Daniel James
Master of IT in Business (Artifical Intelligence)
January 2024 Intake
My fascination with Artificial Intelligence began in 2018 when I saw OpenAI’s Five mastering Dota 2 and later witnessed the rapid advancements in the field, culminating in the launch of ChatGPT. The idea of not just understanding but contributing to these groundbreaking technologies led me to pursue the Master of IT in Business (MITB) Artificial Intelligence programme at Singapore Management University.
Having worked in Technology Consulting for five years—developing data analysis solutions at PwC and managing cloud migration projects at Oracle—I wanted a programme that would deepen my technical expertise while keeping me connected to real-world industry applications. MITB stood out for its industry-focused curriculum, hands-on learning approach, and strong reputation in the AI space. My previous travels to Singapore had left me with a fondness for the city, and SMU’s vibrant learning environment made my decision even easier.
The MITB program has been an enriching experience, offering not just knowledge but also a network of like-minded peers, faculty, and industry professionals. One of my most memorable moments was my first project in Spreadsheet Modeling, where my teammates and I developed an Expense Planning Application for university students. The journey was incredibly fun, with pizza parties following days of brainstorming, analysing tons of data, and creating the representative model. The synergy within the team was amazing, and we thoroughly enjoyed presenting the final product to the professor and class, proud of our work.
A highlight of my MITB studies was my six-month credit-bearing internship at Continental Automotive. Applying concepts from modules like Natural Language Processing and Prompt Engineering, I developed an AI-driven solution that was presented at the highest levels of the company on a global scale. The experience solidified my confidence in AI’s real-world applications, allowing me to grow both technically and professionally. One of the most fulfilling moments was leading a knowledge-sharing session on Agentic AI at an annual AI convention—an experience that not only sharpened my expertise but also helped me build confidence in presenting complex ideas to a broader audience.
What I love most about MITB is the interactive, seminar-style learning environment. Professors go beyond theory, emphasizing hands-on applications and industry relevance. Among them, Dr James Koh stands out—his engaging teaching style and unwavering support, particularly in Reinforcement Learning, have left a lasting impact on my learning journey.
Outside of classes, SMU’s location in the heart of the city enhances the overall experience. Whether it’s meeting with my peers to work on projects in the Graduate Lounge at the LKS Library or unwinding at Fort Canning Park, every moment spent on campus has been meaningful.
As I prepare for the next phase of my career, I can confidently say that MITB has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and connections to thrive in the evolving AI landscape. For anyone considering this programme—regardless of background—MITB offers the perfect blend of technical rigor, industry exposure, and a dynamic learning environment.
