{"id":232,"date":"2020-08-25T08:04:45","date_gmt":"2020-08-25T08:04:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/globalstudies\/?page_id=232"},"modified":"2023-10-17T07:42:16","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T07:42:16","slug":"news-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/fass.nus.edu.sg\/globalstudies\/news-2\/","title":{"rendered":"News"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

News<\/h2>\r\n

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NUS Open House 2026: From the future of learning to the pulse of student life<\/a><\/h3>
14 March 2026 <\/div>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11222\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" With programme booths, talks, special classes, campus tours, and student performances across University Town, NUS Open House 2026 offered visitors a comprehensive showcase of the breadth of NUS' degree offerings and its vibrant campus life.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n
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Prospective students turned out in force for the NUS Open House 2026, one of the University's largest events of the year, with some 21,500 visitors packing University Town on 7 March for a first-hand look at the University's distinctive academic programmes and its vibrant campus community.<\/p>\r\n

Featuring an extensive line-up of programme booths, faculty talks, special classes, and campus tours, this year's event - which spotlighted NUS' suite of AI-focused programmes, cutting-edge innovations, and a sampling of student performances - also marked a new chapter for\u00a0NUS Law<\/a>, which hosted its entire showcase at UTown for the first time since\u00a0moving to Kent Ridge<\/a>\u00a0in January.<\/p>\r\n

Complementing the full-day showcase was a six-day virtual segment featuring online talks on global and career opportunities, as well as information sessions by\u00a0NUS Business School<\/a>,\u00a0NUS Pharmacy<\/a>, and the\u00a0Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

\"I found the programme talks and student sharing sessions especially enjoyable and informative because they provided real insights into student life and the academic experience at NUS,\" said Suriya Selvarayar, a Ngee Ann Polytechnic student who is interested in applying to technology-related programmes.<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n

New \"AI+X\" degrees for emerging careers
<\/strong>At a panel led by NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Professor Aaron Thean entitled \"Earth, Space, Data and AI: Degrees that Launch You into the Future\", visitors were introduced to NUS' expanding slate of \"AI+X\" programmes, designed to integrate AI across diverse disciplines to meet the demand for new careers and fields driven by the technology.\r\n

Its latest effort is the\u00a0new Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geospatial Intelligence Cross-Disciplinary Programme (GIX)<\/a>, the first bachelor's degree of its kind in Asia, which welcomes its first cohort in August 2026. Co-hosted by the Department of Geography at the\u00a0College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS)<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0NUS Computing<\/a>, it will train students to synthesise earth, space, and environmental data - such as those collected by satellites, drones and mobile devices - with AI tools to tackle challenges in urban planning, transportation, and climate change. With courses spanning geography and computer science, and an emphasis on integrated problem-solving, the programme opens doors to sectors including smart cities and sustainable development, as well as the space and satellite industries.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11218\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" Prospective students had the chance to hear from NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Professor Aaron Thean (third from left) at a talk on NUS' suite of AI-focused degree programmes. Joining him were (from left to right) Associate Professor Peter Chan from the College of Design and Engineering, Associate Professor Kan Min-Yen from NUS Computing, Associate Professor Wang Yi-Chen from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Professor Gary Ang from NUS Enterprise.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n

Three other \"AI+X\" degrees were also highlighted. Admitting its second intake in August, the\u00a0Bachelor of Computing in Artificial Intelligence<\/a>\u00a0provides students with deep technical expertise, preparing them to design solutions to real-world problems using AI systems and models, grounded in a critical understanding of AI governance.<\/p>\r\n

Formerly known as Information Systems, the\u00a0revamped Bachelor of Computing in Business Artificial Intelligence Systems<\/a>\u00a0integrates AI systems with business expertise to solve enterprise challenges and drive digital innovation.<\/p>\r\n

Also welcoming its second cohort in August is the\u00a0College of Design and Engineering<\/a>'s (CDE)\u00a0Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics and Machine Intelligence<\/a>\u00a0programme. Combining hardware, software, and AI, it prepares students to lead the applications of AI-enabled robotics - systems capable of sophisticated decisions and learning from their environments - in markets that are fast expanding beyond manufacturing to sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and logistics.<\/p>\r\n

Prof Thean emphasised that while NUS seeks to produce graduates who can capitalise on AI, the human element remains essential. \"New jobs and careers are emerging, and the question is how we prepare for them,\" he added, noting that the ultimate goal is for graduates to be adept at using the tools while possessing the critical thinking, decision-making and creativity to excel in the AI era.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11217\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (second from right) visited the various booths, including the CDE's showcase of its innovative projects and models.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n

Future-ready engineering\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Aside from showcasing the new robotics and machine intelligence degree, CDE delivered a comprehensive overview of the available programmes tailored to the evolving landscape - from\u00a0Mechanical Engineering<\/a>\u00a0to the\u00a0Minor in Artificial Intelligence (Design and Engineering)<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The Mechanical Engineering talk explored AI's applications in a wide range of industries, from aeronautics and urban transportation to sustainable energy and future cities. Students were given an overview of their career prospects, ranging from thermal R&D engineers to process development scientists.<\/p>\r\n

Another exciting new programme highlighted was the Artificial Intelligence minor. In the light of AI's position as a national priority in Singapore, prospective students got a snapshot of the industry landscape, as well as how the minor's industry-focused approach provides hands-on learning experiences in fundamental AI concepts like machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11216\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" The interactive Innovation and Robotics Showcase drew visitors to experience the cutting-edge technological innovations created by NUS faculty and students that are transforming our world for the better.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n<\/article>\r\n

Innovations in action
<\/strong>An interactive experience awaited visitors at the Innovation and Robotics Showcase, which featured futuristic projects by faculty and students at CDE,\u00a0NUS College<\/a>\u00a0(NUSC), and the\u00a0Centre for Quantum Technologies<\/a>\u00a0(CQT) that exemplify the spirit of cutting-edge innovation at NUS.<\/p>\r\n

CDE presented an array of technologies making an impact in the real world, from virtual reality simulations that help users identify safety hazards in the construction industry to robot dogs that assist in search and rescue operations in hazardous terrain.<\/p>\r\n

NUSC's \"Gut Guard\", a gamified learning\u00a0Impact Experience<\/a> project that tackles misconceptions about gut health, as well as CQT's technologies developed for Singapore's National Quantum-Safe Network testbed, were also on display.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11215\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" The College of Humanities and Sciences unveiled a refreshed programme booth experience, grouping related disciplines into thematic zones to help prospective students better understand each discipline and how they can be meaningfully combined within the college's flexible curriculum.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n

Exploring real-world connections at CHS
<\/strong>CHS, which brings together the\u00a0Faculty of Science<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences<\/a>, traded individual programme booths for immersive thematic zones, allowing visitors to understand how diverse disciplines converge in the real world as part of a new approach that brought its interdisciplinary ethos to life.\r\n

In \"Understanding People and Societies\", which linked anthropology with sociology and psychology, they explored the role of these social sciences in understanding human behaviour, while \"Science in our Lives\" demonstrated the interconnected fields of chemical, biological and pharmaceutical science in contributing to better therapies.<\/p>\r\n

Underscoring this approach was \"Beyond the Textbook: Play, Policy, and Plants\", a panel which gathered faculty members from three interdisciplinary courses to discuss timely issues such as the importance of play in learning, the multifaceted aspects of drug regulation, and the study of plants as a lens for examining Southeast Asia's ecology, communities and livelihoods.<\/p>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11214\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" Apart from introducing its new campus at University Town, Law hosted an engaging line-up of talks, moot court demonstrations and masterclasses to welcome prospective students.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\nA new chapter at UTown
<\/strong>Following its\u00a0relocation from Bukit Timah<\/a>\u00a0to Kent Ridge, NUS Law offered prospective students a one-stop shop of what the faculty had to offer, with mooting sessions, thought-provoking masterclasses, and talks that highlighted its world-class faculty and illustrious alumni network.\r\n

Unlike previous years, visitors no longer needed to shuttle between both campuses to explore all the Open House activities, said Mr Justin Tan, NUS Law's Vice-Dean (Student Affairs), who gave a welcome talk to prospective students. Remarking on the vibrant setting of its newly upgraded campus, he said, \"I think (visitors) will really love the fact that there are literally thousands of people living in UTown's apartment blocks, all within a few minutes' walk of our new campus. This translates to endless possibilities for a fantastic undergraduate life!\"<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n

Beyond the books
<\/strong>NUSC<\/a>, the University's honours college, held sessions showcasing its\u00a0Global Experience<\/a>\u00a0(GEx) programme, which immerses students in 14 overseas sites for a month to engage deeply with their themes. In GEx New York, students examine its identity as a global city, investigating its urban development and cultural heritage through interactions with high-level diplomats, non-government organisations, and industry professionals.\r\n

NUS Nursing<\/a>\u00a0held special classes where users learned empathetic communication in palliative care by conversing with an AI chatbot, and showcased its\u00a0new Concurrent Degree Programme<\/a>, which combines the Bachelor of Science (Nursing) (Honours) with the Master of Science (Biomedical Informatics).<\/p>\r\n

Meanwhile,\u00a0NUS Medicine<\/a> offered a hands-on look at the future of medical education through clinical simulations, virtual reality stations, and insightful talks on its curriculum.<\/p>\r\nInside scoop on residential life
<\/strong>Through talks, booths, and guided tours, Masters, Resident Fellows, and student leaders from the Residential Colleges, Halls, and Houses offered prospective students insights on the culture of their residences, the partnership between resident fellows and residents, and the vast array of student-led initiatives that foster vibrancy, community spirit, and inclusivity.\r\n

NUS' newest hostel, the sports-themed\u00a0Valour House<\/a>, highlighted its key pillars of courage, strength, and resilience - characteristics not just of athletes but of students - to demonstrate its culture of supporting sporting achievements and encouraging residents to step out of their comfort zones.<\/p>\r\nVibrancy of NUS student life
<\/strong>A dynamic line-up of performances and showcases, spotlighting some of NUS' finest talents in the performing arts, was presented by the various student clubs and interest groups at the Student Village. From upbeat, catchy tunes by\u00a0NUS Fingerstyle Guitar<\/a>\u00a0and a capella groups\u00a0NUS Resonance<\/a>,\u00a0RHythm<\/a>\u00a0from Raffles Hall, and\u00a0Eusoff Chorapella<\/a>\u00a0from\u00a0Eusoff Hall<\/a>\u00a0to skilful renditions by\u00a0Helix House<\/a>'s Helix Band and\u00a0Sheares Hall<\/a>'s Sheares Band, visitors were treated to a glimpse into the vibrant student experience at NUS beyond academic pursuits.<\/article>\r\n

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This story\u00a0first appeared in <\/em>NUSnews<\/a> on 13 March 2026.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>

New Centre for Computational Social Science and Humanities at NUS to advance interdisciplinary research on complex societal challenges<\/a><\/h3>
05 March 2026 <\/div>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_11195\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"\" Present at the launch of the Centre for Computational Social Science and Humanities at NUS today were (from left) CSSH Deputy Director Assoc Prof Dandan Qiao from NUS School of Computing; CSSH Co-Director Prof Atreyi Kankanhalli from NUS School of Computing; Prof Tulika Mitra, Dean of NUS School of Computing; Prof Liu Bin, NUS Deputy President (Research and Technology); Prof Lionel Wee, Dean of NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; CSSH Co-Director Prof Peter Millican from NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; and Assoc Prof Miguel Escobar Varela from NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.<\/strong>[\/caption]\r\n

A new research centre at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is bringing together data science, AI and computational methods with deep insights from social sciences and humanities to better understand complex social phenomena and develop solutions to pressing societal challenges. By combining technological innovation with human insight, the Centre for Computational Social Science and Humanities (CSSH) aims to generate research that improves lives, strengthens institutions, preserves cultural knowledge, and shapes more inclusive and resilient societies in Singapore and beyond.<\/p>\r\n

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Officially launched today, CSSH is the first in Singapore to systematically bring together computational social science and the humanities within a single centre to bridge research, policy and real-world applications.<\/p>\r\n

The Centre draws on expertise across disciplines including computing, new media, linguistics, geography, public policy and healthcare, amongst others. This interdisciplinary foundation enables CSSH to examine how digital technologies intersect with social systems, such as assessing the societal implications of AI-enabled platforms, using digital tools to help preserve Singapore's cultural heritage, and strengthening digital literacy in vulnerable communities.<\/p>\r\n

NUS Deputy President (Research and Technology) Professor Liu Bin said, \"Rapid advances in digital technologies and AI are transforming our world. But technological breakthroughs are only as valuable as the difference they make to peoples' lives. CSSH reflects NUS' commitment to ensuring that innovation translates to tangible improvements in how we live, work and build stronger communities. By integrating computational methods with social science and humanities, the Centre will help translate research insights into policies and practices that deliver real-world impact.\"<\/p>\r\n

She added that the Centre complements Singapore's broader push for innovative, responsible harnessing of technology and AI which emphasises that progress should be not only technically advanced, but trusted, inclusive and grounded in real social needs.<\/p>\r\n

Driving real-world impact through interdisciplinary innovation<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

CSSH is led by Co-Directors Professor Atreyi Kankanhalli from the\u00a0NUS School of Computing<\/a>\u00a0and Professor Peter Millican from the\u00a0NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences<\/a>. The Centre supports both seed funding for emerging ideas and larger projects, all designed to generate real-world impact.<\/p>\r\n

Prof Kankanhalli said, \"What distinguishes CSSH is our ability to study human behaviour, institutions and societies at a scale and depth that was not previously possible. By combining computational methods with rich domain expertise in the social sciences and humanities, we can uncover patterns, test ideas, and generate evidence that directly informs policy and practice. Our goal is not just to analyse social problems, but to help shape systems that work better for people.\"<\/p>\r\n

Since beginning operations in the second half of 2024, CSSH has embarked on more than 50 interdisciplinary projects involving 105 researchers from across NUS and their external collaborators. The projects demonstrate the breadth of its work - from AI-enabled analysis of social media impacts to digital preservation of historical archives.<\/p>\r\n

Amongst the major research projects currently being undertaken by CSSH is one titled \"Computational Social Simulations for Aiding Policy Design\", led by Prof Kankanhalli. In this five-year project, researchers from NUS and three other local universities are collaborating to develop an AI-driven social simulation platform for policymakers to help test and refine policy interventions before they are rolled out.<\/p>\r\n

Using large language models (LLMs), the platform will model diverse public personas to enable policymakers to conduct swift preliminary testing of policy ideas. The simulations will complement traditional research methods by reducing the frequency of costly, time-consuming large-scale surveys and field studies during early policy development, while retaining real-world validation and community engagement at critical decision points. CSSH Deputy Director Associate Professor Dandan Qiao from the NUS School of Computing is also contributing her expertise to the project.<\/p>\r\n

Another project titled \"The Jawi AI Project\", led by NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Associate Professor Miguel Escobar Varela, harnesses AI to enable large-scale transliteration and analysis of Jawi texts. Early Malay-language newspapers in Singapore, published between 1870 and 1970 were written in Jawi, a script few can read today.<\/p>\r\n

In collaboration with the National Library Board (NLB), the team comprising local and foreign experts is transforming thousands of archived pages into searchable Malay text, significantly expanding the range of materials available at NLB's digitised archives. Assoc Prof Escobar Varela, who is also Deputy Director at CSSH, noted that the project could significantly expand research into Malay-language journalism and public debate in the region, broadening how Singapore's history is understood and taught.<\/p>\r\n

Prof Millican highlighted that a core mission of CSSH is to break down the walls between disciplines. By connecting humanities and social science researchers with computing and data science experts, the Centre fosters collaborations that neither field could achieve alone. \"Many of today's biggest challenges demand both deep specialist insight and serious technical firepower\", he explained, \"whether they involve untangling complex social issues, tackling health crises, anticipating future problems, or building the tools to address these. CSSH provides a natural home for such interdisciplinary conversations.\"<\/p>\r\n

He added that the Centre looks forward to developing more projects addressing societal challenges to which computational insights can make the greatest difference. Focus areas include AI and emerging technologies, sustainability and environmental policy, population trends and demographic change, public health and social care, and the preservation and understanding of history and cultural heritage.<\/p>\r\n<\/article>\r\n

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This story\u00a0first appeared in <\/em>NUSnews<\/a> on 4 March 2026.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<\/div><\/div>

Hamizah Myra Bounced Back after Losing her Father, Getting Pregnant at 17, and Graduates as Valedictorian<\/a><\/h3>
28 July 2024 <\/div>\r\n\r\n\t

IN BRIEF | 10 min read<\/strong><\/p>\r\n