
AI has moved from the periphery to the core of competitive strategy. For leaders, this shift is both an opportunity and an imperative. The organisations that will define the next decade are those that turn AI fluency into strategic advantage — reshaping business models, operations, and culture with intent.
The Singapore Management University's Chief AI Officer Programme equips you with the strategic acumen, technical literacy and leadership capability to drive AI transformation in your organisation. Designed specifically for leaders navigating AI adoption in dynamic, resource-conscious environments, the programme integrates rigorous academic frameworks with practitioner insight and applied learning — enabling you to move with confidence from strategic clarity to decisive execution.
Delivered by SMU Executive Development (SMU ExD), the programme combines live interactive virtual sessions, intensive working labs and a two-day in-person immersion on the SMU campus. Participants will develop an AI Transformation Roadmap — a rigorous, personalised capstone deliverable designed to guide enterprise-level decision-making and organisational transformation well beyond the programme.
Start Date
12 September 2026
Duration
6 months
Fee
USD 5,400
Building on the strategic foundations covered in the virtual modules, this session focuses on translating AI ambition into execution. Participants will explore how organisations move from pilots to enterprise-scale deployment, with emphasis on data strategy, infrastructure readiness, and human-machine collaboration. The session will also unpack real-world challenges in operationalising AI—balancing innovation with governance, managing risks, and ensuring alignment with business value. Participants will stress-test elements of their AI Transformation Roadmap, refining priorities and execution pathways.
Afternoon Site Visits
AWS/ Certis
Participants will visit AWS or Certis to explore how leading organisations operationalise AI at scale by navigating the complex intersection of cloud infrastructure, data governance, and enterprise risk with rigour and precision.
As organisations accelerate AI adoption, the question is no longer whether to deploy AI, but how to do so responsibly. This session, led by the faculty, will draw on their research at the intersection of AI, society, and digital inclusion to examine the ethical, governance, and human implications of AI at scale. Participants will explore how AI systems shape behaviour, decision-making, and access—often in ways that are invisible yet consequential. The session will unpack the governance frameworks required to ensure fairness, accountability, and trust, while also addressing the societal and organisational responsibilities of leaders deploying AI. Building on the programme’s earlier modules, participants will critically evaluate their AI Transformation Roadmap through a governance lens—ensuring that innovation is not only scalable, but also responsible and sustainable.
Afternoon Site Visits
Microsoft / Google
Participants will visit Microsoft or Google, engaging directly with the architects of global AI governance and the frameworks, standards, and accountability mechanisms shaping the future of responsible AI at scale.
Building on the strategic foundations covered in the virtual modules, this session focuses on translating AI ambition into execution. Participants will explore how organisations move from pilots to enterprise-scale deployment, with emphasis on data strategy, infrastructure readiness, and human-machine collaboration. The session will also unpack real-world challenges in operationalising AI—balancing innovation with governance, managing risks, and ensuring alignment with business value. Participants will stress-test elements of their AI Transformation Roadmap, refining priorities and execution pathways.
Afternoon Site Visits
AWS/ Certis
Participants will visit AWS or Certis to explore how leading organisations operationalise AI at scale by navigating the complex intersection of cloud infrastructure, data governance, and enterprise risk with rigour and precision.
As organisations accelerate AI adoption, the question is no longer whether to deploy AI, but how to do so responsibly. This session, led by the faculty, will draw on their research at the intersection of AI, society, and digital inclusion to examine the ethical, governance, and human implications of AI at scale. Participants will explore how AI systems shape behaviour, decision-making, and access—often in ways that are invisible yet consequential. The session will unpack the governance frameworks required to ensure fairness, accountability, and trust, while also addressing the societal and organisational responsibilities of leaders deploying AI. Building on the programme’s earlier modules, participants will critically evaluate their AI Transformation Roadmap through a governance lens—ensuring that innovation is not only scalable, but also responsible and sustainable.
Afternoon Site Visits
Microsoft / Google
Participants will visit Microsoft or Google, engaging directly with the architects of global AI governance and the frameworks, standards, and accountability mechanisms shaping the future of responsible AI at scale.
Module Outcomes
Develop the technical and strategic awareness and creativity to assess AI capabilities, anticipate disruption, and make informed leadership decisions as the AI landscape continues to evolve.
Module Outcomes
Design and lead AI-enabled transformation across workforce and sustainability dimensions, translating strategic insight into executable, responsible and commercially grounded enterprise change.
Module Outcomes
Translate AI ambition into sustained enterprise value by scaling initiatives from pilots to enterprise deployment, strengthening data and infrastructure foundations, embedding responsible governance, and leading organisational change with resilience, clarity, and influence.
The Program fee encompasses tuition fees, academic materials, and program-related meal expenses. The fees explicitly exclude transportation, lodging, visa charges, and any unspecified expenses. Furthermore, it does not encompass additional costs beyond those expressly detailed herein. Please note that in the event of a global or regional catastrophe, or any unforeseen circumstances, the program's schedule, delivery method, faculty, and associated elements are subject to change at the sole discretion of the university.

Upon completion of the programme, post university’s approval, you will be eligible to be part of the SMU community as an associate alumni and continue your lifelong affiliation with the university. You’d also be able to gain access to the curated benefits and perks, including exclusive resources and offers that are accorded only to SMU alumni.
Up to 20% discount* on SMU Executive Development Open Enrolment programmes (*For selected programmes only. One discount applicable per registration. Multiple or combined discounts are not accepted)
Invites to professional networking events, workshops and webinars
Privileges and discounts by selected SMU merchant partners
Quarterly alumni newsletter, SMU CIRCLE
Participants who successfully complete the SMU Chief AI Officer Programme will be awarded a Certificate from Singapore Management University's Executive Development division.

Upon meeting the programme's completion requirements, participants will be considered for Associate Alumni status, subject to SMU's approval.
This programme is designed for senior leaders and executives who are responsible for, or preparing to lead, AI-driven strategy and transformation within their organisations.
Senior leaders, founders and C-suite executives seeking to lead AI transformation with strategic clarity and executive confidence
Functional leaders and managers responsible for innovation, digital transformation or technology strategy
High-potential executives preparing to step into AI-related strategic or C-suite leadership roles
Prerequisites
Minimum 10 years of professional experience with a demonstrated track record of leadership responsibility
At least an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification