In March, the inaugural group of SBM students touched down at Bhutan’s distinctive mountain-flanked airport, marking the start of NYP’s exciting new partnership with Gyalpozhing College of Information Technology (GCIT). What began as an exchange centred on AI and sustainability quickly evolved into something deeper — an immersive experience in the Bhutanese way of life.

At the Institute of Happiness, students were introduced to Bhutan’s renowned Gross National Happiness framework, where sustainability, social progress, and spirituality are seamlessly interwoven into national policy and everyday living.

“What fascinated me most was how Bhutan doesn't rely solely on GDP as an indicator of their country's health,” shares Anderson Chang, a Year One Accountancy & Finance student. 

On GCIT’s scenic mountain campus, students gained hands-on experience with AI tools – including software that analyses 70 years of historical data to predict gold price trends.

“It was my first time using AI in this way – to forecast whether gold prices might rise or fall over the next six months,” Anderson explains. “It showed me how AI can simplify complex analysis, identify patterns, and support predictions. But ultimately, you still need strong reasoning behind each forecast.”

While this trip was organised by the managers from the Diploma in Accountancy & Finance, it was also open to SBM students from other diploma programmes. This reflects how emerging trends in AI and sustainability transcend business disciplines and are relevant across all domains.

One such example was learning how Bhutan applies AI to sustainable agriculture. This practical use of technology reflects Bhutan’s commitment to blending innovation with environmental stewardship.

“What amazed me most was learning that Bhutan is actually carbon negative,” Pei Ni adds. “Their forests absorb more carbon dioxide than the country emits.” During the trip, students contributed to Bhutan’s green efforts by planting bamboo trees.

The exchange wasn’t all work. At a cultural night event, students donned traditional Gho and Kira attire and performed Kit Chan's “Home” for their Bhutanese hosts. They also explored the newly inaugurated Chang Yu Park along the Wangchhu River, seeing first-hand how sustainable development takes shape.

This meaningful trip marks the beginning of NYP’s partnership with GCIT, established through an MOU signed in November 2024. With future collaborations focused on AI and sustainability, more NYP students can look forward to discovering how innovation, environmental consciousness, and happiness come together in Bhutan.