Started in 2007 by Associate Professor Ben Leong from the Department of Computer Science at NUS Computing, CVWO gives students the opportunity to apply their computing skills to address real operational needs of local charities. Each summer, students spend three months working full-time to build, deploy and maintain computer systems for partner organisations, on a pro bono basis. They work with real users, evolving requirements and long-term maintenance needs, gaining valuable experience beyond the classroom.

Professor Tulika Mitra, Dean, NUS School of Computing, said, "For nearly two decades, CVWO has demonstrated what students can achieve when given real responsibility, for causes that truly matter. Their work has left a positive and lasting impact on the organisations and communities that they serve.”

Two decades, measured in impact

CVWO’s first project in 2007 was for the Geylang East Home for the Aged, where students developed a system to digitise resident records and daily operations. Over nearly two decades, CVWO's systems have gone on to serve partners across eldercare, family services, disability support and counselling, each maintained for as long as the partner needs it.

CVWO’s cohorts have now grown to around 20 students each summer. At its peak in 2024, its Active Ageing Centre (AAC) system, built on a shared multi-tenant platform called Cornerstone, was deployed across 13 Active Ageing Centres in four partner organisations, and was whitelisted by the Agency for Integrated Care as an approved AAC IT system in October 2024.

The programme has also contributed beyond its usual social service work when the need arose. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Assoc Prof Leong assembled a team of six CVWO students and alumni to build SwiftCobra, a web application which supported contact tracing operations for the Whole-of-Government Health Surveillance Task Force. The completed system, based on an initial concept developed by the Singapore Armed Forces, was a critical component of Singapore's national contact-tracing effort, and the team was recognised with the Tech Heroes From Crisis Pathfinder Team award in 2021.

Charting new ground in 2026

This year, CVWO expanded its work into new areas of social impact. One new initiative was Project UMA, a system developed for Punaravartan Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the repatriation and preservation of Cambodian and Nepalese cultural heritage. The Foundation manages more than 15,000 images, documents and records relating to artefacts, people, places, collections and investigative events. The information had previously beentoo fragmented to manage using conventional off-the-shelf software.

Project UMA is CVWO’s first project for an international client and the first to incorporate AI capabilities. The team built a system that Punaravartan Foundation uses to map relationships among records, and produce AI-assisted descriptions, transcriptions and semantic searches to help researchers locate relevant material even when their search terms differ from the original wording. Human researchers remain responsible for interpretation and judgement.

Historically, CVWO's projects were generally undertaken in partnership with larger charities, as developing a bespoke system takes a full summer to build. Signpost Collective was the first project in which CVWO tested a different approach. The volunteer-led non-profit supports more than 120 informal street sellers through around 70 active volunteers. Interactions, attendance and reporting were previously tracked using manual processes and across separate systems. Rather than building from scratch, CVWO students configured Cornerstone's existing components to fit Signpost Collective’s needs, and developed only a thin custom interface. This approach made such systems more scalable to maintain, and easier for CVWO to work with smaller organisations.

Together, the two projects capture what is distinctive about CVWO’s plans for 2026: a foray into new areas of social impact, and a shift from separate, bespoke systems towards a shared, configurable platform model.

“I joined the CVWO programme expecting to sharpen my technical skills. However, the biggest lesson I learnt was that great engineering is actually about understanding people and building solutions that truly meet their needs,” said Suvan Handa, a Year 2 Computer Science student who is part of the Project UMA team.

AI, applied deliberately

Over the next few years, CVWO will explore new areas where AI can add practical value to the workflows of its partner organisations. Potential applications include assisting with tasks such as rewriting or summarising case notes, subject to appropriate safeguards and human review.

Student training will remain central to the programme. CVWO also recognises the risk of cognitive offloading associated with the use of AI. Students in the programme will continue to write the code, understand the systems they build and develop strong engineering fundamentals, even as AI is increasingly used in the development process.

Assoc Prof Leong said, "AI gives our students powerful new capabilities. This means we can build better, more impactful systems for the organisations that need them most. As we mark CVWO’s 20th anniversary, our mission remains unchanged. AI simply gives us a new tool to work more effectively."

Marking the milestone

In conjunction with its 20th anniversary celebrations, CVWO has received a significant boost to its efforts. Mr Keith Chua, through the Mrs Lee Choon Guan Trust Fund, has pledged approximately S$1.5 million to the Centre for Computing for Social Good and Philanthropy. This is the second generous gift of S$1.5 million Mr Chua has made to the Centre. Part of the gift will support CVWO’s IT infrastructure costs.

ENSULIB recognised NUS Libraries as “a regional representative example of Singapore's long-term commitment to embedding environmental responsibility, social inclusion, cultural preservation and innovation into library strategy and practice”.

“Receiving this Special Recognition from IFLA ENSULIB is a meaningful affirmation of NUS Libraries' dedication to making sustainability a core part of everything we do — from the spaces we design to the programmes we run and the digital tools we develop,” said University Librarian, Associate Professor Natalie Pang.

“This recognition reflects the collective effort of our team and reinforces our belief that libraries have a vital role to play in shaping a more sustainable future.”

A holistic approach to sustainable libraries

NUS Libraries’ winning submission, Building Sustainable Libraries at NUS, outlines its systematic approach through its four Sustainability Pillars — Green Resources, Green Programming, Green Libraries, and Green Digital and Innovation — embedded across its operations, collections, programming and digital initiatives.

The approach, which is aligned with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrates how environmental and social responsibility can be woven into a library’s work, rather than treated as a separate initiative. Such was the case in the recently renovated Medicine + Science Library, which integrates sustainability and functionality in its design.

“We hope that our approach can inspire other libraries, particularly in the region, to explore how they too can integrate sustainability holistically into their work and contribute meaningfully to national and global sustainability goals,” said Vice University Librarian Dr Magdeline Ng.

Watch a video about NUS Libraries’ sustainability efforts here, and visit this page for more information about its sustainability initiatives.

Name: Zachary Kang
Faculty: NUS School of Computing
Host Country/University: Denmark, Technical University of Denmark

What was your first week like in Denmark?

My first week in Denmark was both terrifying and exciting. Everything felt daunting at first — figuring out how to get around, where to buy groceries, how to settle in, how to navigate life in a completely unfamiliar environment — and there were moments when I wondered whether I had made the right decision.

But with each small step, things became a little easier. By around the fourth or fifth day, I could finally take a step back and think, "Okay, I’m going to be fine."

Looking back, it may seem like a small achievement, but that moment was deeply meaningful to me. It reminded me that stepping into the unknown can be uncomfortable, but it is often where we grow the most.

Why did you choose Denmark and Technical University of Denmark for your exchange?

I wanted to experience life in a Scandinavian country known for its progressive values, work-life balance, design and sustainability. I was curious about why Scandinavian countries consistently rank among the happiest in the world, and whether there was something about their way of life that I could learn from.

The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) was my first choice because its courses aligned well with my study plan and interests. I was also drawn to its proximity to Copenhagen, a city I had always wanted to experience.

More than anything, however, I wanted to challenge myself by stepping outside what was familiar and seeing the world from a different perspective.

What are some of your key learning experiences during your exchange?

One of my most meaningful learning experiences was working on a cybersecurity research project as part of a course at DTU, which eventually led to a published paper. Through the project, I collaborated with other students and a professor and gained a deeper understanding of their approach to studying and research.

The experience also taught me that learning does not always happen in a classroom. Some of the most valuable lessons came from working with people who thought differently from me, asking questions, making mistakes and learning how to solve problems together.

More broadly, the NUS Student Exchange Programme (SEP) gave me the opportunity to focus on learning with less pressure. Since my mapped courses at NUS were graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis, I could engage more deeply with the material without being overly focused on grades. It allowed me to rediscover the joy of learning for its own sake and to appreciate the process rather than just the outcome.

What are some of your fondest memories?

Some of my fondest memories are tied to the people I met through sports, travel, studying or simply everyday conversations.

I made many close friends during my exchange and tried to make the most of the time I had with them, knowing that I would eventually have to leave after a few months. Those new bonds and shared experiences were what made the exchange especially meaningful to me.

What did you learn from interacting with students from different cultures?

Interacting with students from different cultures taught me that people can have very different perspectives on work, social life, success and what matters to them.

At the same time, I realised that shared interests could bring people together regardless of cultural differences. Whether we were playing sports or discussing ideas for a research project, the shared excitement of working towards something together made it much easier to connect and form meaningful relationships.

Perhaps, most importantly, I realised that we often have much more in common than we think.

Any tips for NUS students interested in going on exchange?

I would encourage students to see the SEP as more than an opportunity to travel or complete courses overseas. It is an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, experience a different way of life and discover more about yourself.

For many of us, university is one of the few times in life when we can immerse ourselves in another country with relatively little external pressure or long-term responsibility. Take advantage of that opportunity. Explore. Be curious. Say yes to new experiences that might initially feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Go on adventures and spend time with people who see the world differently from you. Exchange is a rare opportunity to experience new places, perspectives, friendships and ways of living.

Make the most of it! You never know how much one journey can change the way you see the world — and yourself.

• CNA Online, 9 September 2026

• The Straits Times, 10 September 2026, Opinion, p17
• Lianhe Zaobao, 9 September 2026, Opinion, p12

Established in 1951, JOC is the flagship journal of the International Communication Association based in Washington D.C., and is widely regarded as an essential journal for communication specialists and policymakers alike. The journal publishes leading scholarship across all aspects of communication, spanning communication research, practice, policy and theory. Prof Zhang is among a select group of five scholars to lead the publication as incoming chief editors. Her four-year term begins with a transition period in September 2026, with full editorial responsibility commencing in January 2027.

Prof Zhang said, “I am deeply honoured to take on this role as incoming editor of the Journal of Communication, one of the most respected journals in our field. I look forward to working alongside my fellow co-editors to support and elevate outstanding communication scholarship from around the world, and I’m excited where this new chapter takes us.”

Beyond this appointment, Prof Zhang is NUS Provost’s Chair Professor and Director of the Civic Tech Lab at FASS. Her research focuses on civic engagement and Information and Communication Technologies, with a particular focus on Asia. She has led multi-nation projects on youth engagement and civic tech across the region, and is currently exploring how civic tech applications can facilitate citizen engagement on science topics such as artificial intelligence, Covid-19 vaccines, climate change and novel food.

• Lianhe Zaobao, 8 September 2026, Fukan, p3

For the first time in its 11-year history, the exclusive annual event organised by the NUS Development Office introduced donors to two NUS faculties in a single day: the NUS Faculty of Law (NUS Law) and NUS College (NUSC).

“Today, I hope you get the chance to experience some of what we create for our students, to see not simply where your support goes, but where it could go in the future,” shared NUSC Dean Professor Simon Chesterman in his welcome address on 29 August.

Indeed, donors began the day with a guided campus tour of the faculty of their choice, led by their respective students who offered them a glimpse of university life through their eyes. The occasion also gave many the opportunity to explore NUS Law’s new home in University Town, while gaining a closer look at the distinctive learning experiences offered across both faculties.

The tours concluded with showcases of NUSC students’ Impact Experience Projects and activities by NUS Law student clubs, highlighting the many ways students put their learning into practice both inside and beyond the classroom.

Warmly welcoming donors to the BCE, NUSC Dean Professor Simon Chesterman and NUS Law Dean Professor Andrew Simester emphasised the impact that donors are co-creating when they give through the University.

“What we would really like to thank you for is not just your generosity towards our programmes and students, but for encouraging us to push the boundaries of education. You are very much co-creators in our development,” shared Prof Chesterman, who also holds the David Marshall Professorship in Law at the University.

“Singapore’s legal system is at the heart of the future and the foundation of the country’s success. Many of those who shaped that system were trained right here at NUS Law,” added Prof Simester, who is also the Amaladass Professor of Criminal Justice. “We are deeply grateful for the generous support for NUS Law and the University as a whole.”

The morning then opened into four Insight Sessions, each offering donors the opportunity to engage with critical ideas around the future of society.

The University Disrupted – Rethinking Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Led by Prof Chesterman, the session explored the value and legitimacy of universities in a world reshaped by AI.

He argued that while AI is bringing pressures to a head that have been building in universities for decades, NUS’ response should not be to go “AI first” but “X plus AI”. This refers to an approach that leverages technology to enhance every discipline while doubling down on cultivating the human qualities that AI cannot replicate: judgement, curiosity, empathy and the ability to focus deeply. A lively discussion followed, with donors actively contributing their own experiences and perspectives.

How Old Are You, Really?

At the CJ Koh Law Library, Distinguished Professor Brian Kennedy led a session on what biological age reveals about our health. Prof Kennedy is the Programme Chair of the Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Director of the Centre for Healthy Longevity at the National University Health System.

He introduced donors to LinAge2, developed by NUS researchers to measure an individual’s biological age, identify what is accelerating it and recommend changes. Designed to catch decline early while it is still highly modifiable, the research informs rejuvenation strategies including lifestyle interventions, supplements and repurposing drugs to delay frailty.

The session also featured a fireside chat with Dr Sue-Anne Toh, co-founder, CEO and Medical Director of NOVI Health, and a patient who had benefitted from LinAge2 in his own journey towards healthy longevity.

NUS Law Students’ Moot Simulation

Over at the Wee Chong Jin Moot Court, donors enjoyed front-row seats to a world championship-level courtroom experience as NUS Law students recreated the intensity of an arbitration over a cross-border commercial dispute.

The case in question: whether Sellers Inc could declare non-performance under a Force Majeure clause, complicated by internal correspondence suggesting ulterior motives and the question of whether illegally obtained evidence should be admitted.

When the Tribunal, led by Professor Steven Elliott KC, deliberated on the verdict, donors voted in a live poll and were split evenly on the outcome of the arbitration. Ultimately, Prof Elliott KC ruled against Sellers Inc, finding the opposing counsel’s arguments more compelling.

He then commended the four mooters for the calibre of their arguments and noted their bright futures as leading advocates, concluding with a reference to the new Centre for International Arbitration and Dispute Resolution at NUS Law, which will reinforce Singapore’s established reputation as a leading dispute resolution hub.

AI and the Law: What Lies Ahead?

Finally, at the Yale-NUS Hall, Professor David Tan and Professor Ernest Lim, Co-Directors of the Centre for Technology, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and the Law under NUS Law; joined Mr Jeth Lee, Vice President of Legal, APAC at Nscale, for a wide-ranging panel discussion on the implications of AI for copyright, online harms and personal data protection.

Mr Lee flagged three commonly overlooked risks when lawyers outsource their minds to AI: the erosion of critical thinking, the issue of confidentiality, and AI interaction histories as evidence in legal proceedings. Prof Lim offered a framework for AI liability that is anchored in accountability and determining who is legally responsible for any actions or harm caused by an AI system.

Rounding off the panel, Prof Tan explored AI-generated content and what level of human involvement is required for the output to be attributed to human authorship. He noted that the answer remains unsettled across jurisdictions worldwide but offered practical advice: demonstrate meaningful control over the AI, and document the entire creation process.

Forging lasting connections

Following a full morning of exploration and discussion, donors gathered at the Saga Dining Hall for a sumptuous buffet lunch. Conversations continued over the meal as donors deepened their connections with faculty, students and fellow benefactors.

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (Science ’85) and NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Professor Aaron Thean also joined donors for lunch, taking the opportunity to connect personally with the University’s benefactors and thank them for their continued support.

All in all, the experience was a reminder that giving through NUS does not simply support the University’s various causes. More importantly, it creates lasting impact for society, shaping a better world for future generations.

• zbSunday, 6 September 2026, Opinion, p25

• zbSunday, 6 September 2026, Fukan, p2

• The Business Times, 5 September 2026, p29

• The Straits Time, 5 September 2026, Opinion, pB7 

Speaking at the awards ceremony held at the University Cultural Centre on 4 September 2026, NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye celebrated the award winners as living proof of the excellence woven into the NUS identity.

He also spoke of how the University is embedding AI deeply into both education and research to unlock new frontiers of discovery. "AI has reshaped scientific research and discovery in unprecedented and unexpected ways…Even as we embrace AI, we must celebrate human excellence. We do so this evening at the University Awards. Determination, endeavour, excellence – these are the very human traits that define the NUS spirit, qualities that will anchor the next AI-powered chapter of NUS."

Top accolade - Outstanding Service Award

This year, the prestigious Outstanding Service Award was conferred on Mr Seah Moon Ming, Chairman, Board of Governors of NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, and Professor Bernard Tan Cheng Yian, NUS Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education), in recognition of their inspiring leadership and dedicated service. Both are accomplished individuals who have made sustained contributions in selflessly serving the University and society.

Mr Seah Moon Ming

Mr Seah is a veteran leader who has devoted over four decades to strengthening Singapore's public institutions and continues to invest in the next generation through education and philanthropy. As Chairman of the Board of Governors of NUS High School of Mathematics and Science since 2021, he spearheaded the school's Strategic Plan 2025–2029 and forged partnerships with industry and social service organisations to enrich student learning. He is also Chairman of SMRT Corporation and SMRT Trains Ltd, where he led a cultural transformation anchored in the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. He established the Seah Moon Ming Foundation, which contributes annually to bursaries and scholarships across NUS, NUS High School, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), polytechnics, Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs), and charity organisations, championing access to education for the next generation of engineers and underprivileged families.

Delivering the citation, Professor Aaron Thean, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, said, “[Mr Seah’s] contributions have been recognised nationally, including the Meritorious Service Medal in 2022 and the Public Service Star in 2014. Behind all these obvious contributions and achievements is a man with a heart for Engineering at NUS. He has gifted much of his time to the faculty as an advisory board member, fostering its growth. We are privileged to have Mr Seah as part of our community.”

Reflecting on his investment in education, Mr Seah said, “I believe an education should build character, shape values, and inspire students to serve society…With the right values, sense of purpose and gratitude, an NUS education can become a powerful force for a better future.”

Professor Bernard Tan Cheng Yian

Behind many of NUS' most significant curriculum reforms over the past 17 years is Professor Bernard Tan Cheng Yian, a champion of interdisciplinary and future-ready education. As Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education), Prof Tan has been instrumental in driving curriculum reforms across virtually every college, faculty and school in the University, advancing interdisciplinary programmes, common admissions, experiential learning, student financial aid and AI integration in education. He chairs the University Committee on Educational Policy and multiple university-wide steering committees covering student information systems and graduate employment. A former President of the Association for Information Systems, he received the organisation's LEO Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2024.

In his citation, Prof Thean paid tribute to Prof Tan’s work in undergraduate education and his leadership in advancing NUS’ AI efforts. “As Senior Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Professor Tan has steered the University’s educational directions, policies and programmes, always demonstrating a deep commitment to the learning experience of our students. He exemplifies collegiality, institutional commitment and a lifelong dedication to the University.”

Sharing his hopes about the future, Prof Tan said, “Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Don’t be afraid of disruptions. All these disruptions, in fact, make us stronger. Take heart. Keep innovating, and I’m confident that future generations of NUS students and educators will do better than those who come before them.”

The honour roll

The NUS University Awards 2026 also recognised the accomplishments of seven outstanding educators and researchers.

University Research Recognition Award

Professor Abhik Roychoudhury from the Department of Computer Science, School of Computing, was lauded for extending his research from academic breakthroughs to enterprise-grade tools used by companies worldwide.

Professor Ashok Venkitaraman from the Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; and Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, was honoured for his landmark discoveries on the BRCA2 gene, which have laid the scientific foundations for targeted cancer therapies used globally.

Young Researcher Award

Associate Professor Chen Huijun Cynthia from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health was commended for her research on ageing and healthcare financing, which has directly shaped government policy in Singapore and on global platforms.

Assistant Professor Liu Boxiang from the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, recently won the 2026 Young Scientist Award at this year’s President’s Science & Technology Awards (PSTA). He was recognised for his work on genetic variation and RNA splicing which is advancing the understanding of complex and autoimmune diseases across Asian populations.

Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award

Professor Liu Xiaogang from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, was honoured for his excellent and committed mentorship in nurturing the next generation of scholars and thought leaders. He is a dedicated mentor to over 130 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have gone on to publish in the world's leading scientific journals.

Outstanding Educator Award

Two faculty members were acknowledged for being exemplary educators who have excelled in engaging and inspiring students in their quest for knowledge:

1) Associate Professor Robin Loon Seong Yun from the Department of English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, who has transformed how students engage with community and identity through experiential, arts-based learning.

2) Associate Professor Tay En Rong Stephen from the Department of the Built Environment, College of Design and Engineering, who has developed the Contextualised Learning via Enquiring, Answering, and Reflecting (CLEAR) pedagogical framework. This has reshaped how curiosity and critical thinking are taught across Singapore and six other countries.

Read more about the NUS University Awards recipients here and the NUS press release here.

This year, the prestigious Outstanding Service Award was conferred on Mr Seah Moon Ming, Chairman, Board of Governors of NUS High School of Mathematics and Science; and Professor Bernard Tan Cheng Yian, NUS Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education), in recognition of their inspiring leadership and dedicated service. Both are accomplished individuals who have made sustained contributions in selflessly serving the University and society.

Acknowledging Artificial Intelligence (AI) as both a transformative force and a defining opportunity, Prof Tan emphasised that NUS is taking a bold, university-wide approach to embedding AI across education and research. From announcing its AI education strategy in August 2026 to leading four projects under the AI-for-Science national initiative, NUS is moving with intent and at scale. "Determination, endeavour, excellence. These are the very human traits that define the NUS spirit, qualities we look out for as we nurture talent and qualities that will anchor the next AI-powered chapter of NUS," he said.

Besides the Outstanding Service Award, the other award categories are University Research Recognition Award, Young Researcher Award, Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award and Outstanding Educator Award.

Outstanding Service Award

Mr Seah Moon Ming

An engineer by training and veteran corporate leader, Mr Seah Moon Ming has over four decades of service across Singapore's transport, defence, energy and education sectors. As Chairman of the Board of Governors of NUS High School of Mathematics and Science since 2021, he has spearheaded the school's Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029 and forged partnerships with industry and social service organisations to enrich student learning. He is also Chairman of SMRT Corporation Ltd and SMRT Trains Ltd, where he led a cultural transformation anchored in the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. He established the Seah Moon Ming Foundation, which contributes annually to bursaries and scholarships across NUS, NUS High School, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), polytechnics, Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs) and charity organisations, championing access to education for the next generation of engineers and underprivileged families.

Professor Bernard Tan Cheng Yian

A distinguished academic leader, Professor Bernard Tan Cheng Yian has served in the NUS Office of the Provost for 17 years. As Senior Vice Provost (Undergraduate Education), he has been instrumental in driving curriculum reforms across virtually every College, Faculty and School in the University, advancing interdisciplinary programmes and common admissions to experiential learning, student financial aid and AI integration in education. He chairs the University Committee on Educational Policy and multiple university-wide steering committees covering student information systems and graduate employment. A former President of the Association for Information Systems, he received the organisation's LEO Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2024.

Seven exemplary educators and researchers honoured

The NUS University Awards also celebrated the accomplishments of seven outstanding academics and researchers:

University Research Recognition Award

1) Professor Abhik Roychoudhury, Provost’s Chair Professor, Department of Computer Science, School of Computing

Professor Abhik Roychoudhury is a global pioneer in automated program repair and software security. He is the driving force behind AutoCodeRover, commercialised as the SonarQube Remediation Agent now used by enterprises worldwide. He pioneered research in greybox fuzzing, reinvigorating the field of security testing. The power schedule algorithm he introduced is now embedded by default in AFL++, the industry-standard fuzzing engine. His work on directed greybox fuzzing further underpins Google's OSS-Fuzz, which has uncovered over 13,000 software vulnerabilities across more than 1,000 critical software projects.

2) Professor Ashok Venkitaraman, Distinguished Professor, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine; and Director, Cancer Science Institute of Singapore

A globally recognised leader in cancer biology, Professor Ashok Venkitaraman is best known for uncovering the biological functions of the BRCA2 tumour suppressor gene and establishing the scientific foundations for targeted cancer therapies. Beyond this, he has elucidated mechanisms governing DNA repair and chromosome segregation, and connected genome maintenance to metabolic and environmental stressors to enable early cancer interception. He has also pioneered innovative technologies for drug development and target discovery, leading to the creation of multiple university spin-out companies including co-founding PhoreMost.

Young Researcher Award

3) Associate Professor Cynthia Chen Huijun, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

A leading public health economist, Associate Professor Cynthia Chen Huijun’s research has translated directly into policy and practice. Her key contributions include developing the Future Elderly Model for Singapore to project disease burden and evaluate preventive strategies, generating evidence that incentive-based, tracker-enabled programmes improve health behaviour in Singapore, and leading the creation of a 143-country index measuring societal adaptation to population ageing that has informed policy on G20 and ASEAN platforms. She has also been recognised as one of the World's Top 2% Scientists for 2025 by Elsevier.

4) Assistant Professor Liu Boxiang, Presidential Young Professor, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science

Assistant Professor Liu Boxiang recently won the 2026 Young Scientist Award at this year’s President’s Science & Technology Awards (PSTA). He leads the Liu Lab for Genomic Data Science, bridging genomics, statistics and machine learning to advance understanding of complex and autoimmune diseases. Among his key breakthroughs are the establishment of a single-cell sQTL atlas across diverse Asian populations, offering new insights into cell-type-specific genetic regulation in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and the development of LocusCompare2, a platform for reproducible causal gene identification.

Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award

5) Professor Liu Xiaogang, Distinguished Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science; and Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine

A global leader in nanophotonics and bioimaging, Prof Liu Xiaogang has made transformative contributions to the development of advanced X-ray imaging and optical sensing technologies. He has built a research environment that is intellectually demanding yet highly supportive, tailoring the level of structure, pace, and support to each student while holding all mentees to the same standards of scientific rigour, integrity and evidence-based reasoning. Over a career spanning nearly two decades at NUS, he has mentored more than 40 PhD students, 45 Master’s students, and over 50 postdoctoral fellows.

Outstanding Educator Award

6) Associate Professor Robin Loon Seong Yun, Department of English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

An award-winning theatre educator and scholar, Associate Professor Robin Loon Seong Yun’s teaching philosophy centres on community, empathy, and experiential learning. He co-founded Centre 42 to champion Singapore storytelling and held leadership roles including Director of Teaching and Learning at the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology. A consistent presence on the NUS Annual Teaching Excellence Honour Roll, he is also a published authority on Singapore theatre history and performance.

7) Associate Professor Stephen Tay En Rong, Department of the Built Environment, College of Design and Engineering

Associate Professor Stephen Tay En Rong is a sustainable energy educator best known for developing the Contextualised Learning via Enquiring, Answering, and Reflecting (CLEAR) pedagogical framework, which fosters curiosity and critical thinking and has been adopted across Singapore and in universities across six countries. Beyond his own classroom, he has actively mentored fellow educators to cultivate the same spirit of enquiry and collaborative learning among their students. He has been consecutively recognised with the College Educator Award from the College of Design and Engineering, and has been featured regularly on the NUS Annual Teaching Excellence Honour Roll over the years.

Please refer to the Awards Booklet for more information on their achievements.

• CNA Online, 4 September 2026