SUTD's DAI Pillar - Worth It?
For context - I'm currently a Term 8 (final semester) SUTD DAI student! DAI is SUTD's newest course, and I'm part of their 2nd batch of students.
They are ACTIVELY marketing this pillar to incoming undergraduates and freshies so here are some of my honest opinions, having studied it 👀
✅ Pros
- If you want more industry exposure, this is the best pillar to be in. DAI has 4 studio projects across 4 terms, and you would focus on delivering projects for industry clients. Kind of like a mini FYP/capstone every term!
- If you are an entrepreneur/working PT and need more brain capacity to juggle both work and school, I would say DAI is the best place to try and balance both. The modules require the least mugging, and is instead very project heavy (compared to the other pillars IMO)
- A large studio space spanning 2 floors is reserved for DAI students only! There are couches, TVs, etc. so you really can lowkey live there especially during crunch periods HAHAH
❌ Cons
- Not super AI focused, despite it being marketed as "AI". It's slightly more STEM generic, although there is opportunity to choose your modules such that it's very AI heavy.
- Difficult to choose modules you want - since DAI doesn't have any non-compulsory modules, you are always required to take modules from the other pillars. But of course, students belonging to the other pillars will have module selection priority. Since selecting modules in SUTD works on a first come first serve basis, module selection can be very frustrating.
📣 PSA: Just my personal opinion based on my own experience! Others might have a different outlook, and it's always good to ask around. SUTD seniors and alumni are generally very helpful to their juniors!!
From my journey as a DAI student at SUTD, I’ve realized the importance of understanding how this pillar fits your goals. While it’s marketed with an AI angle, the curriculum leans more broadly toward STEM fields, so if you’re aiming strictly for deep AI expertise, you might need to carefully pick electives or consider other options. One unique benefit is the four studio projects, which provide hands-on experience working with real industry clients every term. This continuous project-based learning helped me sharpen practical skills and build a valuable portfolio. If you’re entrepreneurial or balancing part-time work, the project-heavy setup is a blessing since it requires less rote memorization compared to traditional lecture-based courses. A tip for future students: module registration can be tricky due to priority rules favoring other pillars. To improve your chances of getting desired classes, connect early with seniors and alumni—they often share useful advice and sometimes assist with insider tips. The dedicated two-floor studio space for DAI students is a nice perk—it offers a cozy environment to collaborate and focus during crunch times. Honestly, I found myself spending plenty of time there, which fostered a strong community feeling. In summary, if you want a balanced experience with real-world project exposure, manageable coursework, and good industry connections, SUTD’s DAI pillar can be very rewarding. Just be mindful about the module choices and the actual scope of AI content.
Heyyy just wondering what made you apply to this programme?