Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) on 14 September 2026, the study was led by Associate Professor L. Roman Carrasco from the Department of Biological Sciences, and conducted in partnership with Research Fellow Ms Yingtong Zhu, and Professor Johan Sulaeman from the NUS Sustainable and Green Finance Institute. The team investigated whether major ESG rating systems reflect companies’ actual deforestation exposure.

Many investors today seek to direct their money towards companies that are responsible stewards of the environment and society. Companies are therefore given ESG ratings, which are meant to indicate whether a business is environmentally and socially responsible. These ratings increasingly influence investment decisions worldwide, but it remains unclear whether they accurately capture one of the biggest environmental impacts of businesses: deforestation.

A multi-source approach to measuring deforestation exposure

The researchers combined satellite-derived forest loss maps, company asset locations, forest-risk commodity supply-chain information, media coverage, and commercial ESG and financial characterises databases to examine the relationship between corporate deforestation and ESG scores. In total, they examined 18 overall ESG scores and 12 deforestation-related sub-scores from five major international providers alongside two independent measures of company-level deforestation.

The analyses included forest loss surrounding the assets of 13,841 companies worldwide between 2013 and 2024 and deforestation exposure of 210 companies through global supply chains for deforestation-risk commodities such as palm oil, soy, beef, pork, chicken and wood products between 2013 and 2020. The team also assessed whether deforestation-related media coverage, rather than actual deforestation, influenced ESG scores.

Ratings track public image, not forest loss

The study found no evidence that ESG ratings consistently capture companies’ actual exposure to deforestation. Instead, ESG scores responded more strongly to media attention related to deforestation, whether positive coverage of companies’ management actions, or negative coverage of deforestation scandals.

The researchers also found that companies involved in palm oil production were more likely to receive lower ESG scores for deforestation than companies associated with soy, pork, or chicken supply chains, suggesting potential commodity biases.

“This is the first study to evaluate multiple commercial ESG rating systems against independently measured corporate deforestation at the global scale. There is a need for ESG providers to integrate objective, spatially explicit deforestation information derived from satellite observations into future assessments, allowing investors to better contribute to reducing deforestation,” said Ms Zhu.

“Our study does not imply that ESG ratings are not useful as a tool to move capital away from companies behind deforestation. In fact, ESG ratings have high potential given their wide coverage of companies. The main problem is that ESG analyses do not incorporate geospatial data. If these data were to be included, ESG investing could be a gamechanger in halting deforestation globally,” added Assoc Prof Carrasco.

The study, led by Associate Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón from the Department of Surgery at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the NUS Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, was published in the journal Smart Medicine on 4 June 2026. This discovery builds on their previous work, where they showed that brief PEMF exposure enhances uptake of doxorubicin (DOX), a chemotherapy drug, by breast cancer cells.

PEMF therapy applies intermittent, low-intensity magnetic pulses to targeted regions of the body over a short period of time. Assoc Prof Franco-Obregón has previously explored the effect of PEMFs on muscle development and oncology. In their latest study, the NUS team demonstrated that even without chemotherapy, PEMFs completely eradicated tumours in 75 per cent of tested preclinical models after just four 30-minute sessions.

“Our study represents a major advancement in breast cancer treatment by demonstrating the potential of PEMFs as a stand-alone, drug-free therapy, offering a possible future where patients could avoid chemotherapy and its debilitating side effects,” said Assoc Prof Franco-Obregón.

Breast cancer cases are projected to rise by a third, from 2.3 million in 2023 to more than 3.5 million by 2050, while annual deaths may nearly double from 764,000 to nearly 1.4 million. Cancer treatment faces challenges such as tumour heterogeneity, drug resistance, and treatment-related toxicities. Approaches targeting TAMs also faced difficulties such as off-target effects. The growing burden underscores the urgent need for innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes and save lives.

From cancer’s friends to foes

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast mutate and grow uncontrollably, forming a solid tumour. These cancer cells recruit and hijack nearby immune cells, corrupting them to protect the tumour, accelerate tumour growth, and encourage the spread of cancer (metastasis). Prominent among these recruited immune cells are TAMs, which are abundant in nearly all solid tumours.

There are two primary types of macrophages, M1 and M2. M1 macrophages are pro-inflammatory – the “soldiers” that eliminate threats like bacteria and viruses. M2 macrophages are anti-inflammatory – the “medics” that orchestrate wound healing and tissue repair once threats are cleared. Cancer cells corrupt most TAMs into adopting the M2 “medic” state, suppressing immune attacks against the tumour while facilitating tumour growth and metastasis.

The key to this macrophage reprogramming lies in a protein called TRPC1 (Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 1), which regulates the M1 state. Crucially, TRPC1 also allows cells to sense and respond to magnetic fields. In their experiments, the NUS team confirmed that a brief 10-minute exposure to PEMFs activated TRPC1 channels on M2-like TAMs, setting off a signalling cascade that converted them to the M1 state – essentially turning TAMs from helpful “medics” to aggressive cancer-killing “soldiers”. These activated TAMs then selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. Furthermore, the same magnetic signature disrupts cancer's ability to hijack TAMs, altering the TAM-cancer communication loop in both directions.

“We have identified a molecular “switch”, the specific cell signalling pathway that allows us to reprogram TAMs. Once reprogrammed, these immune cells actively hunt and devour cancer cells, obliterating the tumour,” said Assoc Prof Franco-Obregón. “With the non-invasive and targeted nature of PEMF therapy, we hope to provide patients an effective and safe alternative treatment, with fewer undesirable side effects.”

Pulses of hope for cancer patients

Assoc Prof Franco-Obregón shared that the same PEMF device used in this study has just successfully completed Phase 1 clinical trials, demonstrating its safety in humans. The team is now seeking partners to conduct Phase 2 efficacy trials to evaluate how well the PEMF treatment works in patients and to further advance its development towards clinical use.

“Since we previously showed that PEMFs selectively increased the uptake of DOX in breast cancer cells, we will be evaluating if our PEMF immunotherapy can work synergistically with chemotherapy for better results,” added Assoc Prof Franco-Obregón. “As the immune cells we reprogram are commonly found in most solid tumours, we are optimistic that our PEMF therapy could potentially be a complementary treatment for other cancers beyond breast cancer.”

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.

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.

Professor Wu Jishan, Provost's Chair Professor from the Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science at NUS, received the esteemed President’s Science Award (PSA) from Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore.

Two outstanding young researchers were conferred with the Young Scientist Award (YSA) from Mr Heng Swee Keat, Chairman of NRF, for their potential to become future world-class leaders in their fields. They are: Assistant Professor Liu Boxiang, Presidential Young Professor from the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Faculty of Science at NUS, and Assistant Professor Hou Yi, Presidential Young Professor from Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in the College of Design and Engineering at NUS, and Head of the Perovskite-based Multijunction Solar Cells Group at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) at NUS.

Their collective achievements underscore the University’s deep commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence and innovation at every career stage, from promising young talents to established leaders in their fields.

2026 President’s Science Award Recipient: Professor Wu Jishan

Professor Wu Jishan was presented the PSA for his contributions to molecular carbon science. His work focuses on developing open-shell and topologically complex molecules as designable systems, enabling new approaches to control their properties for future electronic, magnetic, photonic and quantum technologies.

A leading molecular scientist, Prof Wu has transformed our understanding of how electrons can be controlled in carbon-based molecules. He challenged the long-standing reliance on stable "closed-shell" molecules by demonstrating that highly reactive "open-shell" molecules can be systematically designed and controlled. This paradigm shift turned scientific curiosities into functional materials with unique magnetic, optical, and quantum properties.

One of Prof Wu’s most significant contributions is the development of stable diradicals and polyradicals – molecules containing unpaired electrons that interact with one another. His discoveries have led to new materials for spintronics, photonics and molecular quantum technologies. Prof Wu also reshaped chemistry’s core concept of aromaticity by extending it into three dimensions. He synthesised complex carbon architectures like Möbius and figure-eight molecular systems, opening new possibilities for advanced photonics, circularly polarised light technologies, spin-selective devices, and future quantum systems.

“Receiving the President’s Science Award is a tremendous honour and a deeply meaningful milestone for me. It recognises not only my own scientific journey, but also nearly two decades of work by my students, research team and collaborators at NUS,” said Prof Wu. “I am particularly grateful that our long-term effort to explore unconventional molecular systems — from open-shell molecules to three-dimensional aromatic and topological carbon structures — has grown from fundamental curiosity into new directions for advanced materials and quantum technologies.”

Collectively, Prof Wu’s discoveries provide a unified framework for controlling electron behaviour. Since joining NUS in 2007, he has built a world-leading research programme and mentored a new generation of scientists who now hold leadership positions globally. His foundational work and commitment to talent development lay the groundwork for future quantum technologies and cement Singapore’s position as a global leader in scientific innovation.

Read the full citation here.

2026 Young Scientist Award Recipient: Assistant Professor Liu Boxiang

Assistant Professor Liu Boxiang, a computational biologist and geneticist, won the YSA for his work in developing artificial intelligence (AI) and bioinformatics methods that improve the identification of causal genes for complex diseases, enabling precision medicine approaches for human health.

“This award recognises not just me but the hard work and dedication of my team and the generosity of my mentors and collaborators. It shows that the work we do is generating real-world impact, and the risk we took led to positive outcomes,” said Asst Prof Liu.

Asst Prof Liu’s research involves developing and employing AI methods to find genes that cause complex human diseases, with a particular focus on Asian populations, which have been underrepresented in genomic research. His work lays the groundwork for precision medicine tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup.

To close the data gap, he spearheaded the creation of the first atlas that maps genetic variation in individual Asian cells. His work identified an Asian-specific gene variant linked to Graves’ disease, a common thyroid condition, with the discovery earning a coveted spot on the cover of the scientific journal Nature Genetics. Asst Prof Liu also developed powerful computational tools, including the LocusCompare2 web platform used by researchers worldwide and the DIRAC deep-learning model, which turn raw genetic signals into actionable insights about disease mechanisms and potential drug targets.

Beyond his own research, Asst Prof Liu is committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists. He directs the Genomic Data Science Laboratory and the MGI-PPS Joint Laboratory at NUS, mentors a team whose work has earned awards, and has co-created and taught new genomics courses for the University. He also leads an industry partnership to bring advanced sequencing technologies to NUS. Apart from YSA, Asst Prof Liu received two other early-career awards this year – the NUS Young Researcher Award, and the NUS Faculty of Science Young Scientist Award.

Addressing aspiring scientists, Asst Prof Liu urged, “Don't give up – most people give up way too soon and never manage to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Pace yourself and avoid burnouts. Eat well, rest well, and exercise to fight for another day.”

Read the full citation here.

2026 Young Scientist Award Recipient: Assistant Professor Hou Yi

Assistant Professor Hou Yi clinched the YSA for his contributions to the development of high-performance perovskite solar technologies, from record-breaking devices to scalable manufacturing. His work has enabled lightweight and energy-efficient power systems for AI infrastructure, wearable electronics, space platforms and sustainable energy applications.

A pioneer in next-generation solar technology, Asst Prof Hou specialises in tandem solar cells. These cells stack two light-absorbing layers, often using perovskite materials, to capture more solar energy than conventional single-layer cells. His research has produced multiple world-record performances and tackled key challenges in stability and large-scale deployment.

By expanding the understanding of how different material layers interact and the degradation mechanisms of solar cells, Asst Prof Hou has made these advanced solar technologies significantly more durable, efficient, and commercially viable. His breakthroughs are paving the way for lightweight, energy-efficient power generation, moving beyond the limitations of traditional silicon and enabling new energy solutions for a wide range of demanding applications.

“One of the biggest challenges in our research has been translating high-performance perovskite solar cells from laboratory-scale devices into technologies that are stable, scalable, and relevant to real-world applications. We have addressed this by working across disciplines and continuously connecting fundamental materials science with device engineering and manufacturing,” said Asst Prof Hou.

Outside the lab, Asst Prof Hou is deeply involved in technology commercialisation. As the founder of the NUS spin-off company Singfilm Solar, he actively translates academic research into industrial use. Through his research and entrepreneurial efforts, he is building revolutionary power sources for AI infrastructure, wearable electronics, and space systems, strengthening Singapore’s position as a global leader in next-generation solar technology.

To young researchers, his advice is “to stay curious, focus on important problems, and not be afraid of taking on challenges that may initially seem difficult or unconventional”.

Read the full citation here.

The Corporate Lab is supported under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan (RIE2025) and is hosted at the College of Design and Engineering and with participation from the School of Computing at NUS. The Corporate Lab brings together a multidisciplinary research ecosystem spanning AI algorithms, accelerator architectures, low-power memory systems, circuit design, silicon technologies, and application development. The programme will integrate NUS’ pioneering research with ST’s expertise in semiconductor technology, system development, and industry operations.

NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye said: “The ST–NUS HELIX Corporate Lab is a testament to the value of industry–academia partnerships in translating research into innovation. By combining NUS’ research strengths with STMicroelectronics’ industrial capabilities, we are building not only advanced, cutting-edge edge AI hardware, but also the talent and ecosystem that will help define the future of Singapore’s semiconductor and AI industries.”

Laurent Malier, Executive Vice President, Global Technology R&D at STMicroelectronics, said: “ST’s strength as an integrated device manufacturer lies in our ability to bring together advanced silicon technologies, embedded memory, circuit design, heterogeneous integration and chiplets. Through HELIX, we are creating an industrially relevant foundation to explore differentiated AI computing technologies and accelerate the translation of promising research into scalable semiconductor solutions.”

The Corporate Lab was officially launched today by Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Ministry of Trade and Industry, as the Guest-of-Honour.

Building the future of edge AI

Edge AI processes data directly within or close to a device rather than relying exclusively on remote cloud infrastructure. This enables faster response times, stronger data privacy, improved energy efficiency, and greater resilience in environments with limited or intermittent connectivity. These capabilities are increasingly important for AI systems that must perceive, reason, and act in real time, in the real world – often described as Physical AI.

HELIX focuses on a key frontier within this space: embodied AI, where intelligence is built directly into a physical form — such as a robot, humanoid, or drone — combining multi-modal sensing, on-device computing, and real-time actuation. Delivering that intelligence efficiently, on compact and power-constrained hardware, is the challenge HELIX is built to address. Enabling these capabilities at the edge requires innovation across algorithms, software, system architecture, and hardware.

HELIX builds on ST’s long-standing journey in AI and will help us explore new system-level solutions that combine efficient computing, advanced memory architecture, and application-driven design to address the requirements of future intelligent devices. Complementing ST’s capabilities, NUS brings world-class expertise in integrated circuits, computer architecture, AI models, and system design. Under the partnership, researchers from NUS and STMicroelectronics will jointly work on research work packages, talent development, IP creation, and demonstration activities.

The research at HELIX will span the full technology stack, from AI models and system architecture to heterogeneous accelerators, on-chip memory hierarchies, circuit design, chip integration, and silicon implementation. It will focus on memory centric architecture, innovative in-memory computing, and scalable compute-and memory systems, supported by ST’s P18 18nm Fully Depleted Silicon On Insulator (FD-SOI) technology and embedded Phase Change Memory (PCM). P18 FD-SOI enables ultra-low-power operation and adaptive body-biasing, while embedded PCM provides dense, non-volatile storage on the same die alongside the on-chip SRAM hierarchy. Together, these capabilities can reduce the off-chip data movement that dominates the energy consumption of memory-bound AI workloads.

ST will make a substantial technology and engineering contribution to HELIX by providing NUS with a dedicated design chassis implemented in its proprietary P18 18nm FD-SOI technology. The platform will bring together ST’s silicon, architecture, integration, and engineering capabilities to give researchers an industrial-grade foundation for developing, integrating, and validating new AI accelerator concepts. By eliminating the need to build the underlying infrastructure from the ground up, the design chassis will enable greater focus on differentiated innovation, accelerate system-level validation, and create a more direct path from technology pathfinding to industrialisation.

By combining advances across AI algorithms, accelerator architectures, memory systems, circuits, and semiconductor technologies, HELIX aims to address the energy-efficiency, memory-bandwidth, latency, scalability, and integration challenges associated with deploying increasingly capable AI systems at the edge.

Nurturing talent to drive Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem

The establishment of HELIX represents a strategic investment in Singapore’s future competitiveness in edge AI and advanced semiconductor systems. By fostering industry-relevant R&D, HELIX will strengthen local capabilities and nurture a new generation of talent in AI systems and chip design.

Students, researchers, and professionals will have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects led by HELIX, gaining hands-on experience with the latest technologies, collaborating with industry leaders, and developing skills that meet the evolving needs of the sector. Through these initiatives, HELIX aims to build a robust talent pipeline and position Singapore as a global hub for innovation in edge AI and semiconductor technologies.

The study, led by Associate Professor Duong Hai Minh from the Department of Mechanical Engineering under College of Design and Engineering at NUS, was published in the scientific journal Waste Management on 29 June 2026.

A growing recycling challenge

Carbon fibre and epoxy composites are widely used in aerospace, wind energy, automotive and marine applications because they are light, strong and resistant to corrosion. However, the epoxy component is a thermoset polymer that, once cured, cannot be melted down and reshaped like some plastics, making these composites difficult to recycle.

Most existing recycling methods focus on recovering the carbon fibres. The epoxy resins are usually destroyed, discarded or treated as a lower-value by-product. Additionally, some methods require high temperatures, strong chemicals or large amounts of energy.

Assoc Prof Duong’s team took a different approach by using both the carbon fibre and epoxy components of the waste. The researchers mechanically processed the composite into a mixture of fine powder and short fibre fragments, combined it with carboxymethyl cellulose, a cellulose-based binder, and freeze-dried the mixture to form an aerogel.

During the freeze-drying process, the processed composite waste forms a light, sponge-like structure filled with tiny, connected pores. Much of this structure is air, which helps slow the movement of heat through the material. In laboratory tests, the aerogels showed low thermal conductivity, suggesting that they could be used as lightweight insulation materials.

“Our goal was to show that carbon fibre composite waste does not have to be treated only as a disposal problem,” said Assoc Prof Duong. “By using the whole material, including both the fibre and epoxy fractions, we can turn this waste stream into functional materials with higher value.”

From waste to useful material

Beyond thermal insulation, the aerogels also absorbed sound effectively, pointing to their potential use in sound-control materials.

The team also explored their use in environmental clean-up. After being treated to repel water, the aerogels were able to absorb large amounts of oil, suggesting that they could be useful for oil spill clean-up and oil-water separation.

Tests with fibroblast cells also found that the aerogels were non-toxic under the study conditions, supporting further investigation into potential applications involving humans or the environment.

The team is now exploring collaborations with partners in the aerospace, advanced materials, manufacturing and waste management sectors. Future work will focus on scaling up the technology and assessing its environmental and economic performance for industrial use.

“Advanced composites have enabled lighter and more efficient structures in many industries,” said Assoc Prof Duong. “The next step is to ensure that these materials can be managed sustainably at the end of their service life.”

The programme is designed to build an integrated R&D platform for sustainable specialty polymers, using lignocellulosic biomass, which refers to renewable plant dry matter typically produced as a waste by-product from agriculture and forestry, as an alternative raw material to petrochemicals. Southeast Asia produces an estimated 500 million tonnes of agricultural and forestry residues annually which could be a reliable and sustainable source of lignocellulosic biomass. The programme will focus on developing drop-in monomers for specialty polymers used in adhesives, specialty coatings and electronics.

The Energy and Chemicals sector is a critical part of Singapore’s economy, contributing 18.5 per cent of total manufacturing output. As the sector responds to the global sustainability transition, companies are increasingly exploring more sustainable product pathways while remaining competitive. SG Bio-SPRINT aims to expand the range of carbon sources available to Singapore’s specialty chemicals sector by helping shift production away from fossil-based inputs and toward more sustainable pathways. In doing so, the programme supports industry’s transition toward a circular bioeconomy while meeting growing market demand for greener products.

At the same time, specialty chemicals, including specialty polymers, remain a key growth area, with multinational companies continuing to invest in research, development, and production in Singapore. SG Bio-SPRINT will strengthen this momentum by providing targeted scientific support that complements industry R&D and unlocks new opportunities in sustainable materials.

“The NUS Department of Chemistry is proud to lead this programme, which brings together complementary expertise from NUS and A*STAR to develop high-performance, sustainable polymers from biomass feedstocks while assessing their commercial potential. The team offers deep experience and a strong track record in catalysis, green chemistry, polymer science, and materials engineering. Through three synergistic workgroups, we look forward to harnessing the team’s collective strengths and discoveries to help advance the circular bioeconomy.,” said Professor Lu Yixin, Lead Principal Investigator from the NUS Department of Chemistry.

“Ultimately, we hope that SG Bio-SPRINT will reinforce Singapore’s position as a regional hub for specialty polymers R&D and production while contributing meaningfully to the country’s broader net-zero ambitions,” added Professor Koh Ming Joo, co-Lead Principal Investigator from the NUS Department of Chemistry.

Addressing current industry challenges

Although bio-based alternatives are attracting growing interest, major gaps remain before they can be widely adopted in specialty polymer production. One challenge is that methods to convert lignocellulosic biomass into useful products are not fully developed, which limits the range of monomers and polymers that can be produced. Cost-effectiveness and scalability are also challenges, especially when moving from laboratory synthesis to commercial production.

SG Bio-SPRINT is designed to tackle these issues directly. The project focuses on creating industry-relevant drop-in monomers, which are molecules that share identical chemical structures as their fossil-fuel derived equivalents, that can be integrated into existing polymer production lines, rather than relying only on entirely new biomass-derived products. This approach should make adoption easier for manufacturers and help align chemistry design, performance requirements and supply chains.

The programme also responds to a broader global shift. Across government, research, and industry, there is growing urgency around defossilisation in the chemicals sector. While many current efforts focus on biofuels or commodity chemicals, SG Bio-SPRINT targets a more demanding area: specialty polymer applications, where materials must be carefully designed for performance and commercial use.

Developing new sustainable and high-performance polymers

SG Bio-SPRINT is structured around three closely connected workgroups comprising researchers from NUS and A*STAR.

Workgroup 1: Developing biomass-to-monomer pathways

The first workgroup will focus on converting lignocellulosic biomass into promising drop-in monomer candidates. This includes developing chemical routes, improving catalyst performance, and identifying pathways that can produce useful building blocks for specialty polymers.

Its goal is to create monomers that can be used in existing production systems, helping industry adopt greener feedstocks without needing completely new manufacturing infrastructure.

Workgroup 2: Validating performance for real applications

The second workgroup will test whether the new bio-based monomers can perform as well as conventional fossil-based materials. The team will examine purity, reactivity, and post-polymerisation properties, and compare them against industry incumbents.

The validation will focus on three application areas: adhesives, specialty coatings, and electronics. These are high-value sectors where performance is critical, so the workgroup’s findings will help determine whether the new materials are ready for real-world use.

Workgroup 3: Digital, economic, and sustainability support

The third workgroup will use artificial intelligence, molecular modelling, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle assessment to support the rest of the programme. Its role is to evaluate technical feasibility, cost, and sustainability together, helping the team prioritise the most promising routes.

This workgroup will also build a unified data framework that connects current research literature, experimental results and modelling insights. By doing so, the workgroup will help the project make better decisions earlier and accelerate the path from discovery to deployment.

Next steps

SG Bio-SPRINT’s immediate research goals include developing candidate monomers, validating them in application-relevant settings and building a data framework to identify potential polymers to focus on. The programme will also work closely with industry and innovation partners to support translation, intellectual property and future collaboration. Through the programme, the team aims to build foundational expertise and boost confidence in expanding sustainable chemical transition research to cover more applications in the chemical sector.

• The Straits Times, 14 August 2026, Opinion, pB2

Published in Science Immunology on 12 June 2026, the study identifies the RNA helicase DDX6 as a previously unrecognised ‘hidden switch’ that prevents the immune system from recognising cancer cells. Targeting DDX6 could make tumours more visible to the immune system, improving existing or new immunotherapies.

Helping the immune system recognise cancer

Our immune system is constantly searching for abnormal cells, including cancer cells. One of the warning signals it looks for is double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which are produced naturally within cells. Because these molecules resemble RNA produced during viral infections, they can trigger the innate immune system, which is the body’s first line of defence against foreign or abnormal cells.

Many cancer cells suppress these warning signals, allowing them to grow unnoticed. Until now, scientists did not fully understand how this happened.

Previous studies have shown that ADAR1, an enzyme that edits RNA, helps regulate how cells respond to dsRNA. This study identifies the RNA helicase DDX6 as a previously unrecognised suppressor of dsRNA sensing.

Led by Associate Professor Polly Chen, Deputy Director and Principal Investigator of CSI Singapore, the team found that DDX6 works together with ADAR1 to suppress these natural danger signals. As a result, DDX6 reduces immune activation triggered by endogenous dsRNA, hence making cancer cells much less visible to the immune system.

These findings provide new insights into how anti-tumour immune responses are regulated.

"Cancer cells are remarkably good at hiding from the immune system. Our study uncovered a previously unknown mechanism that helps them stay hidden. By targeting DDX6, we may be able to remove this 'cloak' and enable the immune system to recognise and attack cancer more effectively. Beyond its therapeutic potential, this work also changes our understanding of how RNA editing regulates immune responses," explained Assoc Prof Chen, the lead author for this study.

Challenging a long-held view of RNA editing

For many years, the prevailing view was that RNA editing weakened the structure of dsRNA, making it less likely to trigger immune responses. Instead, the CSI Singapore team found that certain RNA editing events can instead strengthen dsRNA structures, enhancing their ability to activate the body’s natural immune defences. DDX6 prevents these beneficial RNA editing events from occurring, helping tumours escape immune attack.

This new framework for understanding how RNA editing regulates immune sensing in cancer fundamentally changes how researchers think about RNA editing and its role in regulating immunity.

"What surprised us most was that the biology did not behave the way we expected. For years, researchers believed RNA editing generally weakened these immune-triggering RNA molecules. Instead, we found that certain RNA editing events can actually strengthen them. This completely changes how we think about the relationship between RNA editing and immune activation, and opens up exciting new possibilities for developing cancer therapies," Dr Larry Ng, first author for this paper and Research Fellow at CSI Singapore.

Potential implications for cancer immunotherapy

The discovery identifies a novel mechanism of cancer immune evasion and highlights DDX6 as a potential new target for cancer immunotherapy. Targeting this pathway could help overcome cancer-associated immunosuppression and potentially improve the effectiveness of existing cancer immunotherapies. In laboratory studies, removing DDX6 restored immune signalling and slowed tumour growth by allowing cancer cells to become more visible to the immune system.

The research team is now working to identify molecules that block DDX6 and investigate their ability to enhance anti-tumour immune responses. In parallel, the researchers plan to identify additional proteins involved in this newly discovered pathway and determine how they contribute to cancer-associated immunosuppression. Together, these efforts could uncover additional therapeutic targets that could strengthen anti-tumour immunity.

These projects are among six research efforts awarded grants by the National Parks Board (NParks) under the Biosurveillance Research Programme, a S$15 million initiative under Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan. Developed in partnership with agencies under Singapore’s One Health framework which recognises that human, animal and environmental health are closely connected, the programme brings together multidisciplinary research teams to advance understanding of zoonotic diseases and their drivers in Singapore, and develop evidence-based strategies for mitigating future disease risks.

The projects led by NUS and Duke-NUS focus on understanding how diseases move between wildlife and domestic animals, the environment and people in Singapore's urban landscape.

Tracking disease risks from urban birds

Professor Karina Gin from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the College of Design and Engineering will lead a project on pathogen risks from urban birds, including pigeons and crows. The team will use environmental sampling and modelling to understand what pathogens these birds may carry, and how these could reach human populations.

Prof Gin said, “In densely populated environments like Singapore, we share our space with a surprising amount of wildlife. While this can be a positive aspect of urban living, it also presents public health considerations worth examining.”

“This study is vital because it moves beyond simply acknowledging the presence of urban birds to actively identifying the specific pathogens they carry and how those pathogens might reach the human population. Our work supports the 'One Health' approach, which is relevant to understand the public health dynamics of a dense urban environment,” she added.

Mapping tick-borne pathogens across Singapore

In another project, Assistant Professor Benoit Malleret from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine will lead a team to create a Singapore Integrated Network for Genomic and Epidemiological Tick-borne Pathogen Investigation and Connectivity (SINGETIC). The project studies ticks found across Singapore and the diseases they may spread from animals to people. The team will use modern laboratory testing to create mapping and forecasting tools to identify possible risk areas, highlight spillover hotspots and explain how infections spread.

“Ticks are part of Singapore’s natural environment, and understanding what they carry is essential for protecting both people and animals. As a ‘One Health’ effort, we are combining field sampling with advanced lab testing to strengthen early detection of tick-borne pathogens. ,” said Asst Prof Malleret.

Understanding disease transmission in wildlife

Associate Professor Kimberly Fornace from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health will lead a project integrating spatial, ecological and biological data to improve surveillance for zoonotic pathogens in mammalian wildlife. The study will focus on understanding and predicting potential disease transmission from wildlife, such as macaques and bats, to humans.

“Understanding diseases in wildlife is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and safeguarding human and animal populations. By monitoring wildlife health, we can better understand and respond to infectious diseases and protect biodiversity in our shared environments,” said Assoc Prof Fornace.

Companion animals and zoonotic disease

A team led by Professor Gavin Smith from Duke-NUS Medical School will examine the risk of zoonotic disease transmission between domestic cats and dogs and humans. The team will study a range of settings, including veterinary clinics and pet establishments, to better understand how pathogens may spread between animals and people and identify ways to reduce spillover risks.

“Diseases that can spread between pets and people are an ongoing area of research,” said Prof Smith. “This study will examine how key infections spread among cats and dogs, and whether they can be passed to their owners and caretakers. The findings will support stronger disease monitoring and help guide public health measures to better manage potential zoonoses in pets in urban communities.”

Bird flu surveillance

A project led by Assistant Professor Yvonne Su from Duke-NUS Medical School will assess the risk of avian influenza A viruses in Singapore's wild and domestic bird populations. By combining studies of bird flu viruses with data on bird ecology and movement, the team aims to better understand how these viruses circulate and spread, supporting future surveillance and preparedness efforts.

Assoc Prof Su said, “Avian influenza is a growing global health and biosecurity concern, particularly as H5N1 viruses continue to spread across continents and infect an expanding range of animal species. As a key stopover for migratory birds, Singapore plays an important role in monitoring these evolving risks.”

Turning to the study’s approach, she said, “This pioneering study in Singapore will utilise advanced phylodynamic and modelling approaches to track virus strains, providing critical insights into how avian influenza viruses may be introduced and circulate within local wild bird populations. The findings will strengthen Singapore’s capacity for early detection, surveillance and rapid response to emerging zoonotic threats.”

By studying how pathogens move through urban ecosystems, the research teams aim to strengthen Singapore’s ability to detect emerging risks early and develop evidence-based strategies to protect public health.

These legal changes raise a fundamental question: does legal reform actually lead social change? And if so, how quickly, and under what conditions?

A new study led by NUS Communications and New Media (CNM) Associate Professor Kokil Jaidka suggests the answer is more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no”. Analysing over 200,000 social media posts and survey responses across all four countries, the research reveals that while legal changes do reshape public discourse, the path to social acceptance depends heavily on the surrounding institutional and media environment.

Language shifts when the law changes, but not uniformly

Published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, the study examined 65,969 Instagram and 136,255 Facebook posts before and after each country’s legal reform. In Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, moral stereotyping and hostile language on Instagram declined in the months following reform. Users who were already engaged in these conversations began framing them with less reliance on language depicting same-sex relationships as immoral or a threat to tradition.

“This shows that legal reform does reshape the terrain of public expression, at least for those already paying attention,” said Assoc Prof Jaidka, who led the study with co-authors Ms Preetika Verma and Ms Yiting Chen from Carnegie Mellon University and University of Wisconsin-Madison respectively.

However, looking across different countries and platforms painted a more complex picture. The findings also show that changes in public discourse following legal reform are multifaceted and varied across contexts.

In India, where the researchers could track a longer period after decriminalisation, hostile language on Instagram increased even as moral stereotyping fell.

On Facebook, where news outlets generally reach broader audiences, changes were modest across all four countries. Engagement with LGBTQ+ topics did not consistently increase after legal reform, and, in some cases, appeared to decline after the initial period of public discussion.

Drawing on nationally representative Gallup survey data from 46,200 respondents, the researchers further discovered that perceptions of neighbourhood safety for same-sex couples initially declined following legal reform before recovering in some age groups and countries. Younger respondents in Singapore and India eventually reported more positive perceptions, but the initial dip serves as an important reminder that a change in law does not always immediately translate to lived experience.

What explains the variations? The study points to institutional context as a crucial moderating factor. In countries with greater press freedom and freedom of expression (Taiwan ranked highest on both measures), reductions in hostile online discourse after reform were steeper and more sustained. Where these conditions were weaker, the gains were smaller or more mixed.

“The law creates a moment of change, but the wider environment such as society and the media shapes whether that moment becomes lasting progress,” observed Assoc Prof Jaidka.

When AI tools mistake identity for hostility

The research also uncovered an unexpected challenge in measuring online discourse: the very tools designed to detect toxic language can inadvertently flag non-toxic content. When the researchers analysed Instagram captions using Google’s Perspective API, one of the most widely used toxicity classifiers, they found that identity terms such as “queer”, “gay”, and “lgbt” were among the words most strongly correlated with high toxicity scores, despite not being slurs.

As individuals from marginalised communities are disproportionately targeted by online harassment, the words describing their identities appear frequently in abusive content. The algorithms then associate the identity terms themselves with toxicity, potentially suppressing ordinary conversations by the very communities they aim to protect.

The researchers explained how a toxicity score is a relative signal shaped by biases in training data, not an objective verdict on whether speech is harmful, adding how this revealed the need to use these tools with awareness of their limitations.

What comes after legal change

The findings have practical implications for multiple stakeholders. For online platforms, the period immediately following legal reform appears particularly consequential, as communities recalibrate and some voices push back. For media organisations and community groups, the research underscores that legal milestones mark a pivot toward sustained engagement around social attitudes, public discourse and acceptance, rather than a closing chapter.

Assoc Prof Jaidka said, “The research offers reasons for both encouragement – as legal reform does measurably shift discourse – and continued investment in the institutional and social conditions that translate legal changes into lived experience across the region.”

The SNAS Fellowship honours exemplary individuals for their exceptional and enduring contributions to science and education. As the nation's scientific leaders, SNAS Fellows are a distinguished group entrusted with guiding national policy and research direction, driving thought leadership, and championing science education for the public good. These outstanding scientists are also committed to upholding scientific ethics and advancing the research ecosystem in Singapore.

Prof Novoselov holds a Tan Chin Tuan Centennial Professorship at NUS, where he is also Director of the Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials and a faculty member of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Design and Engineering, NUS. An established physicist, specialising in condensed matter physics, mesoscopic physics and nanotechnology, Prof Novoselov has broad research interests from mesoscopic phenomena in ferromagnets and superconductors to electronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) electron gas in GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures and graphene. He also has a vast background in nanofabrication and nanotechnology. 

In 2010, Prof Novoselov (together with Prof Andre Geim) was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his research in graphene. His groundbreaking discovery of graphene introduced a material that is the most conductive, stretchable, and strongest known, and opened a new realm of multidisciplinary research.

Prof Novoselov was knighted as Commander of the Order of the Netherlands Lion in 2010 and subsequently awarded knighthood of the British Empire in 2012. A highly decorated and cited researcher with over 600 peer-reviewed publications, he has also received numerous international accolades such as the Europhysics Prize, the Leverhulme Medal and the Dalton Medal among many others, and is a Fellow of The Royal Society. 

For his transformative and seminal discovery of graphene and exploration of other two-dimensional (2D) materials, Prof Novoselov has been elected as a SNAS Fellow. He joins the prestigious ranks of only 62 SNAS Fellows inducted since 2011.

The AI lab is dedicated to advancing foundational AI research and defining the future of gaming intelligence. Building on Razer's broader investments in AI, the new lab serves as a hub for exploration and innovation, accelerating breakthroughs in areas such as digital humans and ambient intelligence. This includes Razer AVA, a vision to build a digital human companion designed to deliver natural, personalised interactions through personality, memory, contextual awareness and adaptive behaviour, as well as Project Motoko, a wearable AI headset that brings ambient, highly advanced multimodal generative AI capabilities into a familiar, everyday form factor. 

The global AI in gaming market is projected to grow from US$4.2 billion in 2025 to US$66.8 billion by 2035, representing a 32 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. Reflecting this trend, a recent survey found that 79 per cent of gamers are receptive to at least one AI-enabled feature they believe would improve their gaming experience. As AI increasingly transforms the way people interact with technology, Razer is deepening its investments in research and innovation to lead and shape the future of gaming experiences. 

Introducing Gaming Artificial Narrow Intelligence (GANI) 

For a start, Razer and NUS Computing are introducing Gaming Artificial Narrow Intelligence (GANI), a new research domain focused on AI models purpose-built for interactive digital environments. For instance, GANI could power an AI teammate that dynamically adjusts tactics to a player’s skill and playstyle, generates context-aware objectives and dialogue in real time, and seamlessly adapts difficulty during live matches to enhance engagement and fairness. 

This research also strengthens the intelligence layer behind Razer's existing AI innovations. The same real-time adaptability and contextual awareness that GANI aims to develop are directly relevant to Razer AVA's ability to sustain natural, personalised interactions, and to Project Motoko's ambient, always-on responsiveness, giving both a stronger foundation as they evolve from concept to product. 

“Gaming presents some of the most demanding environments for AI, requiring systems to respond in real time, adapt to changing contexts, and enhance the player experience. By establishing GANI as a new research domain, we're building the scientific foundation for AI that is purpose-built for gaming,” said Li-Meng Lee, Chief Strategy Officer, Razer. 

“As gaming pushes AI to operate under some of the highest requirements for responsiveness, personalization, and immersion, the breakthroughs developed here have the potential to inform applications far beyond gaming, from interactive entertainment to education, simulation, and other real-time digital experiences. By combining NUS’ research excellence with Razer’s gaming ecosystem and industry expertise, we’re bridging AI research and real-world game development, equipping developers with the tools to build smarter AI, accelerate content creation, unlock new gameplay experiences, and lay the groundwork for innovations beyond gaming.” 

From Research to Real-World Play 

Research is currently being conducted to future-proof products with the goal of extending AI experiences beyond gaming over time. The Razer-NUS Joint AI Research Lab will focus on three pillars: core model innovation, real-time content systems, and advanced personalization capabilities. 

“Universities play a crucial role in advancing scientific discovery and shaping the evolution of emerging disciplines. The Joint AI Research Lab with Razer provides GANI with a dynamic testing ground it needs, leveraging NUS’ strong research expertise in AI while offering direct access to Razer’s live engineering environment,” said Associate Professor Ooi Wei Tsang from NUS Computing’s Department of Computer Science, who also serves as Director of Razer-NUS Joint AI Research Lab. 

“By co-establishing GANI as a new research frontier, NUS and Razer are charting the pathway towards next-generation intelligent systems that will shape the future of interactive gaming experiences. Our goal is to create innovations that transform how millions of players interact with the games they play.” 

The lab will pursue an iterative research-to-translation model, testing and validating advances in both simulated and live gameplay environments and, where appropriate, integrating successful outcomes into Razer’s proprietary systems. Findings intended for the wider community will be published through open research channels, while proprietary innovations will enhance Razer’s global product ecosystem. Under the partnership, NUS Computing will lead research activities and talent development, and Razer will align projects with industry needs, validate real-world use cases, and enable product integration. The lab will be hosted in a dedicated space within NUS. 

In 2025, Razer has launched its AI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Singapore which is currently home to more than 100 engineers, data scientists, and researchers. It also has a CoE powering immersive platform and technologies in France. The establishment of the joint AI research lab marks the next phase of Razer's AI strategy, accelerating innovation in gaming, digital humans, and ambient intelligence. 

For more information on the Razer-NUS Joint AI Research Lab, visit here.

The reactor uses a thin metal filament, similar to the wire found inside an incandescent lightbulb. When electricity passes through the filament, it heats up to extremely high temperatures, providing the energy needed to drive chemical reactions quickly and efficiently.

Led by Professor Yan Ning, Director of the NUS Centre for Hydrogen and Carbon Innovations (CHCI) and faculty member in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering under College of Design and Engineering at NUS, the research team demonstrated the reactor in three applications: producing hydrogen from ammonia, recycling plastic waste, and converting methane into useful chemicals.

Inspired by a household lightbulb

Many industrial chemical processes require very high temperatures to operate. These temperatures are typically generated by burning fuels, which consumes large amounts of energy and produces carbon emissions.

The NUS team's reactor offers a different approach. Instead of heating an entire reactor, it concentrates heat in a thin metal filament. This allows temperatures of more than 1,200°C to be reached rapidly while keeping the surrounding area much cooler.

Because only a small part of the reactor needs to be heated, the system can perform chemical reactions efficiently while remaining compact. It can also run on electricity, making it compatible with renewable energy sources.

Producing hydrogen from ammonia

The researchers first applied the reactor to ammonia decomposition, a process that breaks ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen.

Ammonia is increasingly being explored as a way to transport hydrogen because it is easier to store and ship. However, converting ammonia back into hydrogen efficiently remains a challenge.

Using the lightbulb-inspired reactor, the team achieved near-complete conversion of ammonia into hydrogen. The reactor is also significantly smaller than conventional systems designed to process the same amount of ammonia.

The researchers are now working with an industry partner to explore how the technology could be used in future ammonia-based energy systems.

The results of this study were published in Nature Chemical Engineering in October 2025.

Recycling plastic waste

The team also used the reactor to recycle common plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which are widely used in packaging and consumer products.

Many existing recycling methods produce a mixture of different chemicals, making it difficult to recover materials for reuse. The NUS reactor was able to break these plastics down into simpler chemical building blocks that can be used to make new plastics.

This approach could help support a more circular plastics economy and reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills or incinerators.

This work was reported in Nature Communications in November 2025.

Converting methane into valuable chemicals

In a third study, the researchers applied the reactor to methane, the main component of natural gas.

Methane is an abundant resource but converting it into useful products efficiently remains difficult. Using different temperature zones within the reactor, the team was able to convert methane into valuable chemicals used in manufacturing, while also producing hydrogen.

The design helps improve both the efficiency of the process and the quality of the products produced.

The team published their findings in Nature Sustainability in April 2026.

A platform for future technologies

While the three studies focused on different challenges, they demonstrate the versatility of a single reactor platform.

The researchers are now exploring additional applications and ways to scale up the technology for industrial use.

“Our goal is to develop practical technologies that can support the transition to a low-carbon future,” said Prof Yan. “These studies show how a simple idea inspired by a familiar household object can be adapted to address different challenges in the chemical industry.”

 The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Chairman of the National Research Foundation (NRF), and attended by leaders from academia, research institutions, industry and government agencies.

 Launched in 2025 as a S$130 million national initiative supported by the NRF, NIRBA was established to advance Singapore’s capabilities in RNA biology and its applications. Bringing together researchers and expertise from NUS, Nanyang Technological University, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, and other partners, NIRBA aims to position Singapore at the forefront of one of the most rapidly evolving areas of modern science.

 The opening of the NIRBA Hub represents the next phase of this journey. Serving as the focal point of NIRBA’s hub-and-spoke model, the Hub will unite researchers, clinicians, technology platforms and industry partners to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate innovation in RNA science.

 This new development is closely aligned with the ambitions of Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) plan, which seeks to strengthen the nation’s scientific base, deepen innovation capabilities, develop talent and translate research into economic and societal outcomes.

 RNA Innovation: Advancing Singapore’s bioeconomy, healthcare, and biomedical frontiers

 RNA biology has emerged as a transformative field with the potential to reshape healthcare, biotechnology and the broader bioeconomy. Through initiatives such as NIRBA, Singapore is building capabilities that will enable the advancement of scientific discovery, and also the translation of research into solutions that create value for society and the economy.

RNA-based technologies have already demonstrated their game-changing potential through advances in vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. Looking ahead, they are expected to play an increasingly important role in precision medicine, disease prevention and treatment, synthetic biology, and future bio-based industries. By strengthening Singapore’s capabilities across the research and innovation value chain, NIRBA is expected to contribute to the nation’s ambitions of becoming a leading global hub for biomedical innovation, medtech development and advanced biomanufacturing.

Professor Ashok Venkitaraman, Executive Director of NIRBA, said, “NIRBA was founded on the belief that breakthroughs in RNA science will increasingly shape the future of medicine, biotechnology and human health. The Hub provides a collaborative environment where researchers from diverse disciplines can work together to tackle fundamental questions in RNA biology and translate discoveries into meaningful applications. We are grateful for the strong support from our partners and look forward to advancing Singapore’s ambitions in this important field.”

Catalysing scientific breakthroughs

Located at Block S9 on NUS’ Kent Ridge campus and spanning 2,000 sqm, the NIRBA Hub serves as the central node of NIRBA’s national hub-and-spoke network. It will support research across areas such as RNA therapeutics, cancer RNA biology, infectious diseases, RNA-based diagnostics, and AI-enabled RNA design, while providing a collaborative environment for talent development, technology innovation and industry engagement.

In addition to advancing research, the Hub will serve as a platform for talent development and international collaboration. It will support the training of the next generation of scientists, foster partnerships with industry, and strengthen Singapore’s connections with leading research organisations around the world.

The opening of the NIRBA Hub underscores Singapore’s commitment to investing in frontier science and building capabilities that will create long-term value for the nation. Through sustained collaboration across institutions and sectors, NIRBA aims to drive scientific excellence, innovation and impact for Singapore and beyond.

Pioneering cutting-edge research

NIRBA brings together multidisciplinary teams to advance the next frontier of RNA science through an integrated research programme spanning RNA modification detection, disease biology, and therapeutic engineering. It will build four peaks of excellence that are of strategic importance to Singapore:

· Cluster 1 focuses on how Asian genetic diversity impacts the RNA biology of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and other conditions relevant to Singapore. Scientists will examine whether Asian genomic variants affect RNA expression, modification and function in different cell types linked to these diseases.

· Cluster 2 explores how chemical modifications on RNA alter host immunity. RNA modifications, or small chemical changes made to RNA molecules, play a crucial role in helping our body balance immune responses, enabling the body to fight off infections while protecting our own healthy cells.

· Cluster 3 explores how RNA molecules enter cells and are transported within them to lay scientific foundations for effective RNA-based therapeutics that selectively target diseased tissues.

· Cluster 4 focuses on how RNA-based drugs exert their effects and are cleared from the body after administration, a critical enabler for the development of RNA-based therapies and vaccines in Singapore.

Researchers will collaborate as a highly interconnected ecosystem, where each discovery propels the next. Clusters 1 and 2 focus on designing and testing improved RNA molecules, while Clusters 3 and 4 develop delivery strategies and track their effects in disease models — all working together to create precision RNA medicines for Singapore’s most urgent health challenges, including cancer, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular diseases.

Anchored by the theme, “Innovative Environmental Solutions for Climate Resilience and Mitigation”, the NUS booth brought to life the University’s expertise with interactive research exhibits, digital posters, videos and technology-sharing sessions. Through these engaging displays, NUS reaffirmed its commitment to advancing impactful solutions for pressing environmental and water-related challenges.

Deepening international collaboration in water research, education, and innovation

A key highlight was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding with Beijing Normal University’s College of Water Sciences and Nanjing Normal University, held at the NUS booth on 17 June 2026. This significant milestone is an important step in strengthening international collaboration in water-related research, education and innovation.

These partnerships will create new opportunities for joint research, academic exchange and knowledge sharing, while further reinforcing NERI’s commitment to advancing impactful environmental solutions for the future.

NERI and partners launch ceramic membrane demonstration plant

SIWW 2026 also marked the official commencement of operations of the Ceramic Membrane Demonstration Plant at Tuas Desalination Plant. The facility, a collaboration between NERI, national water agency PUB and Meiden Singapore Pte Ltd (MSL), will provide valuable insights into ceramic membrane performance under real operating conditions. It will also generate operational data to assess the potential of ceramic membrane technologies for seawater desalination.

To support informed decision-making and accelerate the deployment of more energy-efficient and resilient desalination systems, NERI hosted a workshop on “Ceramic Membranes for Pre-Treatment of Seawater Desalination” during SIWW 2026. Led by Professor Hu Jiangyong, Deputy Director of NERI, co-organised by Dr Tai Zhong Sheng from NERI, and co-hosted with Jonathan Clement, Global Director of JAC Water, the workshop brought together experts from academia and industry, including Mr Daniel Teo from PUB, Dr Hiroshi Noguchi from MSL and Dr Christian Volker Goebbert from Nanostone Water.

During the workshop, the speakers shared valuable insights on ceramic membrane technologies for seawater desalination, including operational challenges, achievements, demonstration projects and future developments. Discussions also explored the impact of algal blooms on desalination operations and the role of ceramic membrane pre-treatment in enhancing resilience under challenging feedwater conditions.

Public lecture and panel discussion on water safety

In conjunction with SIWW 2026, NERI and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering under NUS’ College of Design and Engineering (CDE) jointly hosted a public lecture by Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2026 Laureate Professor Joan B. Rose from Michigan State University on 18 June 2026 at NUS.

Prof Rose delivered an insightful public lecture titled, “Risky Business: The Art and Science of Safe Water” where she highlighted the continuing global challenge of water contamination, from long-standing threats such as cholera to emerging pathogens, and emphasised the importance of Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment in integrating science, engineering, management and policy to support better decision-making.

The lecture was followed by a panel discussion on water safety, public health, resilience and sustainability in the face of global change, chaired by Professor Karina Gin, Acting Head of the Department of Civil and Engineering at NUS CDE.

SIWW 2026 provided an exciting platform for NUS to build new collaborations, showcase its latest research, and demonstrate the impact of its work to a global audience. The University looks forward to building on these new partnerships and continuing to advance innovative solutions for a more sustainable future.

In 2024, global average carbon dioxide emissions reached a new record high. As greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide envelope the earth and trap heat, global warming occurs – our planet is now heating up faster than any point in recorded history, fuelling climate change and its rippling consequences such as increased frequencies of natural disasters, rising sea levels, destruction of food supplies, health risks, among many others. Undoubtedly, it has become increasingly imperative to find decarbonisation solutions.

“Burning of fossil fuels to generate power is the biggest contributor of carbon dioxide emissions,” said Professor Yan Ning, Director of CHCI. “Projects at CHCI directly tackle this issue by researching on hydrogen, a promising alternative to fossil fuels, and developing innovative methods of carbon capture and transformation.”

When used to generate power, hydrogen produces only water as a by-product; no carbon dioxide is emitted. Prof Yan continued, “Our research on hydrogen production and utilisation plays a vital role in curbing carbon emissions. However, translating these scientific innovations into widespread market adoption requires expertise beyond the laboratory. This is where HyLoCC comes in, by filling the crucial gap between academic research and industry. HyLoCC ensures that cutting-edge hydrogen and carbon innovations in the lab can be more readily translated into a reality.”

Forging a decarbonisation powerhouse

HyLoCC aims to drive research commercialisation of decarbonisation solutions by building a robust ecosystem that connects research labs, start-ups, and companies to relevant stakeholders across the value chain to ensure end-to-end technology deployment.

Key activities and services of HyLoCC are as follows:

• Organise regular seminars featuring academic and industry speakers, targeted workshops, and networking sessions
• Facilitate collaborative research through personalised engagements between companies and CHCI researchers to solve specific problem statements
• Provide consortium members with access to CHCI’s integrated equipment and analysis platform to evaluate hydrogen and carbon utilisation technologies, including techno-economic analysis
• Develop talent and expertise through CHCI’s Continuing Education and Training courses and through collaborative postgraduate projects and undergraduate initiatives conducted with consortium members, research partners and companies

“HyLoCC is an avenue where leading experts from various hydrogen and low-carbon sectors can come together to brainstorm ideas and share dedicated resources and information to solve real-world problems,” said Prof Yan. “These synergistic collaborations would build up our arsenal of decarbonisation solutions to fight against global warming and climate change.”

The perspectives and insights of HyLoCC’s founding members will play a key role in shaping the strategic priorities of the consortium. For their remarks, please refer to the Annexe.

About CHCI

The Centre for Hydrogen and Carbon Innovations (CHCI) was formerly known as the Centre for Hydrogen Innovations, first established in July 2022 through an investment of S$25 million, comprising an endowed gift from Temasek along with additional funding from NUS. In July 2024, the Centre inaugurated its 600-sqm advanced research facility, which serves as an innovation hub to boost hydrogen research and its commercial application in Singapore.

The renaming of the Centre on 14 July 2026 at the Industry Day event reflects its broader mission to advance both hydrogen and carbon innovations. CHCI now aims to support Singapore’s transition to a low-carbon future by developing new technologies and fostering collaboration across academia, industry, and government. 

• The Straits Times, 10 July 2026, Opinion, pB1 & pB2

The study, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications on 26 May 2026, introduces a method called qChIP-MS, which enables researchers to identify groups of proteins that work together at specific locations on DNA.

DNA in our cells is packaged into a structure known as chromatin. Chromatin helps determine which genes are switched on or off, protects the genome from damage, and influences how cells respond to stress. Problems in chromatin regulation have been linked to cancer, ageing and other diseases.

Understanding which proteins gather at specific regions of the genome is important because these protein networks help control gene activity and influence how cells behave in health and disease.

For years, scientists have relied on techniques that allow them to study one protein at a time. While these methods have provided valuable insights, they do not reveal the broader network of proteins working together at a particular location in the genome.

"Our DNA is not controlled by a single protein acting alone," said Dr Yong Wai Khang, first author of the study. "Instead, many proteins work together in coordinated complexes. We wanted to develop a practical way to see the full cast of players present at a specific region of our genome."

Mapping protein networks on chromatin

To address this challenge, the team combined two established technologies — chromatin immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry — into a single workflow called qChIP-MS. The method enables researchers to enrich selected chromatin regions and identify the proteins associated with them, while also measuring how abundant those proteins are.

The researchers validated the technique using telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that play an important role in ageing and cancer. The method successfully identified known telomere-associated proteins and demonstrated that it could be applied to different types of biological samples, including tissues and specific genomic regions.

Importantly, the team also developed strategies to reduce false-positive results, a longstanding challenge in chromatin-based studies. By carefully benchmarking the workflow, they established a more reliable approach for interpreting complex chromatin data.

While qChIP-MS is primarily a research tool, its potential impact could be far-reaching. By helping scientists understand how proteins interact with chromatin in healthy and diseased cells, the technology may accelerate discoveries in areas such as cancer biology and genome regulation, and could eventually inform future therapeutic strategies.

New insights into cancer and genome regulation

The researchers are already applying qChIP-MS to study how chromatin changes at telomeres in cancer cells. In particular, they are investigating a process known as Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT), which allows certain cancers to maintain their telomeres and continue dividing.

The team also plans to further improve the sensitivity of the technology so that it can be used with smaller sample sizes and applied to increasingly precise regions of the genome.

"This work provides researchers with a new way to study how chromatin is organised and regulated," said Assistant Professor Dennis Kappei, senior author of the study and Principal Investigator at CSI Singapore.  "We hope it will become a useful addition to the toolbox for scientists investigating fundamental biology and diseases such as cancer." Asst Prof Kappei is also a faculty member at the Department of Biochemistry, and a Theme Co-Lead at NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), both within the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
 

A research team led by Professor Yang Hyunsoo from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed new spintronic computing hardware that offers a promising route towards faster and more energy-efficient optimisation. The team reported two recent advances in Nature Communications, demonstrating probabilistic computing systems based on magnetic tunnel junctions, nanoscale devices that can naturally generate tuneable randomness.

A practical path beyond conventional computing

Quantum computing has long been viewed as a potential breakthrough for optimisation, but practical quantum advantage remains difficult to achieve in the near term. The NUS team’s work shows that probabilistic computing, built using scalable spintronic hardware, could provide a more immediate and hardware-efficient path.

In the first study, the researchers demonstrated a parallel magnetic tunnel junction-based probabilistic Ising processor for solving quadratic assignment problems, a class of computationally demanding optimisation problems. The system integrates 144 compact spintronic tuneable random number generators in a massively parallel architecture. The processor achieved a 3.2-fold speedup with 58.3 per cent energy savings compared with a central processing unit (CPU) implementation.

Importantly, the team compared its system with state-of-the-art D-Wave quantum annealers. In the tested quadratic assignment problems, the spintronic probabilistic processor consistently produced feasible, high-quality solutions across the full dataset, while the quantum annealers struggled to return feasible solutions as the problem size increased. This comparison highlights the potential of spintronic probabilistic computing as a practical near-term alternative for real-world optimisation workloads.

“Quantum computing remains an exciting long-term direction, but many optimisation problems need practical solutions today,” said Prof Yang. “Our results show that spintronic probabilistic computing can deliver strong gains in speed, energy efficiency and solution quality using a hardware platform that is much closer to practical deployment.”

In the second study, the team demonstrated a larger probabilistic Ising machine based on 250 spin-transfer-torque magnetic tunnel junctions. The work showed that a cluster parallel update method could achieve a 10-fold acceleration for sparsely connected graphs without changing the hardware. The researchers also experimentally showed that simulated quantum annealing improved solution quality by 20 times compared to conventional simulated annealing, while increasing robustness to device variability.

“Instead of treating randomness as a source of error, we use it as a computing resource,” said Mr Yang Shuhan, PhD student in the College of Design and Engineering at NUS and the first author of both papers. “By combining stochastic magnetic devices with parallel architectures and advanced annealing algorithms, we can accelerate optimisation while reducing energy consumption.” Together, the two studies address key challenges in probabilistic computing: performance, scalability, energy efficiency and solution quality.

The research involved collaborators from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Politecnico di Bari, the University of Messina, Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, and Peking University.

Potential applications and next steps

Looking ahead, the team aims to further scale up the hardware and explore chiplet-based architectures for large-scale probabilistic computing. Such systems could eventually support energy-efficient computing platforms for AI, logistics, scheduling, financial modelling, communications and electronic design automation.