The NUS Giving Experience: Artificial Intelligence Innovations – Empowering the Future, bringing us closer to futuristic realms.
How will Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies mature? Will they empower our daily lives, or will they replace our jobs? And will they be able to help humanity solve our most pressing challenges in healthcare, climate change and beyond?
These intriguing questions sparked lively discussions at the NUS Giving Experience event, “AI Innovations - Empowering the Future”, on 17 July 2024, at the Conrad Singapore Orchard Patterson Room. The future is rapidly becoming a reality, in part thanks to the pioneering research and developments being performed at the NUS School of Computing (NUS Computing). At the event, thought leaders from the School showcased the latest innovations and challenges in AI.
The event kicked off with an opening address by Professor Tan Kian Lee (Computing ’88), Tan Sri Runme Shaw Senior Professor and Dean of NUS Computing. He painted a vivid picture of AI’s current and future impact on our daily lives.
“AI will be seamlessly integrated into every aspect of life. It will be an indispensable tool, but it will also be an extraordinary and empowering ally in transforming our lives,” pronounced Prof Tan.
Prof Tan also introduced the newly established NUS AI Institute (NAII), which will focus on addressing real-world problems by empowering individuals, communities, and businesses through cutting-edge AI research and solutions. Led by Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, Provost’s Chair Professor of Computer Science, the Institute will drive initiatives that are at the forefront of technological innovations and ethical applications.
Professor Atreyi Kankanhalli (Computing ’03), Provost’s Chair Professor of Information Systems and Analytics, was up next to share her research on personalised healthcare. She highlighted the increasing global burden of chronic diseases and the potential of AI to transform treatment and prevention strategies.
“What took me by surprise was the extent of how chronic disease has taken lives globally, and by 2030, around 84 percent of deaths are going to be caused by chronic diseases. This is a staggering statistic and a huge problem,” elaborated Prof Kankanhalli.
To address this global burden of chronic diseases, Prof Kankanhalli showcased the AI-based tools and applications developed through her research that looks into personalising health management.
From Left: Panel Discussion with Prof Tan, Prof Kankanhalli, Assoc Prof Kan and Assoc Prof Nanayakkara.
In a thought-provoking session, Associate Professor Kan Min-Yen, Vice Dean of Undergraduate Studies at NUS Computing shared insights on how generative AI will affect social inequalities. He emphasised that AI could either bridge or widen the digital divide, stressing the importance of making AI technology accessible and beneficial to all.
“We can close the divide only if we use the technology in the right way. The way we think about technology is human-centred – it is about making sure all participants can work together” he stated.
Assoc Prof Kan also highlighted the foundational research at NUS Computing, which supports diverse real-world applications across various domains. Named X+Computing, this research aims to transform key areas such as healthcare, education, sustainability, and science with human-centred computing and AI innovations.
The speakers did not shy away from addressing the ethical implications of AI. As AI continues to evolve at breakneck speed, NUS Computing is dedicated to both advancing AI technology and ensuring it is used ethically and inclusively.
“Technology can do more harm than good when the interaction between technology and humans is not well designed,” remarked Associate Professor Suranga Nanayakkara (Engineering ’10), founder of the Augmented Human Lab.
His revolutionary work focuses on assistive augmentations and AI-driven solutions that empower individuals, particularly those with disabilities. Inventions like the HaptiChair, which allows individuals with hearing loss to experience music through full-body haptic sensations, and AiSee, an AI tool for the visually impaired, push the boundaries of technological potential.
Assoc Prof Nanayakkara’s team was the first from Singapore to present at the leading Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) in 2009, with their work on “An Enhanced Musical Experience for the Deaf”. His global recognition includes being selected as one of 30 world experts in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Technology Trends 2021 report on Assistive Technology.
Guests exploring the technology exhibition, engaging with innovative AI-driven solutions and assistive devices.
The event concluded with an invitation for guests to explore the technology exhibition, featuring innovations like StakCo, a digital intelligence puzzle with cognitive benefits; ZenFlow, an AI-driven platform for creating relaxing experiences; and AiSee. These exhibits vividly demonstrated AI’s potential to shape a better, more inclusive future.
As we continue to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve, we invite you to join us in this transformative journey. Your support will help NUS lead the way in harnessing AI for the greater good and ensuring that its benefits are shared by all.
For further information on the NUS Giving Experience Leadership Series, contact the Events team at dvoevents@nus.edu.sg.
If you would like to find out more about the speakers, you may view their profiles in the links below:
