NUS has established the NUS AI Institute (NAII) with the goal of advancing AI technologies for the betterment of society. The institute will prioritize research aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in AI applications to mitigate associated ethical concerns and risks. By bringing together experts from NUS faculties, government agencies, and industry partners, NAII seeks to bolster Singapore’s AI talent pool and address real-world challenges through research and technological development.

IBM and Google Cloud have been named as initial partners of NAII, with discussions underway for collaborations with other local and international companies. The institute has secured external research grants totaling US$5.93 million and plans to invest an additional US$14.83 million from the university itself. These funds will be allocated towards foundational AI research, addressing policy and societal implications, and developing domain-specific applications.

NAII researchers will focus on various aspects of AI, including hardware and software systems, theory, reasoning, and domain-specific applications. Projects will encompass enhancing AI infrastructure scalability, developing lightweight AI architectures for faster processing, and applying AI in sectors such as healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and finance. Additionally, the institute aims to contribute to AI governance frameworks and establish a repository of AI tools to support research translation and prototyping.

Moreover, NAII’s initiatives extend to education, providing learning opportunities and internships for undergraduate and graduate students interested in AI research. Professor Liu Bin, NUS’s Deputy President for Research and Technology, emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships with academia and industry to maximize the benefits of AI while addressing challenges and risks. He underscores the institute’s commitment to enhancing capabilities and fostering a dynamic ecosystem for AI development and deployment.