Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore has announced its new College of Computing and Data Science opening, an ambitious endeavor to meet the growing need for competence in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. Set to welcome students in the upcoming academic year this August, the college is designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills in AI, computing, and data science.
Bridging disciplines and industry needs
The College of Computing and Data Science is poised to offer a unique educational blend, marrying technical knowledge with interdisciplinary learning opportunities. With an initial enrollment projection of over 4,800 students, the college will encompass NTU’s nine undergraduate and five graduate programs previously under the School of Computer Science and Engineering. This initiative underscores NTU’s commitment to producing graduates proficient in AI and computing capable of integrating these skills across various fields.
Furthermore, the college aims to foster a collaborative learning environment by encouraging students to take electives from non-STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines. The introduction of the Bachelor of Science in AI and Society exemplifies this approach, an interdisciplinary program that allows for a broader educational experience, drawing on courses from the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and Nanyang Business School.
A forward-thinking leadership and curriculum
Under the leadership of Professor Luke Ong, the founding dean who will also serve as the vice-president of AI and digital economy, the college is set to navigate the complexities of AI education and application. Professor Ong’s vision is clear: to prepare students for a future where AI plays a central role in society and industry. To this end, NTU is focusing on undergraduate education, expanding its continuing education and training offerings. Noteworthy among these is the new Master of Science in AI, which includes a specialisation in generative AI, reflecting the latest developments in the field.
NTU’s president, Ho Teck Hua, emphasized the university’s role in ensuring that graduates are conversant with AI technologies and ethically aware of their implications. This educational philosophy is evident in the establishment of research platforms like the Generative AI Lab and the Institute of Computing and Society, which aim to promote interdisciplinary research and the ethical application of computing technologies.
Setting a precedent for AI education
NTU’s initiative is part of a broader trend in Singapore’s higher education landscape, with institutions like the Singapore University of Technology and Design, the National University of Singapore, the Singapore Institute of Technology, and SIM Global Education through the University of London also offering AI-focused programs. Each institution contributes to a growing ecosystem that supports Singapore’s ambition to be a leader in AI and technology-driven industries.
The College of Computing and Data Science stands as a testament to NTU’s forward-thinking approach to education, aiming to meet the evolving needs of the global job market. By integrating AI and data science with other disciplines, NTU is not just preparing its students for future jobs but is also shaping the future of education in technology and beyond.
