International Study Trip 2026: Singapore

Welcome to our study trip to Singapore — one of the leading locations for fintech, blockchain, digital trust, AI, smart nation and digital transformation. The 2026 study trip connects participants with innovative partners, companies, and ecosystems. 

map

place of event

Singapur
Singapur

Singapore is one of the leading global innovation hubs for fintech, blockchain, digital trust, AI, smart nation and digital transformation. The 2026 study trip covers all these topics in a compact, high-quality format. Participants get access to universities, innovation agencies, companies, ecosystem organizations and to a global highlight: the Singapore FinTech Festival.

Program

Sunday, November 15, 2026

  • Welcome with Dinner (informal)

Monday, November 16, 2026 – History, Culture and Singapore's SG60 Vision

  • Welcome and Program Introduction
  • National Museum Singapore
  • Singapore City Gallery
  • Welcome Note at Swiss Embassy; Orientation to the Singapore Ecosystem
  • Dinner/Barbecue at Swiss Club Singapore
  • Life and Entrepreneurship in Singapore from a Swiss Perspective

Tuesday, November 17, 2026 – Innovation Ecosystem Singapore: Lab Visits

  • Visit to University Research Lab
  • Discussion Forum, Workshop on Digital Trust, Data Economy, AI, Robotics, Web3, e-Governance, e-Health
  • Visit to Corporate Innovation Lab or Startup Hub
  • Deep Tech Event with S-GE

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 – SFF: curated, guided visits, events

  • Keynote at SFF
  • Ant Group (Alibaba, Alipay) - Booth Visit
  • Swiss Pavilion: TBD
  • Booth Visits, e.g. SC Ventures (StanChart)
  • SFF Event Activities

Thursday, November 19, 2026 – SFF: curated, guided visits, events / Lab visit

  • Booth Visits, Panel Discussion(s)
  • Visit to Lab or Innovation/ Startup Hub
 

Friday, November 20, 2026 – Reflection, Wrap-up, Action Plan

  • Feedback Session and Takeaways (workshop)
  • Individual activity by participants: Networking, Business Meetings, Leisure, etc.
  • Voluntary "ethnic quarters walking tour"
  • Optional Drinks & Dinner

more information

Activities

  • Tour of the AI and robotics labs at the university 
  • Visit to a leading innovation or tech incubator: Insights into startup-building, digital business models, venture mechanics, and the international scaling of tech-based companies.  
  • Exchange with companies and ecosystem players that have successfully broken into the Southeast Asian market 
    Focus: Internationalization, customer acquisition, regulatory framework, talent strategies and operational scaling. 
  • Conversation with a local industry or ecosystem organization: e.g., fintech, digital trust, AI or tech associations with knowledge of governance, trends, regulation and innovation policy. 
  • Meeting with a local venture capital or growth equity provider. Topics: Financing of tech and data startups, investment trends in Asia, due diligence, emerging tech (AI, digital assets, cloud, data economies).
  • Visit to a national innovation agency: e.g., Enterprise Singapore or GovTech—insights into smart nation, digital administration, data strategies, AI safety and innovation funding.  
  • Attendance of the Singapore FinTech Festival with access to global experts from fintech, AI, data science, digital assets, regtech, sustainability and digital trust.
  • Exchange with Singapore-based Swiss firms active in areas including fintech, AI, data analytics, cloud, cyber security, and digital transformation. Introduction to best practices for market entry, regulation, product development, and ecosystem positioning.

Information

Dates

Monday, 16 November 2026 to Friday 20 November 2026

Costs

CHF 2’450 for participants in and graduates of CAS and MAS programs (HSLU Alumni premium members)
CHF 3'450 for external participants

Costs for travel, meals, accommodation and FinTech Festival tickets are not included.

Participants

This study trip is an opportunity for experts and senior managers to experience digital transformation, ecosystems, and international business models firsthand. 

It is primarily for participants in the continuing education programs offered by the Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology and the Institute for Financial Services Zug IFZ at the Lucerne School of Business. 

Interested parties without affiliation to the HSLU may apply as well.

Travel

Participants are responsible for their own travel. Early booking is recommended: fares are expected to rise due to the FinTech Festival. Please find below a recommended travel option from Zurich, Switzerland:

Option 1 – Singapore Airlines / SWISS codeshare
Zurich ZRH – Singapore SIN
Saturday, November 14, 2026, departure from Zurich at approx. 10:15 a.m. – arrival in Singapore at approx. 5:50 a.m. on Sunday
Flight e.g., SQ345 / LX9000

Option 2 – SWISS nonstop flight
Zurich ZRH – Singapore SIN
Saturday, November 14, 2026, departure from Zurich at approx. 10:40 p.m. – arrival in Singapore at approx. 5:10 p.m. on Sunday
Flight e.g., LX176

Please note that the flight is not included in the price of the study trip and must be booked individually.

Accommodation

For accommodation, we recommend the YMCA @ One Orchard hotel as a budget-friendly option. The hotel is centrally located on Orchard Road and offers convenient MRT access, as well as a rooftop terrace with a pool. More information: https://ymcaoneorchard.org.sg/

Citatines Connect City Centre Singapore
Website
Google Maps link

At the moment – that is, in early September – there are still relatively affordable rates available, but these will rise as our study trip draws nearer (particularly due to the Singapore Fintech Festival).

Ideally, we’ll all be staying within walking distance of one another, so that we can get the day’s programme underway without wasting any time.

Please note that accommodation is not included in the price of the study trip and must be booked individually.

Language

English

Participating experts

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How to apply

Since places are limited, an application is required. This is also to ensure that the group is motivated and interdisciplinary in composition.

Applications will be still accepted.

The program will definitely take place. Registration is still open.