Shanghai

As one of the world’s top financial and shipping hubs, Shanghai is China’s gateway to the world. Shanghai offers unparalleled access to international networks, investors, and mentors. Immerse yourself in a truly cosmopolitan environment where East meets West, and forge connections that will last a lifetime.

Ranked 4th in the 2024 PitchBook’s VC Ecosystem Rankings and 9th in the 2023 Startup Genome Report, Shanghai boasts a robust ecosystem teeming with startups across diverse industries, from tech and finance to fashion and sustainability. Here, you'll find a melting pot of ideas, talents, and resources waiting to be tapped into.

Experience firsthand the pulse of innovation in Shanghai, where breakthrough technologies and disruptive ideas are born every day. From AI and blockchain to biotech and green energy, this city is at the forefront of innovation, providing you with invaluable learning opportunities and hands-on experience.

Beyond its skyscrapers and bustling streets, Shanghai is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Explore its vibrant neighborhoods, savor its delectable cuisine, and immerse yourself in its captivating arts scene. By embracing Shanghai's cultural tapestry, you'll gain a deeper understanding of China's rich heritage and global influence.

Launched in 2004, Shanghai is the first NOC location in China. The one-year programme will provide students with the opportunity to be immersed in the local innovation culture and explore this dynamic city in China.

Join us in Shanghai!

Read more: Shanghai creates $18bn state investment giant to back startups - Nikkei Asia

Check out NOC Shanghai Instagram: @nocshanghai

Alumni Voices

Beatrice
Beatrice Chen Sung Ting

NOC Shanghai Alumna | Jan 2024 Intake
School of Computing | Computer Science

NOC has been a truly transformative journey. Living and working in a fast-paced startup environment pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me in ways I never expected. I discovered strengths I didn’t know I had, learned to embrace uncertainty, and found the courage to pursue what truly excites me. Beyond the professional growth, the friendships and shared experiences made this journey unforgettable.

Phoebe
Phoebe Wong Kai Ying

NOC Shanghai Alumna | Jul 2023 Intake
NUS Business School | BBA

My experience with the NOC Shanghai program was transformative, contributing significantly to both my personal and professional growth. Working first at a boutique consulting firm specialising in qualitative market research and then as a marketer for a local chain cafe gave me the opportunity to experience and embrace different types of working culture, expectations and way of doing things.

The technological advancements and rapid pace of innovation in China were truly eye-opening, particularly in how consumer behavior and business models are shaped by a highly competitive market. Shanghai, as the most opulent and globalized city in China, exemplifies a fast-paced lifestyle and stands at the forefront of modern progress, with cutting-edge developments in technology, finance, and infrastructure.

China’s dynamic environment serves as an intense pressure cooker, pushing individuals to adapt quickly and think creatively. If you are looking to grow rapidly in a short amount of time, I highly encourage you to come and experience Shanghai, as it offers invaluable insights into one of the world’s most rapidly evolving economies.

Headshot_ Joy
Joy Li Jia Ying

NOC Shanghai Alumna | Jul 2023 Intake
College of Humanities and Sciences | Communications and New Media

Through my internship at a venture capital firm and studying product design at Fudan University, I gained a deeper understanding of VC and entrepreneurship. My projects enhanced my critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills. Living in Shanghai for a year, I was inspired by the interconnected tech ecosystem to consider how other countries can achieve similar technological integration. Overall, the NOC program has significantly enhanced my professional and personal growth. I highly encourage students to step into global markets to broaden their understanding of the world and expand their knowledge and worldview for future career and life prospects.

nicole
Nicole Ng Zi Qi

NOC Shanghai Alumna | Jul 2023 Intake
College of Humanities and Sciences | Food Science and Technology

My time in Shanghai as a Product Development Intern at a food-tech startup was an incredibly enriching experience. Immersing myself in this dynamic industry allowed me to learn extensively about product development while gaining invaluable insights into the food industry in China, which is both enjoyable and relevant to my current studies. Working alongside my talented colleagues was not only a professional privilege but also a source of great personal enjoyment. Their guidance and support were instrumental in my growth, as they generously shared their knowledge with me and provided a better understanding of startup operations.

Additionally, studying Product Design at Fudan University enriched my understanding of entrepreneurship and complemented my practical experience in the startup environment. I also had numerous opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs and seasoned industry veterans, which expanded my horizons and fueled my ambition to embark on my own entrepreneurial journey eventually.

Beyond work, I had the chance to travel across China, exploring its vibrant cities and diverse cultures, which was a highlight of my stay. I was deeply impressed by the advanced technologies and the efficiency with which they integrate into daily life in China.

Living independently in a new country fostered significant personal growth, enhancing my self-reliance and adaptability. Overall, this experience was both professionally and personally transformative, leaving me with precious memories, skills, and insights.

NOC Shanghai is definitely one of my most cherished experiences at NUS, and I highly encourage any aspiring entrepreneur or students interested in entrepreneurship to step out of their comfort zone, explore globally, and broaden their horizons to discover potential career options and possibilities.

Programme Mentors

Ian Goh
Ian Goh

Ian Goh is the Founding Partner at 01VC, a prominent early-stage investment firm. With a track record, Ian has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the groundbreaking companies, such as Lalamove, Xtransfer, and Hai Robotics.

Before co-founding 01VC, Ian served as a Partner at Matrix Partners China, where he further honed his expertise in identifying and nurturing innovative ventures. His venture capital journey began at TDF Partner in 2004, which later merged into Kleiner Perkins China, where he held the position of Partner. In 2001, Ian joined Lycos Asia, an early-mover in the internet world. His journey at Lycos Asia began with corporate development and later transitioned to roles in business development.

Born in Singapore, Ian spent the majority of his life there before pursuing higher education in Perth, Australia, where he earned a Bachelor's in Commerce from Murdoch University.

Jackson Zhang
Jackson Zhang

Jackson Zhang is the deputy general manager of Tongji University Science and Technology Park. He is also the managing director of Tongji Qifan Ventures, a VC firm of Tongji University. It is a part of Tongji Innovation & Entrepreneurship Holdings Ltd - the holding company of Tongji University with AUM over 24 billion RMB.

He was previously the Executive Director of Tongji Fund, a PE/VC FoF that manages Tongji's endowment and investment from Tongji alumni. Past portfolio includes GGV Capital, Hillhouse Capital, Lilly Asia Ventures, Sequoia China, Source Code Capital, etc. and companies like UCloud (SHA: 688158). He spent 2 years in the Bay area as Principal at Baruch Future Ventures.

He holds a PhD from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS (Vehicle Engineering) from Tongji University.

Alex Wang
Alex Wang

Dr. Wang is a cross-border serial entrepreneur, senior executive and educator with rich and ground level experience in the US, Asia Pacific (particularly China), and Europe.

Dr. Wang currently serves as the Founding and Managing Partner of China Impact Ventures (CIV) which is an investment company focusing on supporting early-stage startups in cleantech and mobility. Dr. Wang is also a Professor of Practice at the School of Management at Fudan University in Shanghai where he teaches MBA courses on cross-border innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Wang served as the General Manager of edX China, the massive online open course (MOOC) platform founded by MIT and Harvard. He was also the founder and CEO of an innovative eLearning company that developed the world’s first English learning immersive virtual world and launched a series of mobile apps that covered over 30 million Chinese students.

Prior to his eLearning venture, Dr. Wang was a founding team member and Vice President of Business Development at a leading Internet-based Enterprise Supply and Contract Management software company based in the Boston area (acquired by IBM). Alex was responsible for global partnerships and channel sales, covering North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Dr. Wang also held various positions at Lucent Technologies and the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Dr. Wang received BS in Applied Mechanics from Fudan University, PhD in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech and MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.