Bridging Technology and Business: Arimboor Sibin Sunny Exchange experience at SMU

Arimboor (Sibin) Sunny, a student from the ICS MBA Program Class 2024, shares his exchange experience at Singapore Management University (SMU). With a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Sibin reflects on how SMU’s MITB program deepened his understanding of the intersection between technology and business. He shares the academic environment, course content, and practical learning approaches, as well as the professional and networking opportunities gained during the exchange. His insights offer valuable guidance for students considering the exchange program as part of their second-year MBA program activities.

Why did you choose SMU?
I chose SMU primarily because of the relevance of the MITB program to my academic background and interests. I completed my undergraduate studies in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and I wanted to further understand how technology-related concepts translate into business decisions, processes, and strategy, particularly at a time when AI and digital systems are increasingly central across industries.

The MITB program stood out because it brings together students and faculty who are comfortable working at the intersection of technology and business. This created an environment where classroom discussions were efficient and practical, supported by a shared understanding of systems, constraints, and real-world applications. It also provided a natural setting for professional networking and longer-term connections.

How did you prepare for the exchange program?
Before the exchange, I connected with SMU MITB exchange students who were studying at Hitotsubashi ICS. These discussions helped me understand the academic structure at SMU, classroom expectations, accommodation options, and general living conditions in Singapore.
From an administrative perspective, both Hitotsubashi ICS and SMU provided clear guidance throughout the exchange process. Support with course registration and documentation made the overall preparation relatively smooth and allowed me to focus on academic readiness rather than logistics.

What did you study at SMU?
During the exchange term, I took the courses ”Experimental Learning and Design Thinking” and “Global Sourcing of Technology and Processes”.

My interest in taking Design Thinking at SMU was shaped by exposure to the framework across different academic and cultural contexts, including during my undergraduate studies in India, Global Network Week (GNW) 2025 in Mexico at EGADE Business School, and my MBA coursework in Japan. These experiences highlighted that while the core framework remains consistent, its application varies depending on cultural context, industry focus, and the period in which it is taught.

The Experimental Learning and Design Thinking course at SMU emphasized a human centered approach to problem-solving. Rather than working toward predefined solutions, teams were encouraged to prototype continuously and refine ideas based on user feedback, allowing user behavior and responses to guide the final outcome.

In the Global Sourcing of Technology and Processes course, we worked on real-world case studies and participated in mock vendor pitching exercises, where teams presented sourcing solutions to a client from a vendor’s perspective. These exercises required balancing technical feasibility, process design, cost considerations, and communication, closely reflecting real industry decision-making scenarios.

The courses were taught by faculty with industry experience, and feedback was grounded in practical application rather than theory alone.

Any students’ activities?
During the exchange, I mainly participated in informal gatherings rather than formal student activities. Outside the university, I also met with professionals based in Singapore, many of whom I was already acquainted with prior to the exchange. Being an exchange student at SMU allowed me to further expand my network there through these connections.

These interactions took place independently of SMU-organized events and complemented the academic experience by providing practical perspectives on how technology and business decisions are made outside the classroom. At the same time, SMU offers a wide range of activities and initiatives that exchange students can actively participate in, which are well worth considering.

Do you suggest that students choose the Exchange Program for the 2nd-year activity?
I would recommend the exchange program to ICS students who are interested in experiencing a different academic environment while continuing to study subjects aligned with their core MBA curriculum. It is worth noting that some courses may require a relevant technical background or prior knowledge in the subject area.

In addition to academic exposure, the exchange also provides valuable opportunities to expand one’s professional network through interactions with peers, faculty, and professionals in the host country. The exchange offered exposure to alternative teaching approaches and expanded academic perspectives, making it a strong second-year academic option.