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Timestamp 2023: Speech by A/P Allan Chia, Dean (School of Business) and Assistant Provost (External Relations & CET), SUSS

September 11, 2023

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning,

I am delighted to stand before you today at this esteemed conference. It’s an honour to be here among such accomplished professionals, who are deeply engaged in exploring the exciting and transformative world of Web3 technologies.

SUSS and Preparing Students for Web3 Companies

Today, I want to shed some light on how the Singapore University of Social Sciences, especially our business school, is playing a pivotal role in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that Web3 companies present. At SUSS, we offer a range of programs, including Bachelor, Master, DBA, and PhD courses designed to equip our students with the knowledge and skills required in this dynamic landscape. We are committed to producing graduates who are not only well-versed in traditional business principles but are also equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate the decentralised and digital realms of Web3

Our curriculum is designed to be forward-thinking and adaptable. We understand that Web3 companies demand different skills, and our courses reflect that. From blockchain technology and decentralised finance to smart contracts and inclusive fintech, our students receive comprehensive training that sets them up for success in the Web3 sector. They graduate with theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience that allows them to hit the ground running in this rapidly evolving field.

The “Serve the Society” Culture and Ethical Design Thinking

One of the unique aspects of SUSS is our “serve the society” culture. It’s not just a catchphrase; it’s deeply ingrained in our educational philosophy. This culture goes hand-in-hand with ethical design thinking in AI, blockchain, and Web3 products. As we navigate the complex ethical questions that arise in these technologies, our students are encouraged to consider not only the technological aspects but also the societal impact of their work.

We believe that innovation should not come at the expense of ethical responsibility. Our students are taught to ask the tough questions: How does this technology affect individuals and communities? What are the potential risks, and how can they be mitigated? This ethos ensures that our graduates are not only technically proficient but also ethically responsible professionals, equipped to make positive contributions to society while working in Web3 companies.

Encouraging Impact Investment and Charity in Web3 Companies

While we are excited about the potential of Web3 technologies to drive innovation and transformation, we also hope to see these companies take up a larger role in impact investment and charity. The decentralized and transparent nature of Web3 technologies can be harnessed to create positive change in the world. We encourage Web3 companies to allocate resources towards initiatives that address critical global challenges, such as environmental sustainability, poverty alleviation, and education.

By investing in impact-driven projects and engaging in charitable activities, Web3 companies have the opportunity to redefine corporate social responsibility in the digital age. As an educational institution committed to serving society, we stand ready to collaborate with these companies to make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet.

Congratulations on the Launch of the Web3 Association

Before I conclude, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the launch of the Web3 Association. This initiative marks a significant step forward in bringing together stakeholders from the Web3 industry to collaborate, share knowledge, and collectively shape the future of this exciting space. We look forward to collaborating with the Web3 Association and its members to ensure that the educational needs of the industry are met and that our students continue to receive the best possible preparation for their careers in Web3 companies.

Allow me at this point to deviate a bit and to talk about an anecdote from Singapore’s history. This week is historically significant in several aspects. First of course, today marks the anniversary of 911 and we remember the lives of close to 3,000 people who perished on that fateful morning 22 years ago. But this Saturday, 16 September, also marks a hundred years since 1923, when Mr Lee Kuan Yew was born. Now many of us will remember the scene when Mr Lee wept on live television. That was the 9th of August 1965. Just a month after that, on 12 September, in his first public speech since that day, Mr Lee delivered the now famous “From Mudflats to Metropolis” speech. Speaking at the Sree Narayana Mission in Sembawang, he said and I quote, “Over 100 years ago, this was a mudflat, swamp. Today, this is a modern city. 10 years from now, this will be a metropolis. Never fear.” I believe that today, we are at a Mudflats to Metropolis transformation moment in time. I do believe that in the next 10 years, we will all witness wonderful things to come from Web3.

In closing, SUSS is committed to empowering our students to excel in the ever-changing landscape of Web3 companies. Our “serve the society” culture instils ethical design thinking, and we encourage Web3 companies to invest in impact initiatives and charity. Together, we can create a Web3 ecosystem that drives innovation and contributes positively to society’s betterment.

Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to continued collaboration and growth in the exciting world of Web3.

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