrant centers in our global network. Its students bring not only academic rigor but also humility, creativity, and a genuine sense of community.
Their contributions have been so powerful that I now envision Singapore—and Southeast Asia more broadly—as the next home for future BlendED | GTC City Hubs.
This reflection is both professional and personal. As Program Director at BlendED and a community advocate for GTC, I’ve witnessed how Singaporean learners embody the very essence of what we hope to cultivate: intellectual excellence paired with human warmth.
Learners From Singapore Who Inspire ✨
(Watch Rumaisa’s interviews with Xin-an, Zhuoxuan, Derrick, and Sean—students from the National University of Singapore who joined our 2025 Summer AI+X Learning Plan.)
Rumaisa Kashif (NUS, GTC Founding Group) —— A Rising Voice for Women in Tech and Leadership
Rumaisa’s journey has been intertwined with BlendED from the start—first as an advisee, then as a learner, and now as a co-creator of GTC itself. She brings intellectual maturity far beyond her years, paired with a deep sense of cultural identity.
One memory stays vivid: on a subway ride from MIT to dinner, she spoke passionately about Pakistan—its landscapes, food, universities, and challenges.
Her vision is to give back to her homeland, even while studying in Singapore. This dual commitment, both local and global, is the hallmark of a true leader.
Through GTC, Rumaisa later collaborated with Victory, an MIT alum now pursuing a PhD at Cornell, to co-host one of our first GTC podcasts.
(Click on the image to watch the podcast - Rumaisa with NUS <> Victory with MIT)
This Friday, we will be interviewing a professor from Brazil as our 2nd EP. The best is yet to come; I have no doubt she will leave her mark not only in Singapore but across the world.
Yasmeen Tan (NUS, GTC Founding Group) —— The Power of Gentle Determination
Yasmeen is quiet yet powerful. After completing her MIT xPRO certificate in Modeling and Simulation, she advanced through projects in Quantum Machine Learning (Google Quantum AI), Biotech Analytics (Genentech), and AI in Biotech (Novo Nordisk).
Within the GTC founding group, she became the voice of thoughtfulness—writing detailed reflections on what learners need most, from mentorship to content design.
Her vision is holistic, seeing the community not only as a learning platform but as an ecosystem. I look forward to seeing her leadership shape the next phase of GTC.
Check out this cool video, collaborated on by the GTC Founding group, including Yasmeen.
Xin-An Chen From NUS — A Humble Gentleman, A Natural Leader
Xin-an’s journey epitomizes the BlendED spirit. He began with MIT xPRO’s “Applying Machine Learning to Engineering and Science” and soon added projects in Quantitative Finance, AI in Hardware, Operations, Visual Data Science, and Biotech. Back in Singapore, he continued with the Deep Learning Project.
What made Xin-an unforgettable wasn’t just the breadth of his projects but the way he connected with people. Polite, multilingual, and effortlessly collaborative, he drew others in with quiet charisma.
On the very last day of Session 1, he casually mentioned that it had actually been his birthday at the start of the program. Smiling, he asked if the group could sing him a belated birthday song.
Without hesitation, everyone burst into “Happy Birthday🎂,” filling the room with laughter and applause. It was a simple, joyful moment that showed how deeply he had become part of the community.
Sean Teo Pang Boon From NUS — A Surfer’s Soul, A Leader in Tech and Communication
Sean had just graduated when he joined OCE, carrying with him online experience in AI in Hardware and Applied Psychology with Human Data (Headspace). In Boston, he added the Amazon and J.P. Morgan projects to his portfolio.
But what stood out was his generosity of spirit. He was the classmate everyone could lean on, balancing intellectual rigor with kindness. His simple reflection captured the program’s essence:
“This community pushes you academically, but it also reminds you that you’re not alone in the journey.”
Zhuoxuan Chen From NUS —— Pure, Sincere, and Always Bringing Light
Zhuoxuan joined with experience in the Visual Data Science (Tableau) and Innovation Management (Deloitte) projects online, and in Boston he thrived in the Amazon and J.P. Morgan tracks. Yet what truly defined him was his energy and openness. A street dance enthusiast and B-boy at heart, he carried a sense of rhythm and creativity into every room he entered.
On the final evening of Session 1, during a small gathering at the dorms, he suddenly broke into a passionate popping dance. It wasn’t planned—it was pure, spontaneous joy. Everyone cheered, and in that moment, the academic intensity of the program blended seamlessly with the happiness of the community.
What I treasure most is how genuine he was: cheerful, kind, and deeply friendly to everyone around him. I often think that every team needs someone like Zhuoxuan—a presence that keeps spirits high, reminds others of the joy in learning, and brings sincerity and lightness even in the busiest weeks.
Allison & Zahra Kinanti (NUS) — Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Leaders
Though my time with Allison and Zahra in Session 2 was brief, their presence left a lasting impression. Both carried themselves with the confidence and composure of future female leaders in technology—focused, determined, yet approachable and kind.
In group discussions, they asked thoughtful questions and engaged peers with genuine curiosity. Outside of class, their warmth and friendliness made them quickly beloved by fellow participants. What struck me most was their ability to balance academic rigor with empathy—a rare combination that will serve them well in whatever paths they choose.
I have no doubt that Allison and Zahra are only at the beginning of remarkable journeys. Their leadership potential already shines, and I look forward to the day when their contributions to tech and community leadership are recognized on a global stage.
Derrick Low （NUS）—— Smiles, Sincerity, and Quiet Strength
I was Derrick's Program Advisor from Day 1. Derrick built his foundation online with Modeling and Simulation Principles and the Shell Energy Project, before joining the Amazon Operations and J.P. Morgan Finance Projects in Boston. Though only a freshman, he carried himself with a polish and maturity far beyond his years. Always smiling, he responded to every question with sincerity and thoughtfulness, which made him an approachable presence in every group.
He later reflected that OCE gave him “the kind of mentorship and teamwork you can’t find in traditional classrooms.” I could see that in how he contributed—professional, clear, and reliable. What impressed me just as much was his attentiveness outside the classroom: I remember a dinner when Rumaisa shared her personal story, and Derrick listened intently, offering genuine encouragement. In moments like that, he showed that true leadership is not only about speaking, but also about listening with warmth.
Student Clubs: Singapore’s Engines of Community and Innovation
Our partnerships in Singapore extend beyond individuals. Singapore Youth AI, whose founder Zaer even traveled to Boston to share insights, has been instrumental in broadening access to AI education. We’ve also built connections with SEDS-NTU and the NUS Business Analytics Consulting Team. Together, these clubs represent a pipeline of talent eager to bring AI+X into real-world practice.
Looking Ahead: GTC City Hubs in Singapore and Beyond
The stories of these learners and clubs point to one conclusion: Singapore is ready to host a GTC City Hub. With its strong base of MIT alumni, industry experts, and global companies, Singapore is uniquely positioned to become a cornerstone of the AI+X Global Talent Community in Southeast Asia.
At its heart, GTC’s vision is to connect students, leaders, and organizations across borders—to build a global movement where AI+X talent can grow, collaborate, and make real impact. Today, GTC spans 150 universities and student organizations in more than 20 countries. Bringing this global network into Singapore means not only strengthening local opportunities, but also weaving Singaporean learners into a worldwide community of peers, mentors, and partners.
To every leader in Singapore reading this: I invite you to join us. If you are leading a club, building a community, or simply passionate about AI+X, reach out. You can connect with me directly on LinkedIn or contact me at 📧 [email protected].
The future of AI+X education is not confined to Boston or MIT—it is unfolding right here in Singapore. And together, by forging connections and co-creating opportunities, we can build something extraordinary.