IIM Calcutta Takes International Immersion Programme to NTU
In a strategic shift prompted by global uncertainties, the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) has relocated its flagship international immersion programme to Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. This decision marks a significant change from previous years, where students typically traveled to Italy and Spain for their immersion experiences.
Background of the Programme
Professor Saravana Jaikumar, who played a pivotal role in the programme’s organization, explained the rationale behind the change. “For the last two to three years, we’ve been going to Italy and Spain – about half the batch to each country,” he stated. “This year, we decided not to go to Europe given the current geopolitical situation.”
IIM Calcutta’s Director, Professor Alok Kumar Rai, emphasized the importance of collaborating with top global institutions. He remarked, “As one of India’s premier institutions, IIM Calcutta must partner with the very best globally. In Singapore, NTU was a no-brainer.”
Programme Structure
The immersion programme, held at NTU’s Nanyang Business School from March 23 to 27, was meticulously designed to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience. The one-week programme featured four days of intensive classroom engagement, covering a range of contemporary topics including:
- Future customer experience
- Digital transformation
- Artificial intelligence and the future of work
- Sustainable finance
- Neuromarketing
These subjects were chosen to align with the evolving landscape of business and technology, ensuring that students received relevant and applicable knowledge.
Challenges and Achievements
Despite the last-minute nature of the programme, IIM Calcutta managed to collaborate with NTU to develop a holistic curriculum in just ten days. Professor Jaikumar noted, “The only major hurdle was trying to procure visas for 92 people. But we got tremendous support and were able to pull this off at the last minute.”
Student Perspectives
The immersion programme is a crucial component of IIM Calcutta’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, which is tailored for mid-career professionals aiming for leadership roles. Students expressed their enthusiasm and the value of the experience.
Atul Kotagal, a 34-year-old student, shared, “Given the level of interconnections across the world today, having an international immersion gives us an edge.” He highlighted the importance of understanding global business dynamics and the cultural sensitivities involved.
Another participant, Sumit Yadav, 30, emphasized the curriculum’s relevance across various industries. He remarked, “The content was very relevant, irrespective of which industry you come from,” and noted that neuromarketing was a particularly unique aspect of the programme. “The whole programme was very research-oriented and gave us a completely new perspective,” he added.
Innovative Teaching Approaches
The teaching methodology employed during the Singapore immersion differed significantly from previous European experiences. While past programmes were primarily case-based, the NTU programme emphasized discussion and real-world application. Professor Jaikumar observed, “Here, it was more interactive, with real-life examples and immersive scenarios.”
Engagement with the Singapore Ecosystem
Beyond academic learning, the programme provided students with opportunities to engage with Singapore’s broader economic landscape. A session featuring a representative from the Singapore Economic Development Board offered insights into Singapore’s development trajectory and future plans.
Additionally, students participated in an alumni interaction moderated by Mr. Sanjiv Aiyar, a member of IIM Calcutta’s Board of Governors. This session brought together several alumni in senior leadership roles and entrepreneurial ventures across Singapore, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.
Professor Jaikumar noted that the alumni engaged students in candid discussions about the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on industries and the evolving expectations of business leaders. This interaction provided aspiring professionals with valuable insights on how to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business environment.
Cultural Exploration
Evenings and free days were dedicated to exploring Singapore, adding a cultural dimension to the immersion experience. Students had the opportunity to experience the local culture, cuisine, and landmarks, enriching their understanding of the region.
Future Collaborations
The success of this year’s immersion programme has sparked discussions about deeper collaboration between IIM Calcutta and NTU. Professor Jaikumar mentioned, “We’ve had very productive discussions across multiple fronts. From making this a regular immersion, to joint research conferences, sustainability programmes, and even doctoral pathways, we’re planning to take this collaboration forward step by step.”
Conclusion
The international immersion programme at NTU has proven to be a valuable experience for IIM Calcutta students, equipping them with essential skills and insights for their future careers. As the world continues to evolve, such programmes play a crucial role in preparing business leaders for the challenges ahead.
Note: This article is based on information available as of April 2026 and reflects the ongoing developments in educational collaborations and international immersion programmes.
