The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and NUS-ISS, the Institute of Systems Science at the National University of Singapore, formally cemented a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on May 11, 2026, in New Delhi, during the CII Annual Business Summit. This landmark agreement aims to significantly bolster digital leadership and responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance across Indian enterprises through an exclusive executive certification program.
The signing ceremony, a pivotal moment for India’s digital future, took place in the distinguished presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Singapore High Commissioner to India Simon Wong, CII President Rajiv Memani, and CII Vice-President Dr Suchitra Ella. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to equipping India’s corporate leaders with the necessary skills to navigate the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
Strengthening India’s Digital Transformation Ecosystem
India stands at the cusp of a profound digital transformation, with Artificial Intelligence emerging as a critical driver of economic growth and innovation. However, the rapid adoption of AI also necessitates robust governance frameworks to ensure ethical deployment, data privacy, and societal benefit.
This partnership between CII, India’s premier business association, and NUS-ISS, a leading institution in digital leadership training, directly addresses this need. It builds upon the ‘Digitalisation’ and ‘Skilling’ pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore, reinforcing bilateral ties in critical technology sectors.
The initiative aims to fortify India’s digital ecosystem by providing strategic and practical insights into AI, digital governance, cybersecurity, innovation leadership, and other emerging technologies. This capacity building is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in a globalized, digitally-driven economy.
The Leadership Programme on Artificial Intelligence and Governance
Central to the MoU is the “Leadership Programme on Artificial Intelligence and Governance,” a bespoke certification designed for top-tier Indian industry leaders. This includes board members, CXOs, and senior decision-makers who are instrumental in shaping their organizations’ strategic direction.
The program’s curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover both the immense opportunities presented by AI and the critical governance implications of its widespread adoption. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of how to responsibly integrate AI into business strategies, manage cybersecurity risks, and foster a culture of innovation.
Before this formalization, the program demonstrated its efficacy through three successful pilot editions. Held at NUS-ISS in Singapore in November 2024, May 2025, and November 2025, these pilots trained over 65 Indian industry executives, laying a strong foundation for the expanded initiative.
Under the new agreement, CII and NUS-ISS will formalize and significantly expand this capacity-building effort. Plans include half-yearly program runs throughout 2026, 2027, and 2028. The ambitious target is to train more than 100 executives by the close of 2026, accelerating the development of a digitally astute leadership cohort.
Expert Perspectives on Future Readiness
Leaders from both organizations emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director-General of CII, highlighted India’s growth trajectory. “India’s growth journey will increasingly be shaped by how effectively industry leaders embrace digital transformation and AI-led innovation,” Banerjee stated.
He further underscored the initiative’s role in building essential leadership capacity in emerging technologies and robust governance frameworks. Banerjee also noted its alignment with the broader India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reinforcing collaborative efforts in digitalization and skilling.
Khoong Chan Meng, CEO of NUS-ISS, reiterated the shared commitment to cultivating future-ready leadership capabilities. “As AI rapidly reshapes businesses and economies, leaders must understand both the opportunities and governance implications of AI adoption,” Meng explained.
Through this program, NUS-ISS aims to empower Indian enterprises to develop strategic digital leadership competencies and champion responsible innovation. This partnership leverages NUS-ISS’s extensive experience, having trained over 210,000 digital leaders and professionals from more than 9,400 corporate organizations since its establishment in 1981.
Broader Implications and What’s Next
The collaboration extends beyond the executive leadership program. The CII Global Leadership Centre in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, is designated to anchor joint programs on leadership and digitalization under the MoU. This regional hub will play a crucial role in disseminating advanced digital knowledge across India.
Future exploration includes broader areas of digital upskilling, encompassing executive education, specialized training for industry professionals, and enhanced knowledge exchange initiatives between India and Singapore. This holistic approach aims to create a continuous learning ecosystem for digital capabilities.
For Indian enterprises, this partnership signifies a critical step towards future-proofing their operations and leadership. By fostering a deeper understanding of AI’s strategic and ethical dimensions, Indian businesses can better harness technological advancements for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
The focus on responsible AI governance is particularly pertinent as regulatory landscapes worldwide evolve. Indian leaders equipped with these insights will be better positioned to navigate complex compliance requirements and build public trust in AI technologies. Moving forward, the success of these programs will be measured not just by the number of executives trained, but by the tangible impact on corporate strategies, innovation pipelines, and the ethical deployment of AI across various sectors in India.
