SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 October 2026 – As businesses across Indonesia and Southeast Asia accelerate their use of artificial intelligence (AI), NUS Business School is exploring a different question: as AI gets better at providing answers, how can leaders get better at asking questions?
Dr. Emir Hrnjić, Senior Lecturer in Finance, NUS Business School (fifth from left), at a media engagement with Indonesian media in Singapore.
For more than a century, case-based learning has put students in the shoes of business leaders by giving information they need to analyse a problem, and then ask them how they would solve it.
Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing what it means to solve a case. Since January 2026, NUS Business School has been piloting an AI-enabled approach in which students are given an AI-simulated problem where they must determine what information they need, decide whom to ask, evaluate the answers they receive and make a recommendation under uncertainty.
The simulation is built on ScholAIstic, a generative AI platform developed by the NUS AI Centre for Educational Technologies (AICET) to support roleplaying and simulation-based learning.
Dr Emir Hrnjić, a Senior Lecturer in Finance at NUS Business School, has been working with AICET to adapt and refine these capabilities for management education, developing executive personas around the business case.
To date, the tool has now been used by close to 100 MBA and Executive MBA students across Singapore and Jakarta, many of whom are senior executives.
Sharpening the human instinct behind good decisions
In the pilot, students interview AI-simulated executives, including a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Product and Technology Officer, each offering a different perspective to the same business situation. Students must navigate these perspectives, assess the information they gather and reach their own conclusions.
After each interview, students receive personalised feedback on on their questioning, allowing them to reflect and adapt their approach in subsequent interviews.
Dr Hrnjić said: "Students must decide what they need to know, ask the right questions, challenge what they hear and exercise judgement without having the complete picture. The aim is not to replace that human instinct with AI, but to sharpen in by helping students become more discerning about what to ask and trust. That is much closer to how leaders make decisions in the real world."
Early findings suggest that effective use of AI is not about asking more questions but about asking the right ones. Analysis of interview transcripts showed found that stronger interviews had more targeted questions, follow-ups and adaptation as new information emerged, rather than simply working through a prepared list.
The findings point to a broader role for generative AI in management education. Rather than using AI primarily to search for information or generate answers, the technology can recreate the real-world scenarios, sharpening executives' judgement to better navigate uncertainty and competing perspectives they face in real organisations.
NUS Business School sees potential for similar AI-simulated tools to be applied to other areas of business education where students need to question stakeholders, negotiate competing interests and make decisions under uncertainty. The ambition is to move beyond the largely static information environment of the traditional case towards a dynamic one where students actively acquire information, pursue emerging lines of inquiry, challenge assumptions and exercise judgement as the problem unfolds.
The simulation is one part of NUS Business School's broader approach to integrating AI into education. The school is exploring how AI can enhance, rather than replace, meaningful learning, thereby helping students develop the judgement, critical thinking and adaptability needed to navigate an increasingly AI-enabled workplace.
This becomes increasingly important as AI takes on a greater role in business. Companies across Asia, including Indonesia, are rapidly adopting AI across their operations, making the ability to question and assess AI-generated information an increasingly important leadership skill. For Indonesia, the economic stakes are significant. A 2020 study by Kearney and EDBI projected that AI could contribute US$366 billion to the country's GDP by 2030, equivalent to 12 per cent of projected GDP.Hashtag: #NUSBusinessSchool
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About National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore's flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. We have 15 colleges, faculties and schools across three campuses in Singapore, with more than 40,000 students from 100 countries enriching our vibrant and diverse campus community. We have also established around 15 NUS Overseas Colleges entrepreneurial hubs around the world.
Our multidisciplinary and real-world approach to education, research and entrepreneurship enables us to work closely with industry, governments and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in our faculties, research centres of excellence, corporate labs and more than 30 university-level research institutes focus on themes that include energy; environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases; active ageing; advanced materials; risk management and resilience of financial systems; Asian studies; and Smart Nation capabilities such as artificial intelligence, data science, operations research and cybersecurity.
For more information on NUS, please visit nus.edu.sg.
About NUS Business School
The school has consistently ranked first in Asia by independent publications and agencies, such as The Financial Times and Quacquarelli Symonds, in recognition of the quality of its programmes, faculty research and graduates.
The school is accredited by AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System), endorsements that the school has met the highest standards for business education.
For more information about NUS Business School, please visit bschool.nus.edu.sg.
To discover our MBA, MSc or Executive Education courses, visit https://mscbiz.nus.edu.sg/, https://mba.nus.edu.sg/ or https://executive-education.nus.edu.sg/
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Hong Kong foil fencer Ryan Choi and AIA senior management shared insights to inspire young people to give back to Hong Kong through action
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 October 2026 – AIA Foundation awarded scholarships to 100 outstanding undergraduate students at the AIA Scholarships ceremony, marking the sixth cohort of AIA Scholars#. The ceremony also celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of AIA Scholars and highlighted the first-year progress of the "AIA Purpose in Action" initiative.
Mr Jacky Chan, AIA Regional Chief Executive and Group Chief Distribution Officer and Co-chairman of the AIA Scholarships Committee (fifth from left); Mr Stuart A. Spencer, AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer and Co-chairman of the AIA Scholarships Committee (fourth from left); Mr Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer, AIA Hong Kong & Macau and Director of AIA Foundation (fourth from right); and Ms Melissa Wong, Chief Customer & Marketing Officer, AIA Hong Kong & Macau and Director of AIA Foundation (third from left), together with Hong Kong foil fencer Mr Ryan Choi (fifth from right), representatives from partners including Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau, HandsOn Hong Kong, AIA Vitality Hub, Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong, as well as Hong Kong film director and screenwriter Mr James L.J. Hung, celebrated the first-year achievements of the "AIA Purpose in Action" initiative.
In 2020, AIA committed US$100 million to establish the AIA Scholarships to support 100 undergraduate students each year from 10 universities in Hong Kong. Administered by AIA Foundation in collaboration with the participating universities, the AIA Scholarships provide each recipient with an annual scholarship of HK$50,000 throughout their undergraduate studies. Since its establishment, the AIA Scholarships have supported nearly 600 university students, with more than 230 having completed their undergraduate studies.
Mr Jacky Chan, AIA Regional Chief Executive and Group Chief Distribution Officer and Co-chairman of the AIA Scholarships Committee (seventh from left); Mr Stuart A. Spencer, AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer and Co-chairman of the AIA Scholarships Committee (sixth from right); Mr Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer, AIA Hong Kong & Macau and Director of AIA Foundation (sixth from left), together with representatives of the 10 partner universities, congratulated the sixth cohort of scholarship recipients as they officially became AIA Scholars at the AIA Scholarships Ceremony.
In addition to academic achievement and financial need, a demonstrated commitment to community service is a key selection criterion for AIA Scholars. Since 2020, AIA Scholars have contributed more than 50,000 hours* of volunteer service through AIA Foundation's initiatives and other community projects.
Hong Kong foil fencer Ryan Choi, AIA senior management and AIA Scholars shared insights on inspiring change through action
At the ceremony, Mr Jacky Chan, AIA Regional Chief Executive and Group Chief Distribution Officer, and Mr Stuart A. Spencer, AIA Group Chief Marketing Officer, who serve as Co-chairmen of the AIA Scholarships Committee, shared their belief that building a healthier, more resilient and sustainable future requires collective effort. They highlighted how the AIA Scholarships equip young people with opportunities to broaden their horizons, realise their potential and explore new possibilities, with the aim of inspiring them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and help shape a better future.
Group photo of representatives from AIA Foundation, partner universities, partner organisations and AIA Scholars.
Mr Ryan Choi, Hong Kong foil fencer, joined Mr Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau and Director of AIA Foundation, and the AIA Scholar representatives for a dialogue on resilience and overcoming challenges. Through sharing their personal journeys, they inspired young people to pursue their dreams with confidence, realise their potential, create value for society and work together to help more people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.
Mr Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer, AIA Hong Kong & Macau and Director of AIA Foundation (first from left), and Hong Kong foil fencer Mr Ryan Choi (third from left), together with AIA Scholar representatives, shared how they are taking action to create change.
Ms Zara Chui, an AIA Scholar representative who graduated in 2024 and is currently a PhD candidate in Medicine at The University of Hong Kong, said: "The AIA Scholarships eased the financial burden of my undergraduate studies, allowing me to dedicate my summer breaks fully to scientific research. Through activities organised by AIA Foundation, I also had the opportunity to meet outstanding students from diverse academic disciplines. These interactions inspired me to think about the practical applications of research from different perspectives. As fatty liver disease is increasingly common among Asians yet often difficult to detect at an early stage, I hope my research can contribute to the development of innovative screening solutions that enable earlier detection and treatment, harnessing the power of scientific research to safeguard public health."
Mr Louis So, an AIA Scholar representative and active participant in the "AIA Purpose in Action" initiative, shared: "The 'AIA Purpose in Action' initiative has provided valuable opportunities for learning and personal growth. Through its activities, I have connected with like-minded AIA Scholars and people from different communities. These experiences have broadened my horizons and inspired me to contribute more actively to society. For me, the AIA Scholarships are not just financial assistance, but also an important recognition that has given me the confidence and courage to pursue my aspirations. I aspire to become an educator, fostering a culture of reading and connecting communities through literature."
Mr Ryan Choi and AIA Scholars.
"AIA Purpose in Action" initiative in collaboration with cross-sector partners advances education, health and community development
The ceremony also highlighted "AIA Purpose in Action" initiative ("Initiative") that launched last year to broaden AIA Foundation's impact beyond financial support. Through collaboration with partners and contributors, the Initiative features a series of curated experiences for AIA Scholars, supporting education, health and community development.
Over the past year, AIA Scholars have participated in a diverse range of activities under the Initiative, including:
| Partner / Contributor | Focus Area | Activities |
| Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau | Education | Artificial intelligence ("AI") and future career sharing session |
| AIA Human Resources Team | Career planning and interview skills session |
| Tottenham Hotspur Football Club^ | Health | "AIA Purpose in Action: Physical and Mental Wellness Morning", a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session |
| AIA Vitality Hub^ |
| HandsOn Hong Kong^ | Community Development | Wheelchair Care & Support Volunteering Workshop |
| AIA Hong Kong | Community volunteering activities at AIA Community Day |
Building on this strong momentum, the Initiative will continue to broaden its range of experiences, with more contributors supportingnew activities designed to empower AIA Scholars making social impact and fostering their creativity:
| Upcoming Contributor | Focus Area | Background Information |
| Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong | Community Development | A registered charity advancing education on creating shared value, enabling non-governmental organisations and companies to address societal needs through sustainable business models. |
| Mr James L.J. Hung | Education - Creativity Development | Hong Kong film director and screenwriter who integrates AI technology into a two-dimensional (2D) hand-drawn production process to showcase the synergy of creativity and technology. |
The AIA Scholarships will continue to uphold their mission of empowering students to pursue higher education, broaden their perspectives, and reach their full potential, while nurturing socially responsible future leaders to help create a more sustainable society.
Notes to Editor
The AIA Scholarships are dedicated to supporting local students pursuing their undergraduate studies in one of the following universities (in alphabetical order) in Hong Kong:
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Hong Kong Shue Yan University
- Lingnan University
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong
- The Education University of Hong Kong
- The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- The University of Hong Kong
# "AIA Scholars" herein refers to the awardees of the AIA Scholarships.
* The volunteer hours are based on the annual declarations submitted by AIA Scholars, and include participation in AIA Foundation's initiatives and other self-initiated community service activities.
^ "HandsOn Hong Kong" herein refers to "Handson Hong Kong Limited". "Tottenham Hotspur Football Club" herein refers to "Tottenham Hotspur Limited". AIA Vitality Hub is operated by The Entertainment Corporation Limited (TECL).
Hashtag: #AIA
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About AIA Foundation
AIA Foundation was established in 1995 with its commitment on the advancement of education and health, the relief of poverty, sickness and disability, and the advancement of environmental protection and community development through diverse charitable activities to create shared value. AIA Foundation focuses on nurturing children and youth with its long-term commitment to cultivate a healthier and more productive future human capital. AIA Foundation strives on the advancement of health helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives, and actively supports the less privileged aiming to contribute to the community at large.
For more information about AIA Foundation and the AIA Scholarships, please visit our website.
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