Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU), digital asset and institutional bank Pave Bank, and Singapore-based nonprofit organization Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the first higher education exchange program between Georgia and Singapore and launch the first privately funded fintech scholarship program between the two countries.

Under the agreement, the Georgia-Singapore Fintech Scholars Programme will give Georgian students the opportunity to gain academic and practical knowledge in Singapore, home to one of the world’s leading fintech ecosystems.

The agreement to establish the Georgia-Singapore Fintech Future Leaders Scholarship Programme was signed during Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s visit to Singapore. Details of the initiative were announced yesterday at the Tbilisi Financial Summit.

The educational component was a key new feature of this year’s summit, reflecting the close link between the development of the financial and technology sectors and the training of qualified professionals and creation of new opportunities for young people. Participants will study at one of Singapore’s leading universities and gain first-hand insight into the fintech ecosystem of one of the world’s major financial centers.

According to the National Bank of Georgia, the exchange program will begin next year, enabling outstanding TSU students in business and STEM fields to spend one semester at Singapore Management University (SMU).

The program will extend beyond academic studies, offering participants a range of professional development opportunities, including specially designed learning activities, direct engagement with the fintech industry and mentorship throughout their stay in Singapore. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to undertake internships at partner organizations.

Scholarship recipients will also become members of GFTN’s global “Circle of Knowledge,” an international professional network that offers opportunities for knowledge-sharing and career development.

The program is funded by Tether and Pave Bank.

The official memorandum-signing ceremony was attended by Marco Dal Lago, Tether’s Director of Expansion; Zviad Gabisonia, Deputy Minister of Education and Science; and Ekaterine Mikabadze, First Vice President of the National Bank of Georgia.

According to Mikabadze, the Tbilisi Financial Summit provided an important platform for advancing educational and professional cooperation between Georgia and Singapore to a new level.

“Promoting financial and economic literacy among young people is one of the key priorities of the National Bank of Georgia. We believe that providing the younger generation with a solid foundation in financial knowledge and helping them develop a deeper understanding of economic processes are essential for building both a sound financial system and an inclusive, sustainable economy.

“We actively cooperate with universities operating in Georgia to help students by sharing modern trends, best practices and the latest data. This program will not only open up new opportunities for Georgian students but also further deepen cooperation between Georgia and Singapore in financial innovation, education and human capital development,” Mikabadze said.

The large-scale international event was held for the second time this year at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace.

The summit was jointly organized by the National Bank of Georgia, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and Singapore-based Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN). It brought together senior Georgian government officials, fintech and financial sector leaders from around the world, representatives of international companies and specialists in innovative technologies.

The summit aims to advance financial technologies, strengthen international cooperation and reinforce Georgia’s role as a regional financial and technology hub.