"An education that combines global exposure with experiential learning ensures that students are not just college-ready, but life-ready."
— Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs, Education Consultant and Curriculum Innovator

 SAI International's Global Immersion Program 2024 embarked on a 15 day-long journey from December 21, 2024 to January 4,2025 blending academic excellence with cultural exploration. Students participated in an intensive internship in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the prestigious National University of Singapore (NUS), delving into advanced topics like Machine Learning, data analytics, and computer vision. Beyond academics, the program aimed to provide global exposure, foster collaboration, and inspire innovation among young learners. The itinerary included hands-on sessions with esteemed professors, immersive cultural experiences, and memorable visits to Singapore’s iconic landmarks, culminating in a holistic and enriching experience.  

Day 1 (22nd December 2024): “A New Beginning: Arriving in Singapore and Exploring the Future of AI”

The students arrived in Singapore early in the morning, kicking off their Global Immersion Program. After settling in at Citadines Science Park, the day began with a tour of NUS’s School of Computing. The group was introduced to their AI course through an engaging orientation session, followed by a city tour of iconic spots such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Chinatown. The day concluded with a delightful dinner, setting the stage for a journey of knowledge and adventure.

Day 2 (23rd December 2024): “Unlocking Data Insights: Diving Deep into Data Analytics and Machine Learning”

The second day saw students diving into the world of data analytics with Professor Tan, who introduced them to key concepts like data importing, descriptive statistics, and visualization. The hands-on session on transforming raw data into actionable intelligence was insightful, followed by a collaborative Machine Learning project with peers from other schools. After a break, the students explored IMM Mall, completing a perfect blend of learning and cultural exploration.

Day 3 (24th December 2024): “Building Knowledge: Mastering Decision Trees and Machine Learning Models”

Under the expert guidance of Professor Tan, students explored decision trees, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Support Vector Machines (SVM), building a solid foundation in machine learning. The afternoon was filled with model-building and team collaborations. The day concluded with a team photoshoot to capture the memories of this enriching experience.

Day 4 (25th December 2024): “A Festive Adventure: Celebrating Christmas at Universal Studios Singapore”

On Christmas Day, the group took a well-deserved break from their academic endeavors and ventured to Universal Studios Singapore. The thrill of roller coasters, immersive rides, and festive entertainment filled the day, creating lasting memories. The highlight of the day was the upside-down roller coaster, and students ended the day with dinner and preparations for their next session at NUS.

Day 5 (26th December 2024): “Applying Machine Learning: Real-World Solutions in Healthcare and Sustainability”

Students were introduced to real-world applications of Machine Learning in various sectors, including healthcare and smart cities. With hands-on experience analyzing datasets, students began to see how AI is shaping the future. The evening was dedicated to preparing for presentations as students reflected on the insights they had gained.

Day 6 (27th December 2024): “Exploring Visual Intelligence: Learning Computer Vision and Object Detection”

The day was filled with exploration into text classification, sentiment analysis, and computer vision, covering object detection techniques like YOLO. Students worked on projects with their Teaching Assistants (TAs), applying the concepts learned to build their own models.

Day 7 (28th December 2024): “Sentosa and Beyond: Teamwork, Adventure, and Magical Moments”

A thrilling visit to Sentosa followed, where students experienced exciting attractions such as the Sky Luge and Sky Ride. They also enjoyed a special moment marveling at the magic of Harry Potter before participating in a successful mock presentation that showcased their teamwork and knowledge.

Day 8 (29th December 2024): “AWS Journey Begins: Navigating Cloud Computing for AI”

The day marked the start of the AWS journey, as students explored cloud computing and its role in AI. With hands-on sessions, students set up AWS accounts and learned how to navigate the platform. They also explored key AWS services like EC2, S3, and Lambda, gaining invaluable skills for their future careers.

Day 9 (30th December 2024): “Machine Learning in the Cloud: Building AI Solutions with AWS”

Students dove deeper into Amazon SageMaker and S3, learning how to create a seamless machine learning pipeline. They linked S3 to SageMaker to store and process datasets, providing them with a real-world understanding of cloud computing’s impact on AI. The evening featured a visit to Orchard Road, known for its festive atmosphere.

Day 10 (31st December 2024): “Celebrating the New Year: A Day of Learning, Exploration, and Festivities”

The day of the year was filled with awe-inspiring moments. The morning session at AWS explored the power of cloud computing for AI, while the evening brought students to the Night Safari, where they encountered nocturnal animals. The day culminated in a grand New Year’s Eve celebration at Marina Bay Sands, ringing in 2025 with joy, fireworks, and unforgettable memories.

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This immersive experience not only expanded the students' academic knowledge but also equipped them with essential global perspectives, making them future-ready in a technology-driven world. The program blended hands-on learning with cultural exploration, providing students with a truly holistic educational experience.