As Singapore moves toward a green economy, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) is introducing three new academic programmes to better prepare students for careers in the sustainability sector as well as the rapidly evolving fields of blockchain and quantum technologies. The new academic year will begin in August.
Students enrolled in any single-major degree programme are eligible to apply for NTU Singapore’s new Second Major in Sustainability, which will provide them with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to comprehend sustainability concepts, apply them to real-world situations, and take advantage of job opportunities in the field as the country works to achieve its sustainability goals.
The Second Major in Sustainability integrates pertinent courses from NTU’s Colleges of Science, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as the Nanyang Business School, in keeping with NTU’s interdisciplinary approach to education.
Since quantum technologies quickly transition from research into development and commercialisation, NTU is now creating a Second Major in Quantum Technologies to equip students for postgraduate work in the nascent quantum industry.
The Physics and Applied Physics degree programmes, which lay the groundwork for comprehending quantum technologies, are built upon by the new Second Major in Quantum Technologies. Selected first-year Physics and Applied Physics students can stay current on a variety of cutting-edge quantum technologies with this Second Major, including quantum information processing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing.
Moreover, NTU is the first university in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region to offer a master’s degree in blockchain technology. Blockchain technology and its cutting-edge applications across numerous industries, from finance and banking to energy and health care, are the main emphasis of the postgraduate programme.
The NTU Centre in Computational Technologies for Finance, which is jointly led by the university’s College of Engineering and Nanyang Business School, offers the new Master of Science programme in Blockchain Technology. The timing of it coincides with the Singaporean government’s efforts to position the nation as a centre for blockchain research and commercialisation.
According to NTU Acting President, Deputy President, and Provost Professor Ling San, “We live in a time where complex issues like climate change are considered not just from an environmental perspective, but also in terms of social justice, economic development, technological adaptation, and political will.”
As Singapore moves toward a green economy, he continued, the new Second Major in Sustainability will enable the students to explore a wide range of professional prospects in the sustainability industry.
He added that quantum technologies are another area that is fast evolving. Research in this area is heading toward commercialisation, and physicists will be essential in creating these revolutionary future technologies.
Students will be able to supplement their studies in Applied Physics or Physics with the new Second Major in Quantum Technologies, which will enable them to gain a deeper understanding of the most recent advancements in this subject.
Students are encouraged to study these highly scientific subjects from the perspectives of science, engineering, the humanities, and social science in some of the courses offered under these new second majors, which are extremely multidisciplinary in nature. As stated in NTU 2025, the University’s five-year strategic plan is in line with NTU’s interdisciplinary approach to education.
Prof Ling added that in the new Master of Science in Blockchain Technology programme, governments and organisations must now ensure the security, confidentiality, and integrity of data due to the current global economy’s reliance on it.
Blockchain technology has the potential to provide infrastructure and solutions for digital trust. With the help of the new Master’s degree in blockchain technology, NTU will be able to develop a talent pipeline that can support blockchain R&D in Singapore.
