What I Learned About AI (and Myself) In Southeast Asia

When I heard about Artificial Intelligence in Emerging Markets [CS444], a two-week faculty-led study abroad course in Southeast Asia, I was excited: It fit with my goal to immerse myself in a global experience and support my professional interests and my FinTech [Finance and Technology] major. I was also looking for an alternative to a full semester studying abroad.  

Before applying, I met with one of the faculty leaders, Professor [Lincoln] Matra [senior lecturer in Computer Information Systems], so I could truly understand what I was signing up for. One thing that stuck with me from that conversation was when he said, “You should not come back the same way you left.” Not only was it about the content I would learn, but it was about what I would take away from all aspects of life and experiences.  

SINGAPORE

When the plane touched down in Singapore and we got to customs, I was impressed by the fully automated AI process that scans your passport, face and body.   

It was early in the day, so we got right to it with tours of historical sites and hawker centers, which are like food courts with diverse authentic cuisine and “street food.” We ended with dinner and a night river cruise around Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Marina Sands Bay. And that was just the first day.  

I woke up at about 6:00 the next morning to explore the hotel — my roommate and I worked out at the rooftop gym — before later meeting the retired U.S. Ambassador to Singapore [Ford Hart], who had done work in many regions within Asia, most notably Hong Kong. He had a lot of insight on the government, interactions among different countries and how Singapore has to carefully navigate trade policies because of limited natural resources and their allyship with both China and the U.S.   

At a visit to Schneider Electric Innovation Center, a representative spoke about AI usage and sustainability.  Our final company destination that day was the KPMG Digital Village, an innovation hub based within Singapore dedicated to using AI to make KMPG business operations more seamless and more efficient for clients.  

One thing about the intensive course: We had time to explore the culture for ourselves. Part of our assignment was to talk to at least one local person in each country. It was good because it encouraged us to make connections. A memorable conversation: A KPMG employee who emphasized the importance of never letting yourself stop growing and to always seek out ways to improve yourself.  

My big AI takeaway from my Singapore visit: The advancement of AI will reshape the world more rapidly and on a grander scale than I had previously imagined. While I was aware of the broad impact of generative AI such as ChatGPT and other automated systems, I did not fully grasp just how much it had disrupted the status quo. AI has become the focal point of companies’ conversations about advancing all aspects of their business.  

VIETNAM

The next country was my favorite of the trip: Vietnam. It was so different than any place I had ever seen.   

We visited two universities: RMIT University. where they’re doing a lot of research on AI in healthcare, and Fulbright University. Talking to students about their life was impactful for me because I realized that we were in a similar place with our lives and goals but were living completely different lives because of where we were born.   

A cool surprise: Phuc Diep ’25, who was home in Vietnam for winter break, took us on a tour that included a Michelin Star restaurant and his favorite matcha spot. Sidenote: Before the trip I wasn’t a matcha fan, but I am now!   

The next day we went to the War Remnants Museum in South Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City. After the museum, we traveled to the more rural part of Vietnam where we explored bunkers and underground Cu Chi tunnels where soldiers hid and lived during the Vietnam War. It was somber and eye opening and gave me a new appreciation for the depth and complexity of history and the violence felt by both sides.  

MALAYSIA

Our final stop was Malaysia, and it didn’t disappoint. A big takeaway from company site visits there: AI is a tool you must become adept at using to remain relevant, not only in the job market but in society. At CIMB, the chief data officer, Pedro Uria-Recio, told us: “People who cannot adapt will be left behind.” Bonus: He wrote a book about AI, “How AI Will Shape Our Future,” and we got to download it for free.   

When we met a leader from the World Bank later in the day, she talked about how they’re helping ensure that AI is being implemented into jobs versus taking jobs away from people.   

At the end of the day, we stopped at the Asia School of Business. The cool thing is that one of our advisers on the trip, Sean Ferguson, served as a senior associate dean at the school before coming to Bentley [as vice president for Strategy and Innovation].  

We also visited the royal palace of the Sultan of Johor and saw the King’s Guard exchange their horses. During a visit to the Batu Caves, a Hindu pilgrimage site with a huge gold statue, we walked up its famous 272 colorful steps to the main cave.  

BRINGING THE JOURNEY BACK HOME 

While the visits on this trip were naturally focused on AI due to the curriculum, it was striking to see how much dedication has already been put into these discussions within companies. Beyond just hearing about AI, I witnessed firsthand how Southeast Asia is becoming a hub for AI by the level of automation and high-tech infrastructure. Personally, Singapore stood out as the most advanced of the three countries I visited, but all of them had notable examples of AI implementation in various aspects.  

This trip not only enhanced my understanding of AI but also left me with a sense of urgency to stay informed and prepared for its inevitable impact on the world. I believe it’s easy to fall into the mindset of using AI solely as a tool to replace people and cut costs. However, I think its true potential lies in its ability to optimize workflows and elevate human capabilities.  

When I was accepted to the AI in Emerging Markets course, I told myself that I was not going to say “No” to opportunities during the two weeks — whether it was trying new food, traveling on a moped or interviewing professionals from different prestigious companies about AI and its implications.   

That’s the advice I would give to anyone considering an experience abroad: Maximize it. Make the most out of what you’re doing. And don’t forget to say “Yes” to every new experience.  

As I reflect on takeaways from the course, I’ve realized that it goes beyond academic learning. I got to see the impact of AI in business firsthand, and the cultural experiences proved Professor Matra right: I came back from the trip a different person.   

Markus Facey-Castillo ’27 is a resident assistant and serves as operations chair for Black United Body and on the marketing committee for the Bentley Mankind Movement. He recently accepted a summer 2025 product specialist internship at Mazda Motor Corporation.  

The Cronin Office of International Education partners with Bentley faculty to design global experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.