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

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

• Lianhe Zaobao, 2 September 2026, Opinion, p13

• The Straits Times, 2 September 2026, Opinion, pB1 and pB2

• The Business Times, 1 September 2026, Opinion, p17

This rare partnership is the focus of a new book, The Straits of Malacca and Singapore: A Model for the World, which brings together historical, legal, maritime and strategic perspectives from experts at the NUS Centre for International Law (CIL) and leading maritime scholars.

Launched on 24 August 2026, the book builds on CIL’s longstanding research into ocean law, maritime governance and shipping, reflecting the Centre’s broader role in connecting rigorous legal research with real-world policy challenges facing Singapore, Asia and the international community.

“We are the only straits in the world which have what is called a Cooperative Mechanism,” said Professor Tommy Koh, veteran diplomat and Chairman of the CIL International Advisory Panel, on the sidelines of the launch.

Launched by the three countries in 2007, the Cooperative Mechanism is a framework to enhance navigational safety and environmental protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. It brings together other countries that use the Straits, the shipping industry and other stakeholders to voluntarily share information and resources to keep the Straits safe and open to shipping.

Today, the Straits of Malacca and Singapore are among the busiest waterways in the world, through which nearly 30 per cent of global trade passes every year.

Prof Koh edited the book together with three leading maritime scholars: Dr Nilufer Oral, Director of CIL; Professor Robert Beckman, NUS Emeritus Professor and Senior Advisor of CIL’s Ocean Law programme; and Dr Tara Davenport, the programme’s co-head.

A vision come true

The book brings to life a vision that Prof Koh has held for years: to curate the historical, legal, maritime and strategic aspects of the Straits in one comprehensive account.

It was an idea that took root when he led Singapore’s delegation at the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea from 1973 to 1982. As the conference’s president in 1982, he guided the adoption of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a landmark treaty that remains a cornerstone of maritime law today and ensures free global trade through international waters.

“The experience of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia demonstrates how countries with different interests and sovereignty concerns can work together to manage a shared and strategically vital waterway,” he said.

But the cooperation that sustains the Straits of Malacca and Singapore goes back many years, predating the adoption of UNCLOS.

After World War II, the coastal states pushed to extend territorial seas from three to 12 nautical miles. This would have closed the Straits of Malacca and Singapore — a risk that Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore recognised. “The three states decided very early they had to do something about this,” said Prof Beckman.

This led to the formation of the Tripartite Technical Experts Group in 1976, the main coordinating body of the three littoral states, which in turn paved the way for the Cooperative Mechanism in 2007.

“All three states have an interest in ensuring there’s safety of navigation so that there are no collisions, that pollution of the marine environment is minimised, and there are funds in case there’s an oil spill,” added Prof Beckman.

“In that sense, the three states have a completely common interest, not a divergent interest.”

Lessons for other waterways

Such cooperation is in stark contrast to the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, where commercial shipping has been severely disrupted by the US-Iran conflict.

The book, said Prof Koh, is a timely reminder of the importance of diplomatic trust to keep vital sea lanes open for trade.

Its scope, which spans history, international legal regime, hydrography and commercial relevance, caters to a range of readers, from lawyers and policymakers to maritime practitioners.

Because many of these issues had previously been discussed in isolation, the book fills an important gap in understanding the Straits, said Ms Amanda Wee, a Research Assistant at CIL’s Ocean Law and Policy Programme who coordinated the book’s development.

“Alongside the global significance of the Straits in today’s volatile world is the lack of a book comprehensively examining the Straits of Malacca and Singapore from different disciplines in existing literature,” she noted.

By bringing together perspectives that have often been examined separately, the book ultimately aims to provide a more comprehensive account of the management of the Straits and the resulting lessons it offers policymakers, practitioners and scholars in Singapore and beyond.

The book, published by World Scientific Publishing is available at all major bookstores and online.

• Lianhe Zaobao, 31 August 2026, Forum, p10

• Berita Minggu, 30 August 2026, p14 & p15

• The Straits Times, 28 August 2026, Opinion, pB4

• The Straits Times, 28 August 2026, Opinion, pB3

• The Business Times, 28 August 2026, p16

• The Straits Time, 27 August 2026, Opinion, pB1-B2

• CNA Online, 27 August 2026
• Suria News Online, 27 August 2026

• The Business Times, 27 August 2026, p18

• The Business Times, 26 August 2026, p15

• The Straits Times, 25 August 2026, Opinion, pB2

• The Business Times, 25 August 2026, p17

Galassia 5: AI-powered earth observation satellite

Most satellites transmit everything they capture back to earth, and this is a slow, bandwidth-heavy process that limits how quickly useful data can reach people who need it. A team of students from the College of Design and Engineering at NUS set out to change that.

Final-year students Tristan Voon, Grace Ng and Victor Soh, together with NUS alumni Lim Tze Yee, Hang Jin Guang, Lee Wen Da, Phyo Thu Yein Kyaw and Pan Yong Jing from the Class of 2026, built Galassia 5, an earth observation satellite that processes data onboard in real time. At its core is a neural processing unit (NPU), a specialised hardware that runs artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning workloads directly on the device without relying on a ground connection. Combined with direct-to-user downlinking, which sends data directly from orbit to end users, Galassia 5 significantly reduced the time taken for critical insights to reach users who need it most. In disaster situations like earthquakes, faster satellite data transmission means less time needed for first responders to reach earthquake survivors.

Stress-testing AI as a research tool

Can AI tools be trusted for serious research? A team from NUS Business School decided to find out.

Final-year students Joshua Arjanto and Muhammad Khaizuran Bin Mohamad Rosle, as well as NUS Class of 2026 graduates Hu Shiyou, Chen Xiaojing (Crystal) and Asher Ethan Koh – put leading AI research tools, including OpenAI Deep Research, Google Gemini Deep Research and DeepSeek, through their paces. The task was to analyse the business impact of emerging technologies, such as AI, quantum computing, robotics, space technology and fusion energy, across G20 countries.

The team had three goals in mind: to determine which tools produced the most reliable and useful research, how their outputs and sources could be systematically fact-checked, and what an effective end-to-end workflow for AI-assisted research should look like.

The findings were a timely warning. AI-generated responses often appeared polished and well-structured even when the underlying references were inaccessible, incorrectly interpreted or potentially fabricated, reinforcing the importance of evaluating AI’s reliability as a tool for investment and financial research. In response, the team developed a five-step framework: scope, collect, verify, synthesise and present, offering a practical blueprint for anyone using AI in high-stakes research or investment contexts.

Regulating AI in healthcare

Although GenAI and large language models (LLMs) are growing more capable, the rules governing the use of AI in healthcare have not kept pace.  LLMs can now handle open-ended tasks and generate diverse responses across applications but existing medical AI regulations were largely designed for older, narrower systems with predictable outputs. The flexibility that makes LLMs powerful also makes them harder to govern as they can hallucinate, produce inconsistent results and generate recommendations that are difficult-to-explain or audit.

It was this gap that led Caitlyn Tan, an NUS Medicine graduate from the Class of 2026, to examine whether existing regulatory approaches are equipped to manage LLMs used for clinical decision support (CDS).

Her research examines a range of safeguards that could help make GenAI safer in clinical settings. These include red teaming, in which AI systems are deliberately pushed into difficult or harmful scenarios to expose weaknesses before deployment; guardrails, which constrain unsafe or inappropriate outputs and retrieval-augmented generation, which allows models to draw on trusted and up-to-date sources. Rather than advocating for rigid rules which could stifle innovation, she makes the case for forward-looking, adaptive regulations that evolve alongside the technology, while maintaining patient safety as the priority.

Applications to UROP+ REx and SPUR are closing on 28 August. Click on the links to apply today.

Cutting-edge research to shape the future of international arbitration

Amid increasing tensions and uncertainty in the international trade and business environment, the Centre will undertake rigorous research and engagement with practice aimed at developing trusted, credible and sustainable dispute resolution frameworks.

The Centre will be led by Professor Stavros Brekoulakis, an international expert, academic and practitioner in international arbitration from the NUS Faculty of Law. Building on NUS’s expertise in international law and arbitration, the Centre will connect leading academics, arbitrators, practitioners, policymakers, judges, institutions and users from around the world. It will address issues shaping the future of international arbitration. These include , transparency and accountability, ethics and professional governance, investor–State dispute settlement, and the contribution of Singapore and ASEAN to the development of international arbitration law and practice.

The Centre will complement Singapore’s existing world-class dispute-resolution institutions and infrastructure by providing a dedicated platform for research, policy development, publications and international conventions.

Proposed new programme in international arbitration

The Centre also plans to develop a rigorous, research-led and interdisciplinary programme of advanced studies in international arbitration. The programme will combine advanced legal studies and research-led teaching with exposure to business, technology as well as engagement with leading international arbitrators, counsel, institutions and academics. It will strive to set a global benchmark in advanced education and professional development of future leaders in international arbitration.

Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Mr Edwin Tong SC said: “Singapore strongly supports multilateralism, and a dispute resolution system which is trusted, is rules based and which applies fairly. We will do our best to contribute towards the strengthening of a framework to support such a system. This will include innovative research and fresh thinking, in order to evolve the framework, and keep it relevant and fit for purpose. As an international dispute resolution hub in the heart of Asia, we believe that Singapore is well placed to contribute to these efforts, by bringing together global thought leaders with different perspectives from across the region and beyond.”

Professor Brekoulakis said: “International arbitration is entering a period of significant change. The challenges facing the field require fresh thinking about how the system can remain effective, credible and responsive to a changing global economy. I look forward to working with colleagues across academia, practice and policymaking to address these challenges and contribute to shaping the future of international arbitration. The Centre will bring together rigorous scholarship and the advanced practical understanding, with the ambition of establishing Singapore as a leading global centre for thought leadership and advanced education in international dispute resolution. I am grateful to the Ministry of Law for their commitment and support in making this important initiative possible.

More information on the Centre will be shared in due course.

Career preparation begins well before the fair and lasts long after it ends. From campus pop-ups and career workshops to a Virtual Global Fair and on-site interviews, here are six things students can look out for during the NUS Career Fest season, organised by the NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG).

1. Get career advice at campus pop-ups

In the weeks leading up to NUS Career Fest, students can speak with CFG Career Advisors at campus pop-ups to find out more about career resources and book personalised career advisory sessions ahead of the fair.

Catch the CFG team at these locations:

• Faculty of Law: 28 August, 12pm–2pm at East Core building
• Faculty of Science: 3 September, 12pm–2pm at Frontier
• School of Computing: 9 September, 12 pm–2pm at The Terrace
• College of Design and Engineering: 15 September, 12pm–2pm outside LT6

Students can also meet the CFG team and a select group of employers at the YIH Back to School Pop-Up on 26 August 2026, from 11am to 3pm, at NUS Yusof Ishak House Level 2, outside Wild Skew.

Get more information on these pre-fair micro-events here.

2. Prepare for the recruitment process through workshops

Career preparation continues through a series of workshops running before and after the fair.

• Pre-fair workshops (5 August–21 September): Covers AI professional branding, consulting case studies and quantitative finance careers.
• Post-fair workshops (25 September–16 October): Provides ongoing skill-building opportunities, from navigating the job search and assessment centres to managing job offers and salary negotiations.

3. Explore international opportunities at the Virtual Global Fair

Students looking for career opportunities beyond Singapore or hoping to gain broader global exposure can connect with global employers offering overseas internships and graduate roles at the Virtual Global Fair from 14 to 21 September.

For more information on the Virtual Global Fair, click here.

4. Meet employers and interview with some of them on the spot

This year’s NUS Career Fest introduces live on-site interviews, with 20 employers conducting interviews directly on the convention floor. Students can turn initial conversations into formal job interviews without leaving the venue.

In addition, they can have access to diverse career paths with over 200 employers across more than 20 industries, including finance, AI & technology, healthcare, engineering, consumer goods and the public sector.

5. Get career advice and a professional headshot

Students can also sharpen their job application skills by visiting the Career Advisory Express booth for guidance from CFG Career Advisors before meeting employers or stop by the complimentary executive photo studio for a professional headshot for LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms.

6. Keep exploring opportunities after NUS Career Fest

Remember: career preparation doesn’t end with NUS Career Fest. Keep the momentum going all semester by consulting CFG Career Advisors and joining recruitment events. These touchpoints provide opportunities to network, refine applications and explore career pathways in the search for internships and jobs.

To register for NUS Career Fest, visit this link.

By NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates

• The Straits Times, 20 August 2026, Opinion, pB4

Name: Yunci Ho 
Faculty: NUS Business School 
Host Country/University: South Korea, Korea University 

What was your first week like in South Korea?

My first week in Korea was a mix of excitement and adjustment. As it was my first time in the country, I was grateful to have my mum with me for the first few days. Saying goodbye to her was when it truly sank in that I would be living on my own in a completely unfamiliar place for the next few months.

Suddenly, even the simplest tasks felt daunting — from getting a SIM card and navigating the university shuttle bus to using local taxi and food delivery apps, and even finding my way around the dormitory.

What made the biggest difference was the kindness of people around me. My international roommate patiently helped me settle in and even lent me toiletries because I had arrived without them. A local ahjumma (Korean for “middle-aged woman”) also introduced me to hidden eateries known among the locals I would never have discovered on my own. These small acts of kindness stayed with me, reminding me that even in unfamiliar places, people can quietly make a place feel like home.

Why did you choose South Korea and Korea University for your exchange?

I chose Korea University for three reasons: cultural experience, academic fit, and accommodation.

First, Seoul offers a unique blend of modern city life and deep-rooted traditions, making everyday life both dynamic and enriching.

Secondly, as a Human Resource major, I was curious about how Korea's emphasis on hyo (filial piety) shapes leadership, teamwork and organisational culture. Exploring these ideas gave me a deeper appreciation of collective and respectful leadership styles.

Finally, secure student accommodation was important in helping me transition smoothly into a new environment. Overall, Korea University offered the right balance of cultural immersion, academic relevance and practical support.

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

One of my biggest takeaways from SEP is that growth often comes from uncertainty, rather than certainty.

Before going on exchange, I viewed learning as something structured, with clear plans, goals and outcomes. Living in a new environment challenged that mindset. I had to adapt to unfamiliar systems, navigate language and cultural differences, and make decisions without always having all the answers.

Through these experiences, I realised that learning is not only intellectual but also deeply personal. It is about how you respond to uncertainty — whether you retreat into your comfort zone or choose to embrace the unfamiliar. Over time, I became more comfortable with not having everything figured out and developed greater confidence in trusting my own judgement.

What are some of your fondest memories?

One of my fondest memories was hiking a challenging mountain with an experienced friend. The terrain was demanding, and the winter air made it even tougher, turning the experience into as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

There was also a humorous — but slightly stressful — moment when a bee hovered near me at the edge of a cliff, forcing me to stay calm and move carefully. Looking back, it is one of those stories that still makes me laugh.

Beyond that, snowboarding for the first time was such a memorable experience. I struggled at the start (and fell more times than I could count), but slowly getting the hang of it and making it down the slopes was incredibly rewarding. It was something completely new to me and made my exchange feel even more adventurous and unforgettable.

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

Interacting with students from different cultures taught me that perspectives are deeply shaped by our upbringing, values and communication styles.

Through group projects and everyday conversations, I encountered different approaches to teamwork, decision-making and even expressing opinions. These experiences taught me to listen more intentionally, clarify assumptions and communicate more thoughtfully.

Most importantly, I came to appreciate the importance of humility. There is no single “correct” way of thinking or working. Effective collaboration comes from adapting, finding common ground and respecting differences. These experiences strengthened my ability to work in diverse teams and made me more open to perspectives that differ from my own.

Any tips for NUS students interested in going on exchange?

My advice is simple: prepare well before you go, then embrace the unexpected once you arrive.

From your first semester at NUS, develop a rough study plan. It will help you stay on track academically and identify which modules are best suited for exchange. Making good use of the Pass/Fail system can also ease academic pressure, giving you more freedom to immerse yourself in new experiences without constantly worrying about grades.

Once you are there, don’t limit yourself to what feels familiar. Talk to new people, join activities and say yes to opportunities — even if they feel slightly uncomfortable at first. Some of the most meaningful experiences happen when you least expect them.

SEP is most rewarding when you strike a balance between preparation and openness: be organised enough to feel secure, but curious enough to grow beyond your comfort zone.

After returning to NUS, I continued supporting exchange initiatives by sharing my experiences with prospective exchangers at events such as the Go Global Fair. I was honoured to receive the Outstanding NUS Exchanger Award, but what meant even more to me was the opportunity to give back to the exchange community that had shaped my own journey.

• The Business Times, 18 August 2026, p16

• The Straits Time, 18 August 2026, Opinion, pB1 and pB2

• The Straits Times, 18 August 2026, Opinion, pB3

• Berita Harian, 17 August 2026, p10