CH From July 28 to August 2, supported by Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s "Dream-Sailing" initiative, the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics organized over 20 undergraduate students for a practical activity in Singapore focused on the theme "AI Empowering Aerospace." Through academic exchanges, visits to leading universities, and cultural immersion, the program aimed to enhance students' professional skills and cross-cultural awareness.
Summit Discussions: AI Empowering Aerospace
A highlight of the trip was attending the ICASSE 2025 international academic conference. The two-day event provided a platform for students to interact with global scholars. They actively participated in the poster session, discussing cutting-edge topics such as "AI Model Predictions of Swirl Flow Fields" and "AI-Based Counter-Drone Solutions" with experts from institutions like the University of Toronto.
Engage in exchanges with foreign experts
The conference featured 31 high-quality academic posters from universities including Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the Technical University of Munich Asia Campus, and Chiang Mai University. Research covered advanced fields like intelligent sensing and flight control modeling. After evaluation by an international review committee of 20 experts, students Chen Xuanyu, Zan Bohan, and Wang Yuan from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, along with Luo Junxiong from the Technical University of Munich Asia Campus, received the "Best Poster Award."
The winning photo of the "Best Poster Award"
Throughout the conference, students joined thematic forums on "Intelligent Aircraft" and "Autonomous Navigation," attentively listened to keynote speeches, and engaged in Q&A sessions, gaining valuable insights into the latest developments integrating AI with aerospace.
The ICASSE 2025 Conference Venue
Group photo of ICASSE 2025 Conference
University Visits: Strengthening Exchanges and Cooperation
A key objective was to deepen international educational collaboration. The first stop was the Technical University of Munich Asia Campus (TUM Asia). Professor HERMANUTZ Andreas gave an overview of the campus and delivered a lecture on aircraft structural design and material applications.
Professor HERMANUTZ Andreas's lecture
Group photo with the teachers and students of TUM
At the Satellite Research Centre (SaRC) of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), instructor Lim Wee Seng detailed the center’s progress since launching its first satellite, XSAT, in 2011. By 2025, SaRC had successfully designed, built, tested, and operated 13 satellites. Students discussed satellite design and launch site selection with experts.
Visit the satellite research and development center of NTU
The trip concluded with a visit to the National University of Singapore (NUS). Professor Zeng Kaiyang introduced graduate programs and guided a tour of the Hydrogen Energy Research Centre. The advanced facilities and rigorous research environment left a strong impression on the students, fostering understanding of Singapore’s higher education strengths and paving the way for future research and talent development collaboration.
Visit the Hydrogen Energy Research Center of NUS
Cultural Experience: Discovering Singapore’s Charm
Beyond academics, students immersed themselves in Singapore’s urban culture. The National Museum showcased the nation’s advancements in defense technology and social development through historical archives and multimedia exhibits. The Merlion Park symbolized the city’s openness and inclusivity, while Gardens by the Bay blended technology and nature, displaying unique charm. A visit to Changi Airport, renowned as the "World’s Best Airport," offered a lively perspective on Singapore’s "Garden City" identity, highlighting its innovative urban planning.
Visit the National Museum of Singapore
Check in at Gardens by the Bay
A Visit to Changi Airport
Reflections
Li Dongkun (2024 undergraduate student, SJTU-MAI program, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics):
"The 'Dream-Sailing' project attracted me with its academic rigor and global vision. I hoped to gain exposure to international higher education and improve my English and cross-cultural communication skills. Engaging with scholars worldwide at the conference and during university visits enhanced my ability to present research in English and boosted my professional and intercultural competencies. Learning about forefront aerospace research and methodologies has guided my future academic path. This experience motivates me to pursue further exploration in research, and I look forward to joining more such international programs."
Ding Yu (2023 undergraduate student, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics):
"The most memorable part was the academic atmosphere at ICASSE 2025 and the university tours. I realized that cutting-edge technology relies on rigorous theoretical foundations and interpretability, validated through extensive experimentation. This emphasis on scientific rigor reshaped my approach to research. Preparing the academic poster taught me that research requires not only innovation but also refining ideas into practical, reliable solutions."
Wang Mengna (2023 undergraduate student, SJTU-MAI program, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics):
"I was inspired by a Japanese scholar’s idea of 'extracting aluminum from lunar soil' for Mars rocket fuel—turning a sci-fi concept into feasible research through experimentation. This showed me that no idea is too ambitious if tested methodically. Initially, I struggled with English communication, but by persevering—using gestures, diagrams, and translation tools—I improved significantly. Letting go of perfection made communication easier."
Pan Zimo (2022 undergraduate student, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics):
"Presenting my research at an international conference was a rewarding experience. The 'Dream-Sailing' project offered exposure to top-tier academia and local culture. The forums on AI and aerospace revealed AI’s role as essential beyond mere efficiency—a core component of future research. Seeing peers excel in deep learning, trajectory optimization, and intelligent sensing was both humbling and inspiring, providing motivation beyond the classroom."
The "Dream-Sailing" practice in Singapore was a journey of academic and cultural growth. Shanghai Jiao Tong University students deepened their understanding of "AI Empowering Aerospace," demonstrating strong expertise and a global outlook. May this experience inspire continued exploration in aerospace, contributing to academic progress and international collaboration.