Singapore University of Technology and Design

Founded in 2010, SIngapore University of Technology and Design pitches itself as “The world’s first Design·AI university, built for the new AI world”. It adds: “AI isn’t just a skillset – it’s a mindset.” 

The sleak, steamlined campus buildings, surrounded by aerial walkways and verdant lawns, resemble a tech business park – though one complete with two antique Chinese houses, fully restored and used as teaching and recreational spaces. 

Academic study is divided into “Pillars, clusters and programmes”, rather than departments. These pillars, clusters and programmes are: architecture and sustainable design; design and artificial intelligence; engineering product design; engineering systems and design; humanities, arts and social sciences; information systems technology and design; and science, mathematics and technology. 

On-campus hostels are a 10-minute walk from classrooms and lecture halls. It is compulsory for first-year students to stay in these dorm rooms – with two students per bedroom – for the first two terms of their degree. The communal kitchen features white and steel surfaces, complete with induction hobs and vending machines. Hostel recreation rooms include beanbags and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Campus facilities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, a dance studio and a Chinese opera stage. There are more than 80 student societies, grouped under the headings of arts, community, sports, culture and makers. They range from Chinese orchestra and Indian dance club to crochet interest group, photographic circle and a writers’ group called Writers’ Block.