By Dr Qi Dongtao, Senior Research Fellow from the East Asian Institute at NUS

• Lianhe Zaobao, 11 March 2025, Focus, p10

By Yong Pung How Prof Ramkishen S Rajan from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS

• The Business Times, 11 March 2025, p16

• Lianhe Zaobao, 11 March 2025, Singapore, p8

One of the University’s largest events of the year, the NUS120 Open House 2025 held on 8 March 2025 saw over 21,000 visitors pack the Kent Ridge and Bukit Timah campuses for a vibrant, informative and diverse showcase of what NUS has to offer.

Coinciding with NUS’ 120th anniversary this year, the event, which included a six-day virtual segment, provided a glimpse into the distinctive educational approach of Singapore’s first higher education institution and flagship university.

Kicking off the online segment from 1 to 6 March were virtual talks by the Office of Admissions that acquainted prospective students with the University’s educational offerings. These include over 60 bachelor’s degree programmes, interdisciplinary and flexible pathways, as well as opportunities for career development and global experiences. Talks, webinars and social media sessions by NUS Business School, NUS Law and the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health were among the other presentations that took place during the online Open House.

The on-campus event saw throngs of prospective students and parents turn up to explore the various facets of NUS’ academic and student life. From programme booths, talks and masterclasses, to student life performances, campus tours and residential showcases, visitors got a taste of the well-rounded experience at NUS.

Nicole Yeo, a graduate from River Valley High School, said, “The Open House has provided me a glimpse into the school culture and I managed to clear my doubts, enabling me to make a more informed decision about my applications.

“I found the booths the most informative as not only were the programme booklets useful, the faculty members and students there were very eager to share with me about their programmes and answer my queries,” said Nicole, who is considering majors in Environmental Studies, Geography and Environmental and Sustainability Engineering.

Engineering the future of robotics

This year, the College of Design and Engineering (CDE) introduced the new Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics and Machine Intelligence, which will receive its first intake in August, at a combined talk for the Robotics & Machine Intelligence, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, and Systems Engineering programmes.

Prospective students learnt how the new robotics engineering specialisation will equip students with versatile skillsets that integrate mechanical, electrical and computer engineering with data science and artificial intelligence. Associate Professor Peter Chan also shared how the programme will prepare students for the future of intelligent robotics, through careers in industries such as defence, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare and consumer electronics.

Pavithra Kannan from Raffles Institution, who plans to apply to Mechanical Engineering, found the talk informative. “I managed to learn about the course and possible career prospects. It was interesting to see how diverse the curriculum could be considering you can take different minors and specialisations to truly customise your own curriculum,” she said.

Over at CDE’s talk for Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Industrial Design, lecturers elaborated on the depth and breadth of the comprehensive curricula, faculty expertise, and career prospects for graduates, giving prospective students a well-rounded idea of the diverse skillsets and capabilities they will acquire.

Getting an edge in AI

Making its debut at the Computing showcase was the new Bachelor of Computing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) degree programme, also launching in August. Providing a strong foundation in mathematics, computer science and AI fundamentals, it will enable students to pursue specialisations in areas like robotics, computer vision and bioinformatics, opening doors to careers as AI engineers, machine learning engineers and data scientists.

Students also heard about the Bachelor in Business AI Systems programme. A revamp of the Information Systems degree, it involves solving business problems with AI systems and digital innovation. The programme offers three specialisations – AI governance and management, digital product and platform management, and financial technology – as well as internships with start-ups and multinational companies. 

A convergence of humanities and sciences

The College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS), comprising the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) held talks throughout the day on its extensive range of programmes spanning the sciences, social sciences, humanities and languages.

Life Sciences – one of the biggest majors within CHS – presented its comprehensive programme that offers students the option of two specialisations: Biomedical Sciences; and Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity. Along with a range of minors like Aquatic Ecology and Forensic Science, it aims to nurture versatile scientists for careers in fields such as biotechnology, food security and environmental sustainability.

The joint programme talks organised by FASS included a Geography and Global Studies session that compared the two programmes. Highlighting their shared multidisciplinary approach, it contrasted Geography’s focus on the environment and society with Global Studies’ close examination of globalisation’s effects, emphasising the differing skill sets and career paths.   

Interdisciplinary insights

Along with talks and college tours, NUS College, Singapore’s first honours college, hosted special classes to showcase its stimulating interdisciplinary curriculum.

In Dr Roweena Yip’s class, “Tragedy, Culture, and Society”, students examined how societies are transformed by tragic events, using art, literature and pop culture to analyse the concept through historical, political and emotional dimensions. During Dr Chan Kiat Hwa’s class on nuclear waste and their implications on safety and acceptance, students explored the scientific basis of nuclear energy, the different approaches for storage and disposal, and the profound challenge of warning future generations of the long-term risks present in nuclear waste sites.

Prospective students also explored various avenues for artistic expression. In line with the new Arts For All framework, which aims to integrate the arts more deeply into student life and the academic journey at NUS, the myriad of opportunities for participation in the arts were discussed at a talk by the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.

Various second major programmes and academic pathways were shared, such as the Second Major in Audio Arts and Sciences, which develops students into skilled audio engineers and sound designers with both technical expertise and an understanding of music. Prospective students also heard about the NUS Centre for the Arts’ Second Major in Performing Arts, which prepares students for careers not only in the performing arts but in the arts industry and beyond, through real-world performance experience and vocational learning.

Those interested in starting a healthcare career had the chance to discover NUS’ academic programmes in Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy and gain insights from alumni in the industry about their professional journeys. Pharmacy, which offers the only degree programme in Singapore training undergraduates as registered pharmacists, held a talk discussing the multi-faceted roles of pharmacists across different sectors, from healthcare and research to manufacturing and regulation. Nursing’s immersive special class employed virtual reality simulations and hands-on training using a mannequin, giving students the chance to try their hand at various clinical procedures.

At Bukit Timah Campus, students joined Law's ever-popular mock moot and attended masterclasses on legal topics such as criminal justice and international arbitration.

NUS’ strong entrepreneurial culture was also underscored through NUS Enterprise’s showcase of key initiatives like NUS Overseas Colleges, NUS Enterprise Summer and Winter Programmes in Entrepreneurship, and BLOCK71, highlighting the University’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and the many opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to tap on its networks.

For the first time, the programme included a fireside chat featuring Olympic champion Joseph Schooling, which saw him share about his life journey and emphasise the importance of self-belief, family support, and taking calculated risks. He also credited his Olympic achievement to dedication and pushing boundaries— attributes that are core to entrepreneurship.

Spotlight on student and campus life

Visitors at the Student Village were treated to a vibrant kaleidoscope of performances and showcases from diverse student clubs and interest groups, featuring some of NUS’ brightest talents in the performing arts. Serenading visitors across a range of genres including pop, rock, indie and R&B were the Sheares Band and Raffles Hall’s acapella group RHythm, along with other acts.

The performances and activities gave visitors a taste of NUS life beyond academics, driving home the mission of NUS’ latest NUSOne initiative, which aims to encourage greater self-directed personal growth and development among students, as well as synergise the University’s formal classroom learning with out-of-classroom experiences.

Masters, Resident Fellows, and student leaders from the Residential Colleges (RC), Halls, and Houses were also present to offer prospective students the inside scoop through talks, sample classes and guided tours.

NUS’ two newest residential units also made their debut at this year’s Open House. Valour House showcased its active and inclusive culture with an informative booth and exciting games and prizes. Acacia College, an upcoming RC focusing on artificial and human intelligences, shared how students will explore the relationship between AI and all facets of life and work while acquiring AI-related skills.

Besides engaging prospective students with anecdotes of on-campus living and information on their signature initiatives and pastoral care, the hostels also showcased the diverse student life and interest groups available, such as the uplifting band performances by the College of Alice and Peter Tan and Tembusu College.

Amber Lee, a graduate of Victoria Junior College who is considering Ridge View Residential College (RVRC) and Tembusu College, found the RC booths helpful. “There were many professors and students in the programme enthusiastically answering my questions of anything and everything about the RC, such as the professor at the RVRC booth who gave me a very thorough breakdown of modules and type of content taught at RVRC.”

Professor Ashok Venkitaraman, who is Director of the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore), Distinguished Professor of Medicine at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, and Research Director at the Agency for Science, Technology & Research’s (A*STAR) Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, has been elected to the 2025 class of Fellows of the prestigious American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy. Standings among an exceptional group of 33 newly inducted Fellows this year, he is honoured for his pioneering contributions to cancer research.

Prof Venkitaraman’s research has elucidated the tumour suppressive functions of the hereditary breast cancer gene, BRCA2, in genome maintenance. His work has been instrumental in uncovering the mechanisms responsible for carcinogenesis in BRCA2 mutation carriers, and advancing technologies to accelerate drug discovery, thereby establishing a foundation for the development of novel cancer therapies.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected to the AACR Academy, the world’s oldest and largest cancer research organisation. It is a great privilege to join such a distinguished group of global colleagues who have made transformative contributions for the lasting benefit of patients,” said Prof Venkitaraman.

He added, “This recognition is not mine alone—it also felicitates the achievements of a far-flung family of staff, students, fellows, and collaborators in my team whose contributions and camaraderie have made my work possible. It also underscores the excellence of research conducted at CSI Singapore, made possible through the generous support of our funders and donors. I am proud to be part of the remarkable scientific community at NUS and A*STAR in Singapore, and remain committed to advancing discoveries that improve patient outcomes worldwide.”

The AACR Academy honours outstanding scientists who have made significant contributions in driving innovation and progress in the fight against cancer. Fellows of the AACR Academy serve as a global brain trust of leading experts in cancer science and medicine, working to advance the AACR’s mission to prevent and cure all cancers through research, education, collaboration, communication, advocacy, and funding for cancer research.

Fellows of the AACR Academy are nominated and elected through a meticulous peer-reviewed process that rigorously evaluates each candidate’s scientific achievements and contributions to the global cancer research community. Scientists whose work have made a deep and lasting impact on cancer research and related fields are considered for election and induction into the AACR Academy.

“The 2025 class of Fellows of the AACR Academy perfectly exemplifies the pinnacle of scientific innovation and excellence, with their collective scientific contributions fundamentally advancing our understanding of cancer biology and treatment. We are thrilled to welcome them to our distinguished group of Fellows of the AACR Academy, now numbering 375, and look forward to celebrating their groundbreaking achievements at our upcoming Annual Meeting in April 2025,” said AACR Chief Executive Officer Dr Margaret Foti.

By Xiao Siming, an undergraduate student majoring in Economics and Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at NUS

• Lianhe Zaobao, 7 March 2025, Opinion, p22

By Dr Lance Gore Liangping, Senior Research Fellow from the East Asian Institute at NUS

• Lianhe Zaobao, 7 March 2025, Opinion, p22

NUS has been placed among the global top 10 for 22 subjects and top 20 for 36 subjects, according to the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (QS WUR) by Subject 2025 released on 12 March 2025. This marks the highest-ever number of NUS subjects to be ranked among the global top 10.

Notably, NUS boasts six subjects ranking top five in the world. History of Art retained its global number two ranking, while Civil & Structural Engineering as well as Social Policy & Administration both climbed to third place worldwide, reaffirming NUS’ excellence in these fields. Chemical Engineering, Computer Science & Information Systems and Electrical & Electronic Engineering secured fourth place globally.

Nursing made its debut in the global top 10, jumping 12 places to eighth. Pharmacy & Pharmacology also saw a significant improvement, advancing six places to share the eighth spot.

Steady improvements across the board

Among the five broad faculty areas, NUS has achieved a global top 10 position for Social Sciences and Management and a top 20 position for Engineering and Technology. Over the past three years, the University saw a consistent improvement in the rankings across all broad faculty areas, reflecting the University’s strong interdisciplinary focus.

Professor Aaron Thean, Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, said: “We are immensely proud that NUS has achieved its best-ever performance this year in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, with 22 subjects in the global top 10, and 36 subjects in global top 20. The results reflect the University’s consistent trajectory of excellence, with steady improvements in education and research across disciplines over the years. 

In particular, our strong performance across STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Humanities subjects underscores the deep expertise and interdisciplinary approach that define NUS. This achievement is the result of the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni. As we continue to push boundaries in research, innovation, and education, we remain committed to nurturing future-ready graduates and contributing meaningfully to Singapore and the world.”

NUS leads the pack locally, with three out of five entries from Singapore in world’s top three

The QS WUR by Subject is an independent comparative analysis of the reputation and research output of more than 21,000 academic offerings across 55 subjects and five broad faculty areas. In the 2025 edition, 5,200 institutions from 148 locations were analysed with rankings published for 1,747 institutions.

Mr Ben Sowter, Senior Vice President at QS, said: “Singapore shines in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with four entries breaking into the global top three for the first time—highlighting the nation’s rise as a leading hub for world-class education and research.”

According to QS, nearly one-third (30 per cent) of Singapore’s 114 ranked entries secured top 10 positions in their respective subjects—an unparalleled achievement that sets the nation apart from all other countries and territories.

“With just six universities contributing 114 ranked entries—including 12 in the broad faculty areas—Singapore consistently outperforms its scale. Despite its relatively small system, it competes at the highest level globally, delivering excellence in teaching, research, and graduate outcomes,” Mr Sowter added.

Overall, NUS is represented in 41 subjects and five broad faculty areas, highlighting its extensive academic reach and strength in multidisciplinary education and research.

By Dr Fadzil Hamzah, Community Director for the SingHealth Duke-NUS Sport and Exercise Medicine Centre

• Berita Harian, 10 March 2025, p11

• The Straits Times, 10 March 2025, Singapore, pA16

• The Straits Times, 10 March 2025, Singapore, pA16

• The Straits Times, 10 March 2025, World, pA7

By Huang Jiaqi, a student from the Dept of Chinese Language at the Faulty of Arts and Social Sciences at NUS

• Lianhe Zaobao, 8 March 2025, Opinion, p14

• 8world Online, 7 March 2025

By Dr Samer Elhajjar, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Marketing at NUS Business School

• CNA Online, 6 March 2025

By Yong Pung How Prof Ramkishen S. Rajan, from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS

• The Business Times, 6 March 2025, p17

By Prof Teo Yik Ying, NUS Vice President for Global Health and Dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at NUS

• The Straits Times, 6 March 2025, Opinion, pB1 & B2

By NUS Business School students, Lee Kah Shing Vanessa, Prissha Nair, Quah Shi Ting, Tan Ethan John and Tang Shaojun Samuel

• The Business Times, 6 March 2025, p18

• The Straits Times, 6 March 2025, Singapore, pA15

Picture this: you wake up on a bright and sunny Wednesday and it’s time for class. All morning you sit attentively in front of the screen and take notes, occasionally checking with your friends when the professor introduces new terms. When the clock strikes twelve, you collect your items, stuff them into your bag and head to the nearest canteen.

After lunch, there is a surprising twist: instead of going to your next class, you head to a family service centre to meet your mentees, whom you’ve been getting to know over the past few weeks. Laughter and fun ensue during the tutoring session, complete with games, quizzes and hard work on both sides, and the day ends on a high note. The best part? Volunteering at the centre counts towards your graduation requirements.

This is not a new concept for students at NUS, many of whom have chosen to participate in initiatives like Teach Singapore (Teach SG) to mentor children and youth from disadvantaged families. Part of a range of community engagement activities under NUSOne, Teach SG aims to promote social mobility and inclusiveness by providing access to positive role models and enhancing learning opportunities.

NUSOne is a new initiative that started in August 2024 and aims to broaden students’ access to and encourage their participation in a wide range of out-of-classroom activities. As part of efforts to transform higher education, it elevates the emphasis on student life activities and develops well-rounded, resilient and dynamic individuals who can thrive and flourish during and beyond their time at University.

Another example is the “Dabble & Discover” (D&D) series, which comprises a variety of workshops ranging from coffee mindfulness to a learn-to-play series on Wednesday afternoons. One such workshop was The Gimbap Roll-volution - Its History & Nutrition, organised by NUS Libraries in collaboration with BeyondFST Classroom (a student society from the Department of Food Science and Technology) and Good Day Café at the Medicine+Science Library. Participants learned about the role of gimbap (Korean rice rolls wrapped in seaweed) in Korean culture, its nutritional benefits and how to roll it. They were also given a primer on how to discover the authoritative resources on food science and technology in NUS Libraries’ collections. Other D&D activities – comprising sports, arts, wellness, and leadership workshops – also offer students opportunities to explore new interests, develop self-awareness, and build friendships.

Beyond a designated day for holistic experiences, opportunities to serve have also been embedded in an informal capacity. The NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine)’s Health, Humanitarian, and Leadership (HHL) Programme provides a space outside the formal curriculum for students to transform their ideas into real-world interventions for underserved communities, empowering them to lead service-learning projects that make a real-world impact.

Project Health Empowerment for Youth (HEY) is a community health initiative by the NUS Medical Society comprising students from various faculties including NUS Medicine, the School of Computing, and the College of Design and Engineering. They aim to enhance the awareness of primary school students on the importance of both physical and mental well-being. 

Together with families, teachers, and friends, HEY members act as pillars of support for these students, “elder brothers and sisters” with whom they can share concerns and challenges that may otherwise be difficult to express. Several workshops have been successfully conducted, with the students participating in health screening sessions and mini games which cover topics such as diet, exercise, phone usage, and environmental awareness. Learning journeys to various locations have also enabled them to forge stronger mentor-mentee bonds.

Founding Project Director of HEY and third-year NUS Medicine student Collin Chu shared that he had been inspired by Teach SG, where he served as a mentor in his first year. “We recognise that primary school students juggle various demands, such as their academics and co-curricular activities, and we hope Project HEY can provide them with useful strategies and resources to adopt a healthier lifestyle,” Collin said. 

“Through HEY, my team and I have learned about the importance of communication not only within the team, but also with beneficiaries and community organisations, as each stakeholder has unique needs and ideas. Moreover, as role models, fostering a conducive learning environment is integral to gaining mentees’ trust, especially when they are still at an early stage of life and require more guidance and support. The experience with HEY has strengthened our motivation to create a positive and sustainable impact,” he added.

SIGNapse is another service-learning initiative that is making an impact. It started as an interest group among NUS Medicine students and has now grown into a thriving initiative spanning six disciplines in NUS: Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Social Work, and Psychology. Since its inception in 2016, SIGNapse has been dedicated to equipping future healthcare professionals with a foundational knowledge of Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) and a deeper appreciation of Deaf culture. SIGNapse works to bridge communication gaps between the Deaf and hearing communities through structured learning, immersive experiences, and advocacy.

One of SIGNapse’s key initiatives is the provision of Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) classes. In line with NUSOne’s move to encourage out-of-classroom learning, the classes are scheduled on Wednesday afternoons and are open to the wider NUS student body. Conducted in collaboration with NUS Enablers (a student interest group promoting accessibility and inclusivity for students with accessibility needs on campus) and led by trained Deaf instructors from Equal Dreams (a social business that provides consultancy, services and training for disability inclusion and accessibility), these classes emphasise the deep connection between language, identity, and inclusion.

In addition, SIGNapse hosts interactive half-day exposure workshops together with The Singapore Association For The Deaf (SADeaf), designed to introduce participants to Deaf culture and communication, with discussions on Deaf identity, the importance of inclusive communication, and hands-on SgSL practice. SIGNapse has also worked with SADeaf to launch the "In Another Shoes" video campaign, an ongoing initiative which features interviews with Deaf representatives who work closely with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HoH) community. Through personal stories, the campaign highlights the everyday challenges Deaf individuals face, the crucial role of interpreters and the significance of inclusive communication in healthcare settings.

Almost a year on, NUSOne has already made a remarkable impact on students’ university experience. Associate Professor Wong Mun Loke, NUS’ Associate Provost for Integrated Education said, “These [out-of-classroom] activities allow them to explore new areas of interest and develop life skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability. Together with their academic studies, this broader exposure on campus allows them to embrace a more holistic educational experience and enhance their future-readiness after graduation.”

Keen to kickstart a vibrant student life? Find out more about admission to NUS at this link.

Neuroscience is a fast-evolving discipline that closely intersects with other fields - including immunology, metabolism, cancer, and more recently, artificial intelligence (AI) – driving new discoveries and innovations. These intersections reflect the importance of global collaboration in neuroscience, as researchers integrate emerging technologies like AI and computational models into their research.

Amidst this backdrop, the NeuroFrontiers Symposium, held from 21 to 22 January 2025 at the NUS University Cultural Centre, brought together top neuroscience researchers, stakeholders, and students from the USA, China and Singapore, providing a dynamic platform for advancing global collaboration in brain research, particularly through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. The inaugural symposium was organised by the NUS Life Sciences Institute’s Neurobiology Research Programme in collaboration with IDG Capital, the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the McGovern Institute in Beijing Normal University, Peking University and Tsinghua University. It was sponsored by The Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute, IDG Capital (Singapore), and McGovern Institute.

“We are honoured to host this symposium and facilitate meaningful discussions among global experts in neuroscience and AI from MIT, China and Singapore, providing, a platform for enhanced global collaboration,” said Distinguished Professor Barry Halliwell from the Department of Biochemistry at the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Programme Leader of the Neurobiology Research Programme at the NUS Life Sciences Institute.

“This symposium will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the future of neuroscience, shaping the direction of research and accelerating breakthroughs for years to come,” said NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye in his welcome remarks.

Fostering global collaboration in neuroscience

Themed ‘Bridging Molecules, Minds, and AI systems’, the symposium underscored the critical role of cross-border partnerships in tackling grand challenges in neuroscience and AI. More than 240 participants attended the event, including leading experts in computational neuroscience, AI, and neural engineering. Key sessions of the symposium, such as keynote talks, panel discussions, and poster presentations, fostered collaboration and inspired new research initiatives.

Ms Lore McGovern, Co-founder and Board Member of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, echoed the vital role of global collaboration, stating that "science and research collaboration reign above pretty much everything else” and that real power comes from “collaboration, respect, and friendship”.

Sessions at the symposium revolved around advancing global collaboration in neuroscience, particularly through emerging technologies like AI and computational models to drive brain research. The symposium also provided the opportunity for neuroscience researchers to present their work during the poster sessions, which generated enthusiastic discussions amongst participants.

Participants also appreciated the chance to engage in insightful discussions with leading neuroscience and AI experts during the panel discussions. One of the panel discussions, chaired by Prof Halliwell, covered the topic “Healthcare Impacts of Neuroscience”. The session highlighted breakthroughs in neuroimaging, brain-computer interfaces, and AI-driven diagnostics, emphasising the urgent need to revolutionise mental health care to better serve an ageing population.

Exploring intelligence, ethics, and the future of neuroscience and AI

Another highlight of the NeuroFrontiers Symposium was a panel discussion on “AI Implications in Neuroscience”, featuring leading global experts from psychology, computational neuroscience, and computer engineering.  

One of the panellists, Associate Professor Thomas Yeo Boon Thye from the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the College of Design and Engineering at NUS, highlighted his work, which uses machine learning to develop individualised brain networks for precision psychiatry. He shared, “The hope is that we can use these individual-level networks for personalised brain stimulation and better treatment outcomes.”

Other leading experts, such as Professor Tomaso Poggio from MIT, Professor Wu Si from Peking University, Associate Professor Jia Xiaoxuan from Tsinghua University, and Professor Liu Chao from Beijing Normal University, also shared their perspectives on AI’s role in neuroscience research, the potential and limitations of brain-inspired computing, and the ethical concerns surrounding AI-driven intelligence.

The panelists agreed that while AI technologies such as deep learning have made rapid progress, understanding the human brain remains crucial for guiding AI’s development and addressing its shortcomings. Another key focus of the discussion was AI’s potential to advance neuroscience by improving brain modelling, disease prediction, and cognitive research. The panel concluded with a reflection on the ethical and societal implications of AI and the need for AI alignment.

Expanding global collaborations in brain research

The NeuroFrontiers Symposium successfully fostered meaningful dialogues and set the stage for deeper international partnerships in neuroscience and AI research. As AI technologies and brain science increasingly converge, global collaborations will be instrumental in driving the future of neuroscience innovation.

By Asst Prof Yvette van der Eijk at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at NUS

• CNA Online, 5 March 2025

By Prof Sing Tien Foo, Provost's Chair Professor at the Dept of Real Estate at NUS Business School

• Lianhe Zaobao, 5 March 2025, Focus, p18

By Dr Kyle Tan, Adj Asst Prof from the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at NUS

• CNA Online, 4 March 2025

By Assoc Prof Mak Yuen Teen from the Department of Accounting at NUS Business School

• CNA Online, 4 March 2025

• Lianhe Zaobao, 4 March 2025, Singapore, p10

• Lianhe Zaobao, 4 March 2025, Singapore, p9

By Dr Kalpana Vignehsa, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS

• The Straits Times, 3 March 2025, Opinion, pB4 

• Tamil Murasu Online, 3 March 2025

• Tamil Murasu, 3 March 2025, p3

AutoCodeRover, an autonomous AI agent platform for software development which is a spin-off technology of the National University of Singapore (NUS), has been acquired by Sonar, a global leader in code quality and code security solutions. This innovative technology was developed by Professor Abhik Roychoudhury and his team from NUS School of Computing (NUS Computing).

The acquisition highlights the real-world impact of NUS’ research with the innovative platform boosting Sonar’s AI-agent-based code development, driving innovation in software engineering and agentic AI. This exciting partnership will also create new research and development (R&D) jobs in Singapore.

Enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of software developers

Automating software engineering tasks has long been a vision among software developers. Over the past decades, significant progress has been made to enhance developers' capabilities and efficiency by automating parts of the software development process.

AutoCodeRover is among the first AI agent platforms to combine state-of-the-art Large Language Models (LLMs) with sophisticated code search capabilities to automatically solve software engineering issues. It automates key steps in the software development lifecycle, such as debugging, issue remediation, and code refactoring, enabling developers to address real-world engineering challenges more efficiently. This, in turn, accelerates software development lifecycle and reduces time-to-market. It is designed to work with a variety of AI language models, giving users the flexibility to choose the solution that best fits their needs.

By combining powerful LLMs with advanced code search capabilities, AutoCodeRover excels across multiple dimensions of software issue remediation. It ranks among the top three in the SWE-Bench evaluations, the most comprehensive benchmark for testing AI coding agents’ software issue remediation capability. With an average modest cost of S$0.80 (US$0.60) and a short runtime of 6.5 minutes, versus 2.68 days by a typical human developer, for each issue, it is a highly cost-effective agent for practical deployment at scale.

Prof Roychoudhury, co-founder of AutoCodeRover, commented, “By automating routine tasks, AutoCodeRover enables developers to dedicate more time to innovation and creative problem-solving, accelerating the delivery of high-quality applications.”

“At Sonar, we are committed to helping developers build better, faster by embracing new technologies and tools, like agentic AI. The work done by Professor Roychoudhury and the whole AutoCodeRover team is fundamentally redefining what it means to be a software engineer,” said Mr Tariq Shaukat, CEO of Sonar. “With AutoCodeRover, we’ll enable millions of developers and enterprises to accelerate development, improve code reviews, lower development costs, and free up developer time so they can focus more on creating and building. We’re excited to be bringing this to life through an expansion of our operations in Singapore, and continued collaboration with NUS and the Trustworthy and Secure Software research group led by Professor Roychoudhury.”

Fueling AI innovation and job opportunities

One of the key highlights of this acquisition is Sonar’s plan to establish an R&D team in Singapore, creating 15 R&D jobs between 2025 and 2026. The team will be led by Dr Ridwan Shariffdeen, CEO and co-founder of AutoCodeRover, and former NUS PhD student in Prof Roychoudhury’s Trustworthy and Secure Software research group in NUS Computing.

“This partnership is a win for both NUS and the broader tech ecosystem in Singapore,” said Prof Roychoudhury, who will also serve as Sonar’s Senior Advisor, providing guidance on AI-based software and security of AI-based code. “Not only are we creating R&D jobs locally, we are also transitioning NUS’ cutting-edge research in AI and Software Engineering for software developers. By collaborating with Sonar, we gain valuable feedback from their large global customer base, which enriches our research and ensures the relevance of our work to industry needs. This also allows us to truly dream and define the software landscape of tomorrow, right here, from NUS.”

The integration of AutoCodeRover into Sonar’s ecosystem marks a transformative shift in software development, enabling developers to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. As the world embraces AI-driven solutions, NUS remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering cutting-edge technologies that transform industries and improve lives.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) has received a generous gift of S$200,000 from global F&B leader Food Empire to nurture future innovators for the food and beverage sector through education. The gift will be used to establish the “Food Empire Food Science & Technology Bursary” to provide financial support for undergraduates at the NUS Faculty of Science pursuing Food Science and Technology as a major. By providing these students with the resources to pursue their passion and excel in their studies, the Bursary will empower these aspiring food scientists to unlock their full potential and emerge as the next generation of industry leaders.

"We are deeply grateful to Food Empire for their generous gift, which will create a transformative impact on the lives of our students. We are committed to preparing our students to become innovative leaders capable of tackling tomorrow’s food challenges, and industry partnerships like this are invaluable in realising this vision. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Food Empire to expand opportunities for our students and drive groundbreaking advancements in food science research," said Professor Zhou Weibiao, Head of the NUS Department of Food Science and Technology (NUS FST).

Beyond providing financial support for students, Food Empire will also explore research collaborations with NUS FST, creating pathways for innovation that will benefit students, as well as the broader industry and consumers.

Mr Tan Wang Cheow, Executive Chairman of Food Empire, said: “The Bursary enables us to give back to the community by providing financial assistance to students who have shown great potential and a strong interest in pursuing a career in our field, and creating opportunities for skills development and innovation for them. We hope our support will inspire the next generation of industry leaders to achieve new breakthroughs in food sciences that will raise Singapore’s profile in the global food and beverage industry.”

This Bursary is just a slice of Food Empire’s hearty commitment to social responsibility. The company actively contributes to the community through various initiatives, for example, staff from Food Empire had volunteered to clean, declutter, and repaint the home of a beneficiary of non-profit organisation Helping Joy. The company had also supported Singapore’s 59th National Day celebrations in the heartlands.

Through these community initiatives and the establishment of the Bursary, Food Empire exemplifies its commitment to driving meaningful social impact. By investing in education today, the company is laying the foundation for a future driven by innovation and excellence in food science and technology, ensuring that Singapore remains at the forefront of the global F&B industry.

Every brand has a story, and sometimes, it is just that – a story. But in the luxury market, a good brand story is key to winning over wealthy and discerning customers, especially as a newcomer competing against established brands.

At an event hosted by the NUS Business School and the JY Pillay Comparative Asia Research Centre under NUS Global Asia Institute on 19 February 2025, Mr Akio Naito, President of Seiko Watch Corporation and Senior Executive Vice President of Seiko Group Corporation, shared with about 100 attendees how brand storytelling helped the Japanese watchmaker to successfully break into the global luxury watch market, long dominated by Swiss watchmakers with loyal followings.

The event titled “Building a Luxury Brand from Japan – Grand Seiko” was part of the Asian Business Series by the Strategic Relations office of the NUS Business School, which invites senior executives from various industries to share insights on topics ranging from macroeconomics to business trends and global issues. About 30 such events have taken place since the series began in 2016, featuring top corporate leaders from local and international businesses including DBS, YouTrip, Google, Cartier, McKinsey & Company, and Disney.

As a key executive who oversaw Grand Seiko’s global expansion, Mr Naito was an ideal speaker who could inspire the NUS community with the story of how an Asian brand can succeed in the global market, said Associate Professor Joel Goh, Director of the JY Pillay Comparative Asia Research Centre.

“What was intriguing to us about Grand Seiko as a brand is how it has managed to carve a place for itself amidst this very challenging environment,” he said. “Moreover, it has done far more than just to ‘survive,’ but instead, has thrived by developing a unique branding approach and global growth strategy.”

Refocus on culture and heritage

Grand Seiko made its global debut in 2010 but struggled for several years to make headway in the US, its first major market outside of Japan. Mr Naito, who was placed in charge of the global expansion in 2016, realised that a different approach was needed to rise above the commodity segment, where the parent brand Seiko was known for affordable wristwatches, and move into the luxury segment where Grand Seiko could compete against the top Swiss watch brands.

“In commodity products, consumers compare different products on the basis of their functional value and pricing, so that cost or monetary value of the product is the element on which consumers make their purchasing choices,” said Mr Naito.

“On the other hand, in the luxury category, what is important is a brand story or signature story that emphasises the people behind the brand, the place where the brand was born and nurtured, and the history of the brand. Fans won't really compare their favourite brand against other brands on the basis of function or pricing.”

In 2018, the group established a company to handle Grand Seiko products exclusively, positioning Grand Seiko as a distinct brand and shifting the marketing focus away from the functional value of qualities like ease of use, durability, accuracy, and legibility to the emotional value of the history and heritage behind the product.

The decision paid off and while the brand does not disclose numbers, the group saw “significant and rapid expansion of Grand Seiko sales outside of Japan” from 2018, Mr Naito said.

Since 2019, it has been cultivating a brand philosophy called “The Nature of Time,” which emphasises both the essence of watchmaking and the Japanese forests, mountains, and lakes that surround its watchmaking studios and inspire Grand Seiko’s watch designs.

Grand Seiko’s Japanese heritage also figures large in its next phase of expansion as it looks to reach a broader market beyond traditional watch enthusiasts. Seiko has created videos showcasing Japanese culture, such as a five-minute video capturing the soundscape of modern Tokyo and a longer film called “The Gift of Time” that demonstrates the concept of time in the context of Japanese culture and tradition.

“We are targeting those customers who may be interested in Japan but not necessarily the watch world, drawing the interest of especially the young audience to see this interesting movie,” Mr Naito said. “This is the upper funnel (of the funnel marketing strategy) that will lead them to the lower funnel to eventually, hopefully become interested in Grand Seiko.”

In response to a question from an audience member about the challenges of marketing the understated Japanese-style watches to consumers who are used to more flashy designs from European brands, Mr Naito shared that the brand is benefitting from growing interest in Japan and a trend towards “quiet luxury” as opposed to ostentatious displays of wealth.

“Many of our young Grand Seiko fans do not want to follow what their fathers or parents' generations worship as prestigious luxury brands,” he said. “They would like to explore and collect information online and find out what's the true value in that brand.”

Asked by another audience member whether Grand Seiko will incorporate more digital capabilities into its watches to tap into the demand for smartwatches, Mr Naito revealed that Grand Seiko intends to steer clear of competing with smartwatches despite the exponential growth in that market.

This is because while Seiko prides itself on being at the forefront of watch technology, having launched world-firsts like the first quartz wristwatch, TV watch, and GPS solar watch, it does not have the software and communication technology capabilities needed for a smartwatch and would have to rely on outside providers to supply those components.

He has also observed that the smartwatch industry has become commoditised and prices are falling as cheap versions and quasi-smart watches flood the market. Meanwhile, the average price of high-end luxury Swiss watches has been increasing despite a decline in overall luxury watch sales volumes, indicating that there is more potential in the high-end luxury segment.

“Staying well away from the smart market has positioned us into a more high-end luxury segment to appeal to customers with the history and heritage of Grand Seiko. That, I think, is our core advantage as a brand,” Mr Naito said.

When World War II ended in 1945, the world learnt an important lesson: Countries need to be held accountable for their actions, and domestic laws and courts alone were insufficient to perform this role.

Subsequently, a large number of international treaties were signed and institutions set up. These included the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1945, the Geneva Conventions of 1949, and a network of international trade and investment treaties.

“The lofty aim was that more international law would foster global peace, economic cooperation, human rights and prosperity,” said Professor Stavros Brekoulakis in his inaugural lecture, Law and the Expansion of Politics: The Case of International Arbitration, on 20 February 2025.

Prof Brekoulakis, a leading global authority on international arbitration, is the first Chair appointed under the Michael and Laura Hwang Professorship in International Arbitration for an initial three-year term. He began his tenure at the NUS Faculty of Law in February 2024.

In his 45-minute lecture, he took the audience—which included Dr Michael Hwang SC, his wife Laura, along with about 200 legal academics, practitioners, and students—through the historical impact of international law on the global order, and its decline today as nations withdraw from international treaties.

Expanding the space where law and politics intersect

“Should a private international tribunal decide whether a decision of a foreign government on matters concerning its economy, public health and environment is lawful under international law?” Prof Brekoulakis asked in rhetoric, suggesting that while previously most people would have answered this question with a resounding ‘yes’, today a critical mass is likely to say that government decisions on public policy are essentially political questions that should be left to the discretion of the government.

The pushback against global rules and law is a result of countries finding themselves increasingly subjected to scrutiny by international tribunals on a wide range of matters.

“While initially the questions referred to international tribunals were relatively straightforward… there came a point where arbitrators were routinely asked to decide fundamental questions of public policy, including how states should respond to pandemics or to financial and climate crises,” noted Prof Brekoulakis.

“How can three people (from a private international tribunal) decide important questions of public policy? How can they hold damages of hundreds of millions against the state?”

Some solutions have been proposed, such as relooking the appointment of international arbitrators, or amending certain laws to provide states with more space to regulate their affairs. But these suggestions still “aim to preserve the status quo, and are underpinned by the familiar idea that a state’s decision of policy should be subject to international law and a system of independent justice”, he observed.

As a result, the current state of “unabashed international law is unsustainable, as political contestation always catches up with the law”, he concluded. Yet, this system cannot be dismantled as states should still be accountable to a system of independent justice that can act as a check and balance.

As the concept of public interest is one that transcends disciplines, he proposed that international law should adopt an interdisciplinary approach that involves contributions from diverse disciplines including political science, economics, sociology, public policy and environmental studies.

“We need to work across disciplines, and develop a coherent theory of public policy for the purpose of assessing questions about whether the protection of international public law and investment laws are sufficient,” he said.

Responding to a question from the audience on how the transition in international law would look like, he said: “We still need to understand how to develop another system that will account for public interest more effectively. That is one of the immediate tasks—then we can see how we can insert more interdisciplinarity into the decision-making process.”

Another audience member asked if Prof Brekoulakis’ proposal of a multi-disciplinary system would still run into the same issues confronting international arbitration today. To that, he replied: “Even if we left the legal principles today as they are…if we had the views of economists, of political scientists, and of sociologists, I believe that we might have come to a better outcome in many cases.”

A gift to nurture excellence

Prof Brekoulakis’ vision for arbitration as an integrated discipline of research, teaching and practice is aligned with the interdisciplinary approach that NUS Law believes in, noted Professor Andrew Simester, Dean of NUS Law, in his earlier welcome address.

“That is what we do—research-led teaching that treats the law as a living problem,” said Prof Simester, adding that NUS Law is very happy to have Prof Brekoulakis on board.

The Michael and Laura Hwang Professorship in International Arbitration was set up with a S$2 million endowment gift from Dr Hwang, an internationally recognised arbitrator and Senior Counsel.

Addressing the audience, Mrs Hwang said that the idea began from a family dinner where they agreed that the family’s philanthropy efforts should reflect Dr Hwang’s achievements in law and arbitration. “We are happy to be able to fund an endeavour that will help others attain excellence in these fields,” she said.

Dr Hwang said his wife had encouraged him to make the gift as a memorial of his commitment to the development of international arbitration in Singapore. “It is also an advance gift from me to my wife in celebration of our 50^th wedding anniversary which falls this year, though it has not stopped her from requesting additional gifts,” he quipped, to laughter from the room.

Dr Hwang’s affiliation with NUS dates back to the late 1960s when he joined the Faculty as a part-time lecturer, first in family law, and later in contract law, labour law and company law over a span of about 10 years. He continued to stay involved with the Faculty as an external examiner and thesis reviewer, and was later appointed as a member of the Faculty’s Consultative Committee which managed to persuade the Faculty to adopt new subjects relevant to international commercial law.

Commenting on Prof Brekoulakis’ appointment as the first professor under his and his wife’s namesake, Dr Hwang said: “I cannot think of a more appropriate choice, and I look forward to a new era of academic development of international arbitration jurisprudence in Singapore under his leadership.”

• Suria News Online, 22 February 2025
• Berita Minggu, 23 February 2025, p4

• The Straits Times, 25 February 2025, The Big Story, Page A2

• The Business Times, 25 February, Page 13  

• The Straits Times, 25 February 2025, Page A14

• Lianhe Zaobao, 25 February 2025, Singapore, Page 8

By Terence Ho, Adjunct Associate Professor (Practice) from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS

• The Straits Times, 25 February 2025, Opinion, Page B2

• The Straits Times, 24 February 2025, Singapore, pA14

• Tamil Murasu, 24 February 2025, p10

A team of NUS Law undergraduates comprising Mervyn Lin, Tianao Li, Taesha Tan and Joan Goh beat 47 other university teams from 32 countries to emerge victorious in the 20th International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Commercial Mediation Competition in Paris on 8 February 2025.

The annual ICC Mediation Competition is a globally renowned dispute resolution competition dedicated exclusively to international commercial mediation. It aims to provide students with an opportunity to develop practical skills in mediation, negotiation, and conflict resolution, which are vital in international law and business. Teams participate in pairs (comprising one client and one counsel) in mock mediation sessions, where they simulate resolving business-related or commercial disputes with the help of a mediator.

The NUS Law team gained eligibility to compete in the Paris competition after winning the third ICC-Hong Kong International Commercial Mediation Competition last December. During the Paris finals, they went head-to-head and eventually emerged victorious against a team from the University of New South Wales as they tackled the mock mediation problem of unauthorised logging in protected timber harvesting zones.

Their victories in both competitions underscore the robust competitive tradition at NUS Law. The Faculty boasts an impressive track record in international competitions, with students regularly earning recognition and winning awards for their exceptional performances. For students, participating in these competitions is a crucial part of their academic journey, as it helps cultivate legal skills in analysis, writing, presentation and communication. It also provides valuable exposure to international legal practices. Additionally, the process fosters teamwork and collaboration, while the unwavering support provided to the team in Hong Kong and Paris exemplifies the strong sense of camaraderie that defines the culture at NUS Law.

The team held multiple practice sessions with alumni from the competition and NUS Law's Collaborative Disputes Resolution Club (CDRC) each week to strategise mediation approaches, hone the team’s negotiation and mediation skills and receive detailed feedback on their performances.

NUS Law Professor Joel Lee, Advisor to the CDRC, one of the faculty members who mentored the team in their preparation for the competitions, said, “The team deserves credit for their hard work, determination, initiative and skill in participating in and placing first in both these competitions.”

He also acknowledged the efforts of those who assisted the team on their journey, including their coaches, fellow students, and competition alumni, highlighting in particular alumnus Melvin Loh (Law ’11) who supported the team in Paris during the later rounds of the competition.

Thanks to the thorough preparation and support, Mervyn, Tianao, Taesha and Joan were able to stay nimbly prepared for each round despite the time constraints and adapt their mediation strategies when faced with the different mediation styles of competing teams from universities around the world.  

Taesha observed that legal concepts she learnt in her courses such as Contract Law, Equity and Trusts, and Company Law provided the foundation needed in such competitions.

The second-year student, who is the current CDRC Vice President, shared, “Regardless of whether we were playing the roles of client or counsel, we were required to fuse our knowledge with commercial understanding of the industry, while negotiating an appropriate outcome for our team. Aside from such technical knowledge, soft skills such as oral advocacy and the precision required in legal writing helped us frame sharp and effective communications throughout the competition.”

The team found the experience of participating in the competitions incredibly fulfilling. With both the semi-finals and the finals of the Hong Kong competition being held on the same day, Taesha recalled how heartwarming it was to witness the team members, each with their unique perspectives and styles, unite to strategise and ultimately emerge as winners.

The finals of the ICC competition in Paris, however, was a stressful experience, noted Tianao. Unlike the earlier rounds held behind closed doors, the finals took place in the Émile Boutmy Lecture Hall and were live-streamed worldwide.

“Having to speak into microphones in front of an audience – both in the hall and online – made the experience even more nerve-wracking. On top of that, our opponents were incredibly experienced, so the pressure was intense,” he explained.

“But thanks to my coaches and teammates, who helped me refine my strategy and build my confidence, I was able to stay composed and adapt to the challenges. It was definitely stressful, but also a really rewarding experience.”

By Dr Tan Poh Lin, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS

• The Straits Times, 22 February 2025, Opinion, pB2

By Bao Rong, an undergraduate student in the Dept of Communications and New Media, Faculty of Arts and Social Science at NUS

• Lianhe Zaobao, 22 February 2025, Opinion, p19

By Dr Azhar Ibrahim Alwee, Senior Lecturer from the Dept of Malay Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at NUS

• Suria News Online, 22 February 2025

Every time you trade your car for public transport or take a reusable bag to the supermarket, you are helping Singapore inch toward its 2050 net zero target. But the most powerful climate action might be sitting right on your dinner plate – by cutting down on your meat consumption.

According to a 2022 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, ditching beef for one meal can almost halve a person’s carbon footprint for that day. Separate research has also suggested that animal-based products contribute to nearly 20 per cent of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

Reducing meat consumption is getting more palatable, with technological advancements allowing for the development of better plant-based alternatives compared to past attempts, said Dr Michael Siegrist, Professor in Consumer Behaviour at the Institute for Environmental Decisions, ETH Zurich.

He was giving his keynote address at a workshop that brought together researchers and experts to explore the future of alternative proteins. It was co-hosted by Lloyd's Register Foundation Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) and the new Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein at NUS in January.

The challenge for Singapore on this front remains substantial: half of Singaporeans consider themselves active meat eaters, with only 5 per cent identifying as vegetarian or vegan.

However, there’s room for optimism. A study by IPUR found that 62 per cent of Singaporeans would be willing to reduce their meat consumption in the future.

How can this willingness be turned into action? The key lies in early education and effective communication.

Why cutting down meat is so tough

Alternative proteins are foods designed to replace traditional animal-based products and currently come in three main forms: plant-based meat, cultured meat, and insects.

With significant environmental and health benefits, the case for cutting down on meat is compelling.

Agri-food chains account for almost a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, and most of that is linked to animal protein production, said Ms Chloe Tan, a Research Assistant from the NUS Department of Biological Sciences.

Excessive meat intake is also linked to health issues such as diabetes, added IPUR Director, Professor Leonard Lee. The research institute’s recent collaboration with Diabetes Singapore found that an alarming 40 per cent of Singaporeans are pre-diabetic.

But shifting dietary habits is no easy task, and alternative proteins remain a tough sell.

Cultural values and psychological factors play an important role in the acceptance of novel food technologies. For example, there is food neophobia, or the fear of trying new foods.

“Meat is a highly valued product by most consumers; for some it’s almost part of their identity,” said Prof Siegrist.

Discussions about cell-based meat are also often dominated by negative sentiments, said Professor Zhang Weiyu from the NUS Department of Communications and New Media, who analysed public discourse on Facebook from 2014 to 2024.

Many view such alternatives as unnatural, disgusting, and unhealthy, noted Prof Siegrist. It does not help that many plant-based alternatives are classified as “ultra-processed” under systems like the NOVA classification, which labels them as less healthy than traditional meat.

The overlooked alternatives

Adding to this challenge is the lack of knowledge about existing sustainable proteins that are not carbon-intensive, observed Associate Professor Alberto Salvo from the NUS Department of Economics. His survey found that about two in three people were not aware that beans and chickpeas are rich in protein.

“Many people misperceive plant proteins as being low in protein but it is quite the opposite. Cooked chickpeas and lentils can contain nearly as much protein as chicken,” said Assoc Prof Salvo, who is also one of the Principal Investigators of the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein.

Furthermore, not only are these unprocessed plant foods rich in protein, but they are also low in cholesterol and protect animal welfare.

One way to turn the tide is through early education.

How education shapes future food choices

Nutrition campaigns which promote new cooking skills and recipes using chickpeas, lentils, and even beans should be considered, said Mr Muhammad Haiman Samad, Research Associate at Nanyang Technological University.

Children too can be powerful agents of change within their families, noted Ms Amelia Juraimi, a research officer at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

This influence on their families’ food choices leverages a concept called “pester power”, which refers to children’s ability to persistently request specific products and shape their parents’ purchasing decisions through repeated asks and negotiations.

The A*STAR team had developed the Virtual Factory, an interactive learning tool which taught a sample group of children aged eight to 16 about the value and production of sustainable proteins.

Preliminary findings showed that children who used the app reported higher acceptance of these foods and were more willing to try them.

Educating children about sustainable food options can drive positive changes in their families’ eating habits over time, and create a ripple effect that extends beyond households, said Ms Juraimi.

Crafting the right message

While education lays the foundation, effective communication drives action. Strategic messaging should emphasise the benefits of alternative proteins and address common concerns.

Providing scientific facts about the environmental and health benefits of cultivated meat can significantly improve acceptance among consumers, said Ms Tan.

The timing and framing of information are also critical.

Prof Lee demonstrated this through an experiment involving beer. Participants were less likely to prefer a beer labelled as containing balsamic vinegar if told about the ingredient before tasting. When informed after tasting, their preference for the beer increased.

“Information provided before consumption could actually colour or contaminate your preference, but not if you have had a chance to taste it first,” he explained.

With media organisations taking the lead in influencing public sentiments, there needs to be greater communication with the new generation of opinion leaders, added Prof Zhang.

This is particularly crucial for cell-based proteins, where public opinion remains divided and understanding is still evolving as the technology develops.

No silver bullet

Whether it’s choosing a plant-based meal or educating our children about sustainable food choices, every effort counts.

Individual actions matter, said Dr Olivia Jensen, Deputy Director and Lead Scientist at IPUR. “We try not to be too didactic about what people should do, but rather to say, work out what your own carbon footprint is.”

Citing the Singapore Power carbon calculator as a useful tool, Dr Jensen added that people are empowered to understand their own biggest contributors of carbon emissions and presented solutions to take control of their actions.

While most Singaporeans are willing to cut their meat intake, bridging the gap between intention and action requires a multifaceted approach.

Change will not happen overnight. “When it comes to food, people are really conservative,” noted Prof Siegrist.

“We should not expect that one trick is going to solve the problem. What we need is to have a lot of different aspects changed, and you need a lot of time to see some impact here.”

• The Straits Times, 19 February 2025, Singapore, pA22

By Professor Lawrence Loh, Director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School, where he is also a Professor in Practice of Strategy and Policy

• CNA Online, 18 February 2025

By Dr Tan Poh Lin, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS

• CNA Online, 18 February 2025

Stepping out into the working world amidst global uncertainties can be daunting but the NUS Class of 2024 graduates have adapted to this transition with poise and confidence, bolstered by the interdisciplinary educational approach at NUS and a myriad opportunities to take on experiences that prepare them for the future of work.

Achieving a broader worldview through internship and exchanges

For Data Science and Analytics graduate Micole Chan, her NUS journey has been a fertile ground to refine and apply her expertise. Micole, who graduated with Honours (Highest Distinction), is currently a Graduate Trading Analyst at a global financial institution, an industry she aspired to work in as an undergraduate. In her work, she leverages data science techniques to develop trading strategies, analysing financial data, applying advanced models, and building quantitative frameworks to identify market opportunities.

Her final-year internship at the same company provided a strong foundation for her current role, ultimately leading to a full-time offer under its Graduate Trading Programme. During her extended seven-month internship, she applied her theoretical data science knowledge from NUS in a real-world setting, delivering data-driven trading solutions and deepening her understanding of data science’s impact on financial markets.

To shore up experience and expertise in her focus areas, Micole tapped on many opportunities in NUS, such as taking a Minor in Computer Science which helped her to establish a firm foundation in programming, statistics and machine learning, as well as expertise in specialised areas such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), computer vision and software engineering.

Micole also participated in multiple internships, and local and international exchange programmes. These experiences expanded her academic and cultural perspectives, allowing her to gain a broader worldview while enabling her to explore diverse courses beyond her curriculum.

“My studies equipped me with the technical expertise, problem-solving mindset and global exposure essential for my career. The blend of strong academics, hands-on projects and industry engagement prepared me to thrive in the working world,” said Micole.

Strong skill sets founded on a rigorous curriculum

Chen Hsiao Ting graduated from the NUS School of Computing (NUS Computing) with Honours (Distinction), specialising in Software Engineering and Multimedia Information Retrieval. Working as a Software Engineer in Visa’s Core Payment Development team, she is involved in developing and optimising Visa Resolve Online, a critical global application that enhances dispute processing for millions of users.

Hsiao Ting credits NUS Computing’s rigorous computer science curriculum for equipping her with both the technical expertise and soft skills necessary to excel in the tech industry. The four-year programme equipped her with a solid foundation in computer science and software engineering, complemented by hands-on projects and valuable internships. These internships sharpened her adaptability, collaboration, and analytical thinking skills, which are essential for her current role.

One of the highlights of her undergraduate journey was her exchange at Peking University, where she pursued computing courses such as text mining, computer networks, and operating systems, broadening her worldview through exposure to different academic environments, learning methodologies, and teaching styles.

Hsiao Ting’s job search process was intense, requiring extensive preparation for both technical and behavioural interviews. However, she effectively leveraged NUS’ comprehensive career resources, and received guidance from NUS Computing’s Career Advisory Team, particularly in resume writing, career planning, and cultivating a positive mindset — valuable elements that boosted her confidence during interviews. Standalone sessions on workplace dynamics, leadership, and personality development further prepared her well to navigate the recruitment process successfully.

Hsiao Ting said, “By actively engaging with the NUS community, whether through conversations with peers, mentorship from faculty, or participating in career workshops and student activities, I gained not just technical expertise but also soft skills and industry connections. The well-rounded education and strong career support at NUS truly shaped my journey, giving me the confidence and preparation to thrive in my role at Visa and beyond.”

Rising above challenges with grit and determination

NUS Business School Accountancy alumnus Joel Gwey Jia Jie started applying for jobs about three months before graduation and juggled his final semester of studies alongside assessments and interviews for his job applications. As a management associate at homegrown financial services company Singlife, currently on rotation in its strategy department, he assists with the development and execution of the group’s strategy and the business units with their transformation efforts.

Graduating with first class honours was a hard-earned achievement for Joel, coming from a modest background with a father who works as a hawker and a mother who is a housewife. A  goal-getter, he has continually persevered to achieve his ambitions since his polytechnic days.

“My NUS experience taught me that whatever challenges I face, if I continue to work hard, I’ll be able to rise above them and achieve my goals,” Joel said. “When I faced challenges during my first rotation in Singlife, I put my head down and tried to learn as much as possible and ask questions to improve every day, and I think my first rotation was a success.”

He recounted preparing for his job interviews with help from NUS Business School’s BizCareers advisors, who coached him on tackling different scenarios. He also sought advice from his business professors who had industry experience and could give him tips on questions to expect and ask during interviews. Joel found that the preparation helped him to stand out especially in group interviews, and he eventually secured his role with Singlife two months after graduation.

Joel added that the soft skills that he picked up at NUS also proved crucial in his transition into the insurance industry from an accountancy background. For instance, a business communication module taught him how to present effectively to senior business leaders, a task he handles frequently in his current role with the strategy team.

Pursuing passion from childhood to university

Passionate about electronics from a young age, pursuing engineering in university was a natural choice for Faruq Khan Bin Hayat Khan, who went on to graduate from NUS with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) with Honours (Distinction), specialising in robotics and control. After a fruitful three-month internship with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) Singapore during the second year of his undergraduate studies, Faruq applied for a full-time position with LTA, where he is now an engineer involved in designing power supply and systems integration for the rail and road transport systems.

His deep interest in electronics began at a young age when his father taught him how to build and dismantle various items such as remote-controlled boats and automatic plant watering systems. His passion also led him to join the Robotics Club in secondary school, and to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering in Singapore Polytechnic prior to pursuing his degree with NUS.

Faruq’s undergraduate training has equipped him with the skills to acquire new information and concepts. “At NUS, we learnt how to break down complex concepts and look at problems from different perspectives – these are problem-solving skills which I now apply in my daily work. The technical knowledge gained from my Engineering courses has also enabled me to better grasp the new concepts I encounter at work,” Faruq said.

He also benefitted from the multidisciplinary education offered by the College of Design and Engineering at NUS. The curriculum, which emphasises interdisciplinary learning, allowed him to take courses beyond his major, including modules in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Project Management.

“The interdisciplinary approach not only broadened my skill set across various disciplines, it also allowed me to integrate what I learnt about Mechanical Engineering into my robotics specialisation,” Faruq added.

Leveraging interdisciplinary and experiential exposure to navigate transition

Saashtika Mohan had an intense and busy university life, but her journey has been a fulfilling one encompassing two majors and an enriching involvement in co-curricular activities such as the NUS Students’ Political Association and the Harvard College in Asia Program.

The alumna of the College of Design and Engineering at NUS and NUS College (NUSC), who graduated with a double major in Biomedical Engineering and Innovation and Design, is now a process and equipment engineer at Micron Technology where she works on optimising manufacturing processes and equipment performance to enhance efficiency and product quality.

She came across the job opening for her current position when she attended an NUS Career Fair in her final semester of studies and completed an on-the-spot interview that kickstarted the hiring process and eventually led to her securing the job before graduation.

Said Saashtika, who graduated with first class honours: “NUS’ commitment to interdisciplinary education was the cornerstone of my undergraduate journey, empowering me to collaborate with individuals from diverse fields. This has allowed me to broaden my perspectives and sharpened my critical thinking skills.”

The experiential approach offered by the University Scholars Programme (USP) and, later, NUSC also enhanced her ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and quickly adapt to new challenges. These experiences, along with the emphasis on critical thinking, innovation and design, and exploring topics beyond one’s major, helped her to successfully adapt and navigate the transition from the healthcare focus of her field of study to her new role in the semiconductor industry.

Outside of work, Saashtika remains deeply committed to making a positive impact. A SINDA Singapore Excellence Award Valedictorian, she is active in the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) and recently hosted a ‘Let Her Shine’ event, a programme dedicated to empowering women within the Indian community.

A dream job paved by immersion and internship opportunities  

Four years in NUS has provided Rhys Thiagarajan, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies with Honours (Highest Distinction), the valuable opportunity to delve deep into all things Japan during his time in NUS.

In addition to immersing himself in Japanese culture, history and way of life during a four-month student exchange programme in Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, and a year-long study abroad programme in Waseda University in Tokyo, Rhys also joined the NUS Japanese Studies Society’s Brothers and Sisters Programme and helped to coordinate student exchange programmes between Japanese schools and NUS. This provided him the opportunity to interact with other like-minded individuals and cultivated his interest in Japan and Japanese as a language.

An internship as an Analyst in Asia Business Creation Pte Ltd – an advisory firm that supports business creation between Southeast Asia and Japan – also gave him invaluable exposure to how Japanese businesses operate in Singapore as he learnt and interacted with Japanese clients.

Far from being a niche interest, these accumulated experiences at home and abroad have made him more adaptable, helped broadened his worldview, and gave him the confidence to venture into the finance industry, where he is now a Margin and Collateral Analyst at leading global financial services firm, JPMorganChase. In his work, Rhys handles collateral management operations and manages a portfolio of clients across the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan.

He said, “My experience at NUS has taught me to think more critically and learn independently. NUS’ multidisciplinary approach to education has also helped me view opportunities and problems holistically. As my role requires a lot of interaction with internal and external stakeholders, these skills have definitely given me confidence to take on tasks and challenges confidently.”

Higher starting salaries and strong employment rates for NUS graduates

NUS graduates continued to command high employment rates and earned higher starting salaries in 2024, according to the Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey 2024. Please click here for the press release.

Some 5,269 out of a total of 7,382 fresh NUS graduates from the Class of 2024, and 427 out of 806 follow-up NUS graduates, participated in the joint survey.

Chemists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have successfully imaged the dynamic assembly of bilayer covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in solution, providing new insights into controlled stacking and moiré superlattice formation. Moiré superlattice belongs to the current exciting field of “twistronics”, where a new correlated electron phase can be created when one lattice is rotated with respect to another in a stacked structure. In a correlated electron phase, the properties of electrons are significantly influenced by their interactions with each other, rather than behaving as independent particles, and they can give rise to unique form of superconductivity or ferromagnetism.

While the formation of Moiré superlattice has been seen in pure inorganic materials, it is much rarer to see them in pure organic crystals. One reason is that moiré superlattice has to be ultrathin and highly crystalline to be imaged by conventional microscopy techniques, and these properties are not easy to find in organic materials.

Two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs) are highly porous organic materials with significant potential in catalysis, energy storage, and gas storage. These frameworks consist of covalently bonded layers, stacked via electrostatic interactions and van der Waals forces. However, the transition from a monolayer to a bilayer remains poorly understood due to the complex interplay of bonding forces, including van der Waals, electrostatic, and hydrogen bonding.

The precise stacking of the second layer is critical, as misalignment can reduce the material's crystallinity. Currently, producing single COF crystals larger than a millimeter is challenging due to potential errors in bonding in both the horizontal (x-y) and vertical (z) dimensions. Misalignment during stacking often leads to crystallinity issues, particularly from rotational misalignments between layers. Observing the stacking process during growth is essential for understanding the mechanism, but this poses significant experimental challenges, as the process occurs in solution.

Random stacking and bond formation during hydrothermal synthesis contribute to poor crystallinity, often resulting in crystal domains smaller than tens of microns. A deeper understanding of layer stacking could enhance synthesis methods, enabling the fabrication of larger COF crystals.

While there has been substantial progress in synthesising monolayer 2D polymers (2DP), the development of bilayer 2DP stacks remains limited. This area is particularly promising, as stacking or twisting 2D materials can create new materials with properties distinct from those of the individual layers. In inorganic materials, this field, known as twistronics, has led to discoveries but remains to be explored in 2D organic materials.

Breakthrough in bilayer COF synthesis and imaging

A team led by Professor Loh Kian Ping from the NUS Department of Chemistry has developed a method for synthesising large area two-layer 2D COFs at the liquid-substrate interface. This was achieved through the direct condensation of chemical molecules. Using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) in solution, they successfully imaged the molecular assembly process, capturing the formation of both the monolayer and bilayer. More importantly, they show how molecular structure and solvent mixture influence the bilayer stacking modes, and how, under certain conditions, large-area moiré superlattices emerge from twisted bilayer stacking.

Due to their highly porous and organic nature, COFs present significant challenges for imaging in air or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions using STM. The pores of COFs are typically filled with solvent, and their surfaces may trap residues, complicating atomic-scale imaging. To overcome these difficulties, the team focused on imaging COFs directly in solution, where the surface is cleaner than when exposed to air.

Prof Loh said, “Performing STM in solution allows us to study the dynamic self-assembly process of molecular frameworks in real-time.”

The research team includes Dr Zhan Gaolei who was an NUS postdoctoral fellow at the time of research and is currently a researcher at Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, China), Professor Steven De Feyter from KU Leuven, Belgium and Professor Zhu Yihan from Zhejiang University of Technology, China.

The research findings have been published in the journal Nature Chemistry on 20 February 2025.

Moiré superlattices and controlled twist angles

A moiré superlattice is a pattern that emerges when two layers of periodic structures, like 2D materials, are stacked on top of each other but slightly misaligned or at different angles. This misalignment creates a new, larger periodic pattern that is not present in either of the original layers.  In simpler terms, it is like two sets of paper strips. If one set of paper strip is placed over another but rotated slightly, the overlapping area will create a new pattern—similar to the moiré pattern. Moiré superlattices can lead to interesting electronic properties and behaviors that are not found in the individual layers, making them a significant area of research in materials science and condensed matter physics.

The research team demonstrated that by designing specific precursor molecules, they could precisely control the twist angle of the stacked COF layers to form a moiré superlattice. Unlike inorganic 2D materials, where the twist angles are often random and difficult to control, in 2D COFs, the twist angles can be controlled by designing the molecular precursors.

The researchers compared two different monomer isomers: pyrene-2,7-diboronic acid (27-PDBA) and pyrene-1,6-diboronic acid (16-PDBA). With 27-PDBA, the second layer could either be AA-stacked or twisted in relation to the first layer. In contrast, only a moiré superstructure formed with 16-PDBA, exhibiting a uniform moiré superstructure. This difference is attributed to the subtle differences in the electrostatic potentials. 27-PDBA exhibits concentrated negative charge lobes on its boroxine rings, which may hinder the formation of twisted phases compared with 16-PDBA which has a flatter electrostatic potential.

Implications and future directions

This study provides fundamental insights into the controlled synthesis of ultra-thin porous organic films, as thin as two-unit cell layers. Such films with well-controlled channel structures can be used as ultra-thin filtration layers in nanofiltration applications. Furthermore, the ability to tune the twist angle in stacked COFs opens new possibilities for manipulating light propagation, including phase and polarisation control.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to extend the concept to a broader class of molecular precursors with different linkage chemistries. They aim to achieve deterministic control over twist angles in bilayer COF stacking, unlocking further potential applications in filtration and optical materials.

• Higher or similar starting salaries for graduates from 35 courses¹ compared to the year before, up from 25 in 2023; 10 courses saw significant salary increases of 10 per cent or more
• Steady rise in median starting salaries for Arts and Social Sciences, and Science graduates over the past three years
• 100 per cent employment for graduates from Accountancy and Dentistry¹; 96.9 per cent employment for Accountancy (Honours) and 95.7 per cent employment for Materials Science and Engineering graduates
• More than nine in 10 graduates across 17 degree programmes¹ employed within six months

Graduates of the National University of Singapore (NUS) continue to earn higher starting salaries and achieve strong employment rates in 2024, according to the Joint Autonomous Universities Graduate Employment Survey (JAUGES) 2024, jointly conducted by NUS and other Autonomous Universities.

Professor Aaron Thean, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, said, “We are heartened that NUS graduates continue to enjoy strong employment outcomes and command competitive salaries, despite the challenging global economy. These encouraging results demonstrate how their NUS journey prepares them to excel and make meaningful contributions across diverse industries.”

“As artificial intelligence and big data reshape the modern workplace, today's job market demands unprecedented adaptability. NUS equips our students with resilience, creativity, and practical skills to embrace new opportunities in the technology-driven future. We encourage our graduates to continuously seek self-development and stay adaptable as they advance in their professional careers," Prof Thean added.

Close to nine in 10 NUS fresh graduates in the labour force employed within six months after final exams

Among NUS fresh graduates in the labour force, 88.1 per cent were employed within six months of completing their final exams, a slight dip from 90.5 per cent in the 2023 survey. 80.9 per cent of NUS fresh graduates had secured full-time permanent employment² during the survey period. Another 4.1 per cent of NUS fresh graduates in the labour force have either accepted a job offer and are pending commencement of duty, or are actively starting a business venture.

More than nine in 10 fresh NUS graduates across 17 degree programmes³ found employment within six months of completing their final exams. The list of these courses can be found in Annex A. Some undergraduate programmes delivered stronger employment outcomes, including Accountancy and Dentistry which achieved 100 per cent employment, as well as Accountancy (Honours) and Materials Science and Engineering which achieved 96.9 per cent and 95.7 per cent employment, respectively.

Over 96 per cent of follow-up graduates from Architecture³ were employed within six months of completing their final exams.

NUS graduates in full-time permanent employment earned higher starting salaries

The survey also revealed that the mean gross monthly salary of NUS fresh graduates in full-time permanent employment was S$5,101 in 2024, an increase from S$4,875 in 2023.

The median gross monthly salary of fresh graduates from NUS in full-time permanent employment also increased to S$4,600 in 2024, an increase from S$4,400 in 2023.

Graduates from 35 courses³ in Arts and Social Sciences, Business, Computing, Dentistry³, Design and Engineering, Law³, Nursing, and Science³ have either secured higher or maintained similar starting salaries compared to graduates the year before. Please refer to Annex B for the list of courses in which graduates have achieved higher or similarly high starting salaries compared to 2023.

In particular, median starting salaries for graduates from Arts and Social Sciences, and Science have risen continuously over the past three years.

5,269 out of a total of 7,382 fresh NUS graduates from the Class of 2024, and 427 out of 806 follow-up⁴ NUS graduates, participated in the joint survey.

Stepping out with courage and confidence

Growing up with a keen interest in entrepreneurship, NUS Business School graduate Ms Woo Ling Ling is now an investment analyst at Blauwpark Partners, where she is responsible for private markets fund investments spanning private equity, venture capital and illiquid alternatives globally.

During her undergraduate years, Ling Ling took on various overseas experiences, including internships under the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) programme, time in Canada as an exchange student, and the opportunity to spend a week at Harvard Business School. She also built strong networks and leadership skills through her active participation in co-curricular activities, notably as President of the NUS Entrepreneurship Society (NES) where she led a partnership between NES and Princeton’s Entrepreneurship Club which culminated in a startup competition.

Highlighting how her journey in NUS Business school nurtured her personal and professional development, Ling Ling shared, “The insights and resources at NUS Business School have helped me in preparing for my career. The school also stays ahead of market trends with the compulsory coding and software courses. My overseas experiences also provided me the opportunity to learn from different schools in different environments and meet people from other countries. The presentation and communication skills I’ve picked up are transferrable in the workplace, as I’m required to speak up and voice my opinion confidently in my current role.”

Ling Ling also tapped on the NUS TalentConnect for her job search and sought support from the BizCareers office for resume writing, interview preparation, and career advice, which gave her the confidence and tools to navigate the competitive job market.

Mr Muhammad Rossyaban Bin Rosman graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) with Honours (Distinction) and a minor in Innovation and Design from the College of Design and Engineering at NUS. In his current position as Process Engineer at Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte Ltd, Rossyaban manages and optimises the photolithography process to enhance efficiency and yield.

Rossyaban demonstrated his passion for engineering and sustainability, nurtured since his time as a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering student in polytechnic, through hands-on projects and internships. As part of his minor under the Innovation and Design Programme (IDP), Rossyaban and a multidisciplinary team explored the valorisation of food waste into lactic acid to achieve the project’s aim of promoting a more sustainable, circular economy. In 2023, he further developed his expertise during a Circularity and Sustainability Internship at a leading clean energy solutions provider, where he helped design an economically viable and sustainable bioreactor. This experience deepened his commitment to creating innovative solutions in sustainable engineering.

He also actively applied his expertise to serve communities, for example through NUS Engineers without Borders, where he and his team helped to build a bridge in Vietnam to allow villagers to access the city centre during the flooding season.

Rossyaban credits NUS for the valuable opportunities and critical support to prepare him for career success and growth, as well as the guidance from NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates (CFG).

“My first job interview did not go well. On the same day, CFG was having an open-door session where any undergraduate could visit them for career advice. At the session, I discovered various tools provided by NUS that I wasn’t aware of, such as resume templates and guidelines, and VMock. Armed with encouragement from CFG staff and these useful tools, I was more confident during my next round of applications and interviews and managed to land a good job shortly after!”

---

¹ Includes course(s) with sample size smaller than 30 or a response rate less than 70%.
² Full-time permanent employment refers to the number of graduates working on a full-time permanent basis, as a proportion of graduates in the labour force (i.e. those who were working, or not working but actively looking and available for a job).
³ Includes course(s) with sample size smaller than 30 or a response rate less than 70%.
⁴ Follow-up graduates refer to graduates from the Architecture Class of 2021 and Class of 2023 graduates from Law, Medicine, and Pharmacy. These graduates were surveyed three years after graduation (for Architecture graduates) or one year after graduation (for Law, Medicine and Pharmacy graduates) to allow those who choose to continue with their practical law course, pupillage or housemanship/ first-year residency/ pre-registration training to complete their practical training.

After decades of progress and a remarkable leap from Third World to First, the younger generation of Singaporeans could be wondering what the future holds for them. Amid worries such as a rising cost of living, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong offered an optimistic vision of a refreshed Singapore Dream.

“Our country has transformed tremendously…It’s been such a change that sometimes, young people like yourselves look ahead and say: ‘Today we are operating at such a high base, the future is so uncertain, maybe our best days are behind us,’” he told about 900 students from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) at a dialogue at NUS on 21 January 2025.

“But I would encourage us to take a step back and think about it more holistically,” he added, reminding the audience that they enjoy more opportunities today including higher wages, education levels, healthcare and social support.

He also cautioned against constant comparison with peers, as it could lead to a feeling of “chasing someone else’s dream”.

“We want an environment where there are many opportunities, where people can eventually find purpose in what we do,” said Mr Wong during his dialogue, titled “The Singapore Dream and You”, which saw him field wide-ranging questions on topics such as public housing, inclusivity, social media, and artificial intelligence.

“The Singapore Dream is evolving. It’s…more open, not so prescribed, it is one where we want you to choose your own path of success.”

The event, moderated by NUS Vice Provost (Student Life) Associate Professor Leong Ching, was organised by REACH, the Government’s feedback and engagement unit, and Varsity Voices, a network comprising student groups such as the NUS Students’ Political Association.

Housing dreams

The availability and affordability of public housing, a hot-button issue, was raised, with Mr Wong assuring the audience that Build-To-Order (BTO) flats would remain affordable.

Acknowledging the anxiety over housing prices, with some resale Housing Board flats sold for over S$1 million, he noted that the prices of resale flats are “on the high side” due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic which caused a supply disruption.

“We have been, since then, building as much as we can…We’re talking full steam ahead,” he reiterated, adding that the Government has been putting out new land for private property too.

The good news is that demand is easing with the increased supply of new flats. “We have seen the application rates come down, which means the success rates for getting a new flat is higher now,” observed Mr Wong, who is also Finance Minister.

Today, some 80 per cent of people buying BTO flats are able to service their HDB housing loan using Central Provident Fund contributions, and little or no cash, he noted.

“The new flats are affordable, we will continue to review to make sure they stay affordable, and the supply that we are putting onto the market will eventually have an impact on stabilising the overall property market,” he maintained.

Inclusive dreams

Topical issues such as how new US President Donald Trump’s leadership will impact Singapore were also discussed.

On the matter of geopolitical tensions, Mr Wong noted that Singapore faces an increasingly challenging external environment as the US and China are vying for dominance.

“With growing competition, we worry that things can go wrong,” he added. “Not just on the economic side, where potentially we may have more trade barriers, more technological decoupling, but even accidents and miscalculations that can happen around hot spots like the South China Sea or the Taiwan Strait.”

However, he did not think that the two superpowers would force countries to choose sides. “If it does, I mean, frankly, it is not just Singapore that is impacted. If it were to happen, that such a scenario were to arise, frankly, God help us all. Then we are truly, truly at the brink of a Third World War.”

Shared dreams

Ahead of the General Elections this year, a participant asked about common criticisms faced by the ruling People’s Action Party. “There are many…you just need to go online,” Mr Wong replied, to laughter from the audience.

Levity aside, he called for “balance”, noting that it was important to also appreciate Singapore’s successes in areas such as healthcare, retirement, and public housing.

But he told the audience that the Government was neither complacent nor presumptuous. “We don’t start off assuming that we know everything, we don’t start off assuming that everything is perfect,” he said.

“There will be criticisms. We listen to the feedback. We hear you: the concerns, the unhappiness, the frustrations. We try to find solutions to tackle them. If there are no easy answers, we explain to you what the situation is to the best of our abilities, and then we find ways to move forward as a country.”

The day’s theme was perhaps best summarised by Assoc Prof Leong Ching in her conclusion, highlighting the assurance that regardless of era, Singaporeans can still share a Singaporean dream for generations to come.

“Varsity Voices was established to engage young people with political issues, providing a platform for raising awareness and fostering meaningful discussions,” said Varsity Voices 2024 Council Chairman Mr Illamkathir S/O Manimaraselvan, a final year NUS political science and communications undergraduate.

“This dialogue with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was co-organised with REACH, with the same goal in mind—creating an opportunity for youth to share their vision of the Singapore Dream and discuss how we can each succeed and grow on our own terms.”

Kathir, who is also Senior Advisor to the NUS Students’ Political Association, added, “Seeing so many IHL students dedicate their time to engage with PM Wong is a powerful reminder of how passionate young people are about participating in discussions that matter to them.”

• Lianhe Zaobao, 20 February 2025, Singapore, p9

• Lianhe Zaobao, 20 February 2025, Business, p23

By Dr Clara Lee, Research Fellow from the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS

• CNA Online, 20 February 2025

• The Straits Times, 17 February 2025, Science, pA16-A17

By Adjunct Assoc Prof (Practice) Terence Ho, from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS

• CNA Online, 17 February 2025

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have pioneered a new catalytic transformation that converts epoxides into fluorinated oxetanes, a coveted but difficult-to-make class of drug molecules that escaped synthetic preparation for years. By unlocking a pathway to these valuable drug scaffolds, this discovery potentially opens the door to new medicines for drug discovery applications. 

The research team was led by Associate Professor Koh Ming Joo from the NUS Department of Chemistry, together with Professor Eric Chan from the NUS Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Professor Liu Peng from the University of Pittsburgh, United States of America.

The research breakthrough was published in the scientific journal Nature Chemistry on 20 February 2025.

Four-membered heterocycles such as oxetanes and β-lactones are common motifs in natural products and pharmaceuticals, with numerous examples documented in both synthetic and biological studies. The introduction of fluorine into organic molecules often imparts desirable attributes, which has contributed to successful outcomes in drug discovery. In this vein, isosteric replacement of a CH₂ unit within an oxetane (or C=O group within a β-lactone) with CF₂ results in α,α-difluoro-oxetanes, a prized class of heterocyclic compounds with combined attributes of small-ring heterocycles and fluorine. While these fluorinated oxetanes hold great promise as lead compounds for further development into new medicines, their synthetic preparation has largely eluded chemists.

Assoc Prof Koh said, “Traditional ways of constructing the oxetane ring cannot directly produce α,α-difluoro-oxetanes, owing to a lack of suitable fluorine-containing precursors or reagents, or both. Furthermore, traditional chemistry often leads to complications such as ring rupture, defluorination and other undesired side reactions. A new synthetic approach was clearly needed.”

A novel method to synthesise fluorinated oxetanes

The researchers deviated from the standard logic of synthesis by designing a new strategy that inserts a difluorocarbene species selectively into the structure of readily available three-membered epoxides. This process is facilitated by an inexpensive copper catalyst, which stabilises the difluorocarbene generated from a commercially available organofluorine precursor. The resulting copper difluorocarbenoid complex coordinates with the epoxide and triggers site-selective ring cleavage and cyclisation, to yield the desired α,α-difluoro-oxetane product via a metallacycle intermediate. Computational studies by Prof Liu’s group provided insight into the new reactivity mode and its underlying mechanism. Additionally, lipophilicity and metabolic stability studies performed by Prof Chan’s team supported the potential of these fluorinated oxetanes as valuable drug scaffolds.

To demonstrate the practical utility of their method, the researchers successfully synthesised fluorine-containing analogues of oxetane, β-lactone and carbonyl pharmacophores commonly found in a variety of biologically active compounds. Computed electrostatic potential maps of isosteric oxetane, α,α-difluoro-oxetane and β-lactone further indicated the potential of these compounds to serve as analogues of each other.  

“By inventing a reliable route to fluorine-containing oxetanes, we can now incorporate these motifs into the design of novel small-molecule therapeutics. This opens up exciting opportunities to develop new medicines that could potentially treat previously incurable diseases,” added Assoc Prof Koh.

Studies are ongoing to investigate the biological properties of these newly synthesised drug analogues and extend the methodology to other classes of heterocyclic drug-like compounds.

In the 1990s, an unlikely friendship blossomed at NUS Sheares Hall between a motorcycle-riding long-haired Arts student and a popular bubbly freshman from the NUS Faculty of Science. When Mr Aznan Bin Ghazali (Arts & Social Sciences ’92) jokingly quipped to Ms Khalijah Binte Masud (Science ’92) that one day she would marry him, she shot back: “No way I am going to marry you!”

Years after graduation, fate proved her wrong – they fell in love and married on Valentine’s Day in 1999.

26 years later, they have returned to their alma mater to reminisce and support the next generation of NUS students through the NUS Campus Couples Bursary. They were among 250 guests at the Celebration of Love and Giving Dinner held on 13 February 2025 at NUS.

“Reflecting on our blessed life and giving back are ways of commemorating our time in NUS,” shared Mr Aznan, quoting his wife during his speech at the event. “At this point in our lives, it’s also important for us to set an example for our children.”

The annual donor appreciation event, which brings together couples who found love and purpose on the University’s grounds, is organised by the NUS Campus Couples Alumni Group and supported by the Alumni Student Advancement Committee (ASAC) and the NUS Development Office.

Reflecting on how the Campus Couples Bursary began, Mr Yeo Keng Joon (Business ’85), Chairman of the event’s organising committee and ASAC member, shared how he rallied fellow alumni with a heartfelt appeal: “If you met your spouse on campus and have achieved a fulfilling life, it’s important to acknowledge the role the University played in shaping your journey, as it may have been quite different without it.”

His message resonated deeply with the NUS community, and over $1 million has been raised for the NUS Campus Couples Bursary since its establishment in 2015. To date, the funds have supported 223 students in financial need.

Among the bursary’s dedicated supporters are Ms Wong Lai Quen (Science ’80) and Mr Steven Lau Hwai Kien (Accountancy ’80), who found love as undergraduates and built a life together after graduation. “We are very thankful for whatever we have received, whether through our hard work or from our lecturers, the community and the government,” said Ms Wong. “That’s why we believe in giving back. Even when Steven is now living with dementia, he is always thinking about how to support others. That’s how we came to support the Bursary.”

For Mr Yeo and his wife Mdm Kong Yuet Peng (Business ’86), watching their contributions transform students’ lives brings deep fulfilment. “We talk to the students, and we get to understand the difficulties and suffering they face. When we know that we have made a difference in their lives, it makes us happy,” he said.

The NUS Campus Couples Bursary and other financial aid for university students showcase the profound impact of alumni giving—turning generosity into life-changing opportunities.

One such beneficiary is Ms Nur Husna Faqihah, a Year 4 Geography student at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, whose story exemplifies social mobility through education. When her parents faced retrenchment during the pandemic, a bursary became her lifeline. Not only did it enable her to continue her studies, the bursary also opened doors to experiences she never imagined possible – from representing NUS at the Youth Green Summit in Bangkok to participating in an exchange programme in Croatia.

“I feel so lucky to be born in Singapore and to be part of an institution like NUS,” she reflected. “Because of these bursaries and financial aid schemes, students can pursue their passions as long as they have the desire to do so. Thank you for impacting the lives of students like me, and for making a difference that extends far beyond our time at NUS. You have helped us walk a smoother path, free from the worries of burdening our families, so that we can focus on our education and future contributions to society.”

These stories of NUS campus couples have come full circle. What started as serendipitous meetings in lecture halls and dormitories have evolved into a legacy of giving, creating ripples of impact that continue to shape future generations.

This story was first published on 20 February 2025 on NUS Giving News. Click here for more NUS Giving News stories.

Quantum technologies hold the power to revolutionise industries such as cybersecurity, drug discovery and more. To help unlock the transformative potential of these technologies, the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and the National University of Singapore (NUS) are forging a strategic partnership to set the stage for a quantum-fuelled digital future.

The Dieter Schwarz Foundation has pledged to establish a groundbreaking research and development programme at the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT). The newly established Dieter Schwarz Foundation Professorship in Quantum Communication & Security will propel research, education and innovation in quantum science and engineering at NUS. The gift will also support an exchange programme with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) Campus Heilbronn and other universities in Germany, enabling cross-border interactions among undergraduate to postdoctoral research students.

“The partnership between the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and NUS is an example of a mutually beneficial collaboration, where we are driving research, education and innovation towards a quantum-driven digital world. Together, we will foster synergies and collaborations between our best scientists, to push the boundaries of this evolving field,” shared NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye.

Quantum computing is a rapidly emerging technology that has the potential to solve complex problems that lie beyond the reach of today’s supercomputers.

“Quantum communication offers strong security for data transfers,” said Director of CQT, Professor José Ignacio Latorre. “This can be valuable in protecting sensitive data for industries from banking to healthcare. Quantum computers promise to solve some types of computational problems that are intractable today, for applications such as computational biology and optimisation. In the future, the ability to connect quantum computers via quantum communication networks will enhance the potential of both technologies.”

This enhanced computing capability, however, also poses a risk to current encryption methods that protect sensitive data. This threat is driving efforts to develop novel quantum-safe methods. Quantum communication is a key path to developing security solutions and establishing secure communication networks.

“For society today, how we transmit and protect data is very important. At CQT, we have long been interested in the impacts quantum computing and quantum communication will have on this aspect of life. The visionary pledge from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation offers a major and timely boost to the Centre’s research programme in quantum communication and security,” said Prof Latorre.

This partnership is set to bolster the collaboration between Germany and Singapore, creating opportunities for professors and students from TUM and NUS to connect and collaborate. Through this initiative, the institutions will foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge and expertise across borders, empowering scientific talents to share innovative practices and gain invaluable insights to advance quantum engineering. 

Professor Thomas Hofmann, President of TUM said, “The collaboration between TUM and NUS marks a significant step towards realising the potential of quantum technologies. By combining our strengths, we aim to cultivate an ecosystem that drives innovation and addresses global challenges.”

The generous gift from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation marks its inaugural contribution to NUS, while also commemorating the Foundation’s 25th anniversary. Established in 1999 by German entrepreneur Dieter Schwarz, the non-profit organisation is dedicated to promoting education and science. The Foundation’s mission thus aligns seamlessly with the objectives of this pivotal partnership.

“For 25 years, we have been dedicated to fostering education and science, believing that these are the cornerstones of a prosperous and sustainable future. Our commitment to expanding our support to Asia reflects our belief in the region's immense potential and the importance of global collaboration in tackling the challenges of our time,” said Professor Reinhold R. Geilsdörfer, CEO of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation.

This strategic partnership exemplifies the convergence of shared values, uniting both institutions in their shared mission to tackle global challenges through the transformative power of scientific discovery and technological innovation.

Outlining his vision, Professor Geilsdörfer said: “NUS, with its world-renowned research and academic excellence, is a natural partner for us. This collaboration will allow us to contribute to the development of cutting-edge research, nurture the next generation of scientists and educators, and ultimately, contribute to a brighter future for all.”

This story was first published on 17 February 2025 on NUS Giving News. Click here for more NUS Giving News stories.

• CNA Online, 10 February 2025
• Channel 5 News, 10 February 2025
• 8world Online, 10 February 2025
• Suria News Online, 10 February 2025
• The Straits Times, 11 February 2025, Singapore, pA13
• Lianhe Zaobao, 11 February 2025, p7

• 8world Online, 10 February 2025
• The Straits Times, 11 February 2025, Business, pA19

• Lianhe Zaobao, 11 February 2025, Fukan, p2

• The New Paper, 10 February 2025
• Lianhe Zaobao, 11 February 2025, Business, p22

By Lawrence Loh and Sabrina Soon, Director and Research Associate, respectively, at the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School

• The Business Times, 11 February 2025, p14

Themed ‘Your Career, Your Future’, the three-day NUS Career Fest 2025, which opened on 18 February at University Town, offers NUS students an exceptional platform to explore career opportunities and engage with over 300 prospective employers from a plethora of industries, including Information and Communications Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing, Finance and the Public Sector.

Organised by NUS Centre For Future-ready Graduates (CFG), NUS Career Fest is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to helping students prepare for and successfully transition from academia to the workforce.

The buzz of inspiration was palpable on the first day of NUS Career Fest, especially as Chen Yiming, Year 3 student at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Singapore’s youngest gallery-represented illustrator, created a large-scale live illustration that highlighted various career resources available to students through CFG, motivating attendees to make the most of these opportunities.

Professor Aaron Thean, Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost, who graced the event as Guest-of-Honour, also lent a touch to Yiming’s illustration.

Commenting on this year’s event, Prof Thean said, “It is heartening to see so many students attend NUS Career Fest 2025. Being able to engage with hundreds of employers right here on campus presents precious opportunities for students to gain deeper insights about industries and employers they are interested in, broaden their professional networks, and access exciting job opportunities and internships.”

As each day of NUS Career Fest features different employers, students can explore a wider range of career options and industries that align with their skills and interests. New to this year are also the designated pavilions by the Science & Technology Policy and Plans Office and the Singapore Maritime Foundation, offering students the opportunity to conveniently engage with multiple employers in their respective sectors within a single area.

Tailored activities for career development

NUS Career Fest 2025 also includes a host of exciting fringe activities to further equip students with the skillsets needed to excel at making a first impression as they prepare to enter the workforce.

For instance, students can have a complimentary headshot taken for their LinkedIn profiles and resumes. At the fair, students can even receive makeup and grooming advice for professional settings and attend a masterclass on fragrance profiling.

In addition, students can try their hand at the Level Up Game Machine – a game kiosk that allows students to boost their career and life skills knowledge while having fun.

For students seeking quick tips as they prepare to step into conversations with prospective employers at the fair, CFG’s team of career advisors are also onsite to provide their guidance throughout the fair at the QuickPrep Career Corner.

As part of the comprehensive offerings at NUS Career Fest, the NUS Lifelong Learning booth is a popular stop. Here, students have the opportunity to learn about courses and certifications that they can enrol in after graduation, to help them upskill and reskill to stay relevant and grow as the workplace continues to evolve.

Two industry panel discussions co-organised by CFG, the NUS Students’ Union, and NUSOne took place yesterday, 19 February, and provided students with valuable insights on pursuing careers in both the public and private sectors, as well as maintaining a well-rounded balanced lifestyle. 

Employers at NUS Career Fest 2025 found their time at the fair fruitful. “NUS Career Fest provides a good opportunity to interact with NUS students from various faculties. Many are eager to take charge of their first careers as well as find internship opportunities to gain relevant hands-on experience. The students were passionate and resourceful, often asking insightful questions to understand the roles and how these would align with their aspirations,” said Ms Polly Zheng, Senior Manager, Talent, Early Careers & Employer Branding, Keppel Ltd.

Setting a strong foundation

Ahead of the physical fair, a month of preparatory talks on topics such as ‘Future-ready Skills and the Growth Mindset’ helped students hone skills needed to adapt and thrive in today’s competitive job market.

An employer networking event, Green Connect 2025, was held on 5 February, hosting 14 employers on campus where they interacted and shared with more than 200 students interested in the sustainability sector. This event was organised by the Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES) Outreach Committee in partnership with EVBig (the Environmental Biology Interest Group from Life Sciences Society) and CFG.

Students who attended the fair on the first day shared about their experience at NUS Career Fest 2025, “Coming to this event has given me the opportunity to reflect on the career path that I want to pursue. The potential employers were very helpful in enlightening me with the opportunities that they offer,” says Darwisy Muhammad Bin Sazali, Year 1, College of Humanities and Sciences.

Amadeus Eka Kesuma, Year 3, NUS School of Computing, similarly found the time spent at the fair enriching. “Attending NUS Career Fest 2025 has helped me answer a lot of the questions I have about internships and what to look for in a job, especially what companies are looking for,” he said.

To read more about CFG and NUS Career Fest 2025, visit: https://nus.edu.sg/cfg

By Jared Gallagher, a third-year Communications and New Media student at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

• Lianhe Zaobao, 18 February 2025, Singapore, p6

By Dr Chew Han Ei, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies at NUS

• CNA Online, 18 February 2025

• The Straits Times, 14 February 2025, The Big Story, pA4
• Lianhe Zaobao, 14 February 2025, Singapore, p6
• The New Paper, 14 February 2025
• Berita Harian, 14 February 2025, Front Pag

• Lianhe Zaobao, 14 February 2025, Singapore, p8

By Dr Mathew Mathews, Head of the Social Lab and Principal Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS, and Mr Izzul Haziq Murad, Research Assistant at the same Institute

• CNA Online, 14 February 2025

By Dr Azhar Ibrahim Alwee, Senior Lecturer from the Dept of Malay Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at NUS

• Berita Minggu, 16 February 2025, p12

• Lianhe Zaobao, 15 February 2025, Singapore, p11

To enhance global pandemic preparedness and strengthen responses to infectious disease emergencies, the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine) has officially launched the Centre for Infectious Disease Emergency Response (CIDER) on 10 February 2025. Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung graced the launch event as the Guest-of-Honour, alongside ambassadors and representatives from various countries. 

CIDER will serve as an education and operational hub for public health professionals and policymakers across Singapore. Internationally, the centre will undertake a wide range of training, teaching, and operational initiatives to strengthen capacity for pandemic resilience and infectious disease response.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr Ong noted that one of our first and primary objectives in a pandemic is to prevent the healthcare system from being overwhelmed by a large number of severely ill patients. However, this has become more challenging with rising chronic disease prevalence due to ageing populations around the world. “I look forward to the Centre’s important contributions to regional and global health security. Your continuing work demonstrates the power of unified efforts in advancing public health to create a safer, healthier and more resilient future for all,” said Mr Ong.

Professor Dale Fisher, an expert in infectious diseases and global health, is leading CIDER as its Director. As part of its mission, CIDER will focus on expanding the regional capacity to prevent, prepare for, detect, and respond to infectious disease emergencies — with a long-term vision to foster global health equity.

Prof Fisher shared, "We are proud to launch CIDER — a centre which will not only advance research and education but will have a direct and tangible impact on national health systems. Through establishing the centre, we aim to empower the next generation of public health leaders to effectively respond to infectious disease emergencies and, ultimately, contribute to a healthier, more resilient world."

First-of-its kind degree in tackling infectious disease emergencies

CIDER will be offering a new Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies (MSc IDE), a first-of-its-kind degree designed to equip individuals with the critical knowledge and practical skills needed to lead during infectious disease crises. Prof Fisher will lead this programme, supported by distinguished professionals from around the world.

The programme, which will have an annual intake of up to 80 students, is tailored for early- to mid-career professionals with work experience in relevant sectors such as public health, health promotion, health administration, occupational and environmental health, clinical research, or other related fields, who are looking to take on leadership roles in outbreak response and management. Graduates of the MSc IDE will be well-equipped to shape health policies, lead emergency responses, and contribute to the development of global health systems.

The programme is open for registration until 30 April 2025, with the first cohort beginning in July 2025.

A comprehensive textbook on managing infectious disease crises

In line with its educational efforts, CIDER has also released a book titled “Infectious Disease Emergencies: Preparedness & Response”, a comprehensive resource designed to guide professionals in managing infectious disease crises. Edited by Prof Fisher, the book features contributions from more than 100 global experts actively working in the field of infectious diseases. This book will serve as an essential resource for the MSc IDE programme while providing healthcare professionals worldwide with practical, evidence-based strategies to manage infectious disease emergencies.

The book is available for purchase in hard copy at S$180 via NUS Press' global distribution channels, and a complimentary copy can also be accessed online. NUS Medicine is translating the book into multiple languages to equip healthcare workers in resource-limited areas with vital knowledge. The provision of physical copies ensures healthcare workers can make informed decisions during times of crisis, even in regions with limited infrastructure.

Highlighting the establishment of CIDER as a significant milestone as Singapore positions itself as a global leader in public health and pandemic preparedness, Professor Chong Yap Seng, Lien Ying Chow Professor in Medicine and Dean of NUS Medicine, said, “By offering educational opportunities, practical training, and operational support, CIDER aims to enhance public health systems, particularly in low-income countries, through scholarships and financial aid for professionals from these regions.”

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney have proven fundamentally that a spinning atomic nucleus really is a quantum resource. The teams were led respectively by Professor Valerio Scarani, from NUS Department of Physics, and Scientia Professor Andrea Morello from UNSW Engineering. The paper was published in the journal Newton on 14 February 2025.

It has long been inferred that tiny particles such as electrons or protons are indeed quantum due to the way they get deflected in a magnetic field. However, when left to spin freely, they appear to behave in exactly the same way as a classical spinning item, such as a Wheel of Fortune turning on its axis. For more than half a century, experts in spin resonance have taken this fact as a universal truth.

For the same reason, a technician or a doctor operating a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at the hospital never needed to understand quantum mechanics – the spinning of the protons inside the patient’s body produces the same kind of magnetic field that would be created by attaching a fridge magnet to a spinning wheel.

The new work involves a more intricate kind of measurement performed on a single atom to demonstrate clearly the quantum behaviour of spinning nuclei.

Solving the riddle

Prof Scarani, who is also Deputy Director of Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), first proposed the theory after coming across a paper in 2021, written by Russian-Israeli mathematician Boris Tsirelson some 15 years earlier. The paper explored the probability of detecting objects in particular locations as they moved back and forth in a rhythmical way.

As a quantum physicist, Prof Scarani wondered if he could build on that work and utilise it instead in relation to the behaviour of single quantum objects as they spin – and particularly to solve the riddle of why such tiny particles seemed to behave no differently from normal, non-quantum objects.

Having worked with his student Mr Zaw Lin Htoo to solve the problem for some years, Prof Scarani set out to test their theory that in certain special states it would be possible to definitively show that an atomic nucleus does indeed have quantum properties.

A collaboration with Prof Morello from the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at UNSW provided the skills and the ultra-precise measurement equipment to run the experiments which proved it was true.

“For one particle on its own, nobody thought that you could get any deviation between the classical and the quantum behaviour,” Prof Scarani said.

“Andrea’s group put into motion the spin of a nucleus of antimony, and for every cycle or rotation took seven measurements to check whether it pointed in the positive direction or not. Using the Wheel of Fortune analogy, one would expect to find an arrow on the wheel pointing to the right either four out seven times, or three out of seven times.

“Classically, the absolute maximum is four out of seven – it is inescapable. But the quantum theory predicted that, in the special state we wanted to create, a higher probability could be observed.

“The deviation between the classical and quantum behaviour is quite small, but statistically significant. To notice such deviation, you have to make sure that the measurement is extremely precise and free from noise, otherwise you will not see that difference.”

From the UNSW team, PhD student Mr Arjen Vaartjes and Dr Martin Nurizzo, led the experiment which produced the results to prove the new theory.

Prof Morello took a big thrill out of being able to challenge the long-established textbooks.

“This is fundamental science. Previously it was thought there was no way to ascertain that a nuclear spin is actually a quantum mechanical object by simply watching its precession in a magnetic field. What we have done here is to contradict that.

“We have shown that actually it is possible. Yes, you need to have some special kinds of nuclear spins, and put them in some very peculiar quantum states, and you need a sophisticated way of observing them. The special quantum state we used is called the ‘Schrödinger cat state’, and has interesting features of its own.

“But the result is a proof that clarifies what is a quantum resource.”

Observation of the truth

Prof Scarani and Prof Morello are delighted to have made this breakthrough in the understanding of how quantum phenomena manifest themselves in spin precession, regardless of possible applications.

“Within the community of scientists, this experiment will bring these ideas more to the fore,” said Prof Scarani.

“The key challenge is that you need to create these very specific states in order to see the effect. That said, those special Schrödinger cat states are likely to be important quantum resources in quantum computing, so what we have done here could become a very efficient method to certify their creation.”

With 2025 designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking a century since the initial development of quantum mechanics, Prof Morello is proud to have validated such a fundamental principle.

“Quantum mechanics has been around for 100 years, so you might think we’d have figured it all out, right?” he said. “And yet, in 2025 we can still come up with a really simple but clever idea, which we can test in a real experiment, that makes you rethink what it means to be quantum.

“This is really more of a work of intellectual beauty and intellectual satisfaction than it is an immediate application. It is an observation of the truth.”

• Lianhe Zaobao, 12 February 2025, Fukan, p3

• 8world Online, 11 February 2025
• The Straits Times, 12 February 2025, The Big Story, p1
• Lianhe Zaobao, 12 February 2025, Focus, p3
• Berita Harian, 12 February 2025, p2
• The Straits Times, 14 February 2025, Opinion, pB3

By Mr Melvin Tay, Research Associate from the Institute of Policy Studies, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS

• The Straits Times, 12 February 2025, Opinion, pB2

By Adjunct Assistant Professor Kyle Tan, from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at NUS

• CNA Online, 12 February 2025

• The Straits Times, 10 February 2025, Science, pA18

• The Straits Times, 10 February 2025, Science, pA18

• Lianhe Zaobao, 10 February 2025, Focus, p1

• CNA Online, 9 February 2025
• 8world Online, 9 February 2025
• Suria News Online, 9 February 2025
• Lianhe Zaobao, 14 February 2025, Singapore, p8

By Prof Sing Tien Foo, Provost’s Chair Professor from the Dept of Real Estate at the NUS Business School

• CNA Online, 10 February 2025
• Lianhe Zaobao, 14 February 2025, Opinion, p9

Singapore's declining birth rate has been a recurring headline for many years now, sparking concern about the nation’s demographic and economic future. Despite a host of measures, including baby bonuses and parental leave schemes, the fertility rate for Singapore has continued to fall well below the replacement rate of 2.1, reaching a low of 1.05 in 2022, and then dropping further to 0.97 in 2023.

Alongside a rapidly ageing population, policymakers and researchers have been ramping up efforts to address these demographic challenges for Singapore through more innovative solutions, including Flexible Work Arrangements or FWAs which has been studied from the angle of improving mental health, work-life balance, economic productivity and even sustainability, and most recently, its potential to impact birth rates.

FWAs come in different forms and degrees of flexibility – such as varying workloads or work locations – but which of these arrangements can move the needle in a young adult’s decision to have children?

Investigating the link between FWAs and plans to have children was the focus of a recent study led by Assistant Professor Senhu Wang from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The researchers found that FWA scenarios could significantly increase young, unmarried working Singaporeans’ fertility intentions, described as a plan of action to pursue childbirth in the next five years. The study is the first in the world to examine how FWAs impact fertility intentions specifically among unmarried adults.

Asst Prof Wang said, “While current research suggests that the prevalence of an over-work norm may be a crucial reason for the low fertility rate, there is little research on the effects of FWAs on fertility. This research aims to gain a better understanding of whether and how FWAs affect fertility intention in Singapore, a country with one of the lowest fertility rates and longest working hours in the world.

“Most importantly, we extend the attention to an important and under-studied population who are at reproductive ages and subject to FWAs policy changes directly – the unmarried population that has already accounted for over half of the Singapore population aged 20 to 39 in 2022 when the study was conducted,” he added.

The results of the study was published in a paper titled “Flexible Working Arrangements and Fertility Intentions: A Survey Experiment in Singapore” in November 2024.

Investigating the impact of FWAs on fertility intentions  

A survey examined the five-year fertility plans of 1,092 young and unmarried working Singaporeans aged between 25 to 39 years of age. These young adults hail from a wide variety of industries including workers in professional occupations such as legislators, senior officials and managers, and from non-professional occupations such as technicians, clerical support workers, craftsmen, trades workers and cleaners.

Participants were divided into different groups. Three treatment groups were given hypothetical scenarios of government FWAs policies – flexibility in workload through reduced work hours, flexibility in work schedules, and flexibility in workplaces, while the fourth – a control group, was given a hypothetical scenario of no near-future change in existing work environment policies. All four groups were then asked whether they plan to have a child within the next five years.

Respondents were also asked the extent to which anticipated work-family conflict can mediate the relationship between FWAs and fertility intentions. The impact of FWAs on fertility intentions on both men and women, and between people in professional and non-professional occupations, were also examined.

Between 5 per cent and 17 per cent of respondents from the treatment groups who were given the option of hypothetical FWA policies indicated that they were either definitely or probably not likely to have children, compared to around 12 per cent and 22 per cent of respondents in the control group who said they would definitely or probably not have children in the next five years.

In addition, the results of the statistical analysis showed that treatment groups were more inclined towards marriage compared to the control group, although the effect was less pronounced for those in the “flexible schedule” group. The researchers also anticipated lower work-family conflict incidences among treatment groups.

The study also found different FWAs exacted varying impacts on the respondents’ plans to have children, with the impact on fertility intentions less pronounced in the “flexible work schedule” group.

Elaborating on the details, the paper’s second author, Professor Hao Dong from Peking University, said, “Based on our analysis, we found gendered differences to FWAs with all three types of FWAs having significant effects on women’s fertility intention, whereas only reduced working hours were found to significantly increase men’s fertility intention.”

The different gendered reactions could be attributed to the fact that working mothers continue to bear a disproportionate share of childcare and domestic responsibilities, while experiencing greater opportunity cost, in terms of labour earnings and career development than men. As such, access to FWAs would allow women to exercise higher levels of work control and hence be more likely to have children.

As for why men’s fertility intention increased only with the FWA of reduced working hours, Prof Dong noted that previous research had indicated that while women use FWAs for household related purposes to maintain work-family balance, men tend to use flexible working mainly for performance-enhancing purposes and therefore work longer hours.

The effects of FWAs are also particularly pronounced among men and women working in professional occupations, echoing existing research that emphasises the high fertility costs in professional occupations. The high fertility costs are linked to a strong culture of overwork and intensive parenting which may lower fertility intention by increasing work-family conflict as employees are expected to work long hours and devote their time entirely to the job without interruptions from other non-work demands.

These findings, Prof Dong noted, are consistent with the research literature that highlights overwork and work-family conflict as an institutional constraint preventing young people from developing intentions to have children, let alone achieving these intentions.

Government policies that support employees’ rights to FWAs a potential way to boost low fertility rates

Singapore has been pushing for employers to consider suitable flexible work arrangements to enhance birth rates, and the recent roll-out of the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests (TG-FWAR) could be a game changer.

Asst Prof Wang said, “Our study demonstrates that support of employees’ access to FWAs in the form of government policies can help better accommodate conflicting responsibilities from work and family domains, especially for women and those working in professional and managerial occupations, by enabling them to continue their career after childbirth and promoting a more equitable division of labour. As intention predicts behaviour, we can expect that a more family-friendly working environment alongside other welfare policies could potentially improve the actual fertility rate in the long-term.”

The study has its limitations. First, while fertility intention is highly related to fertility behaviour, both are not equivalent. Secondly, a five-year span of fertility intention may be too long for young people and this measure cannot distinguish between those who intend to remain childless and those who are simply planning to defer childbirth later in life.

These limitations, Asst Prof Wang stressed, do not overshadow the study’s main contribution. He said, “Our study provides a way forward to tackle low fertility rates in developed countries and contributes to our nuanced understanding of how individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds navigate the intersection of work flexibility and family planning. This holds important implications for understanding how family behaviour may be planned in the future of work.”

Singapore's newly rolled out FWA Guidelines, he added, are likely to have a significant effect on the workforce and economy. By standardising FWAs, the guidelines can help reduce stigma around flexible working, potentially increasing job satisfaction and productivity. This, in turn, could lead to improved economic outcomes by retaining talent and reducing turnover rates, which is crucial for sustaining Singapore's workforce in the face of demographic changes.

Organisations could consider tailoring FWAs to fit the specific needs and contexts of their employees. He shared, “This includes providing various options like telecommuting, flexi-time, and compressed workweeks, while ensuring that these policies are inclusive and equitably accessible to all employees.” 

Moving forward, Asst Prof Wang plans to explore the long-term impacts of flexible working across cultural contexts and demographic groups, particularly the sustainability of FWAs and their effects on work-life balance over time.

Not only are they known for bucking trends and traditions, young adults from Generation Z (Gen Z) are marching to the beat of their own hearts when it comes to relationships too, according to an NUS undergraduate research project.

Titled “From Singapore with Love: How do Gen-Zs in Singapore Find, Build and Maintain Romance?”, the small-scale study involved interviews with 25 participants aged 19 to 23.

“We wanted to investigate the role of parents and family in influencing the decision of partner selection or initiating a romantic relationship,” said He Yiyang, a second-year Sociology student at NUS College (NUSC).

He found that the respondents were likely to avoid replicating their family structures in their own relationships, even if they viewed them positively. For example, participants from families where one parent stayed home to manage the household and care for the children appreciated their parent’s sacrifice. However, they would not choose the same arrangement for themselves, instead prioritising their own preferences, such as working as needed.

The reason, his study concluded, was that Gen Z strove for personal fulfilment even as they appreciated the strengths of their parents’ relationships.

This study on love was one of close to 30 projects presented to more than 100 NUS staff and students on 22 January 2025, at the UROP+REx Conference (UREC) held in the NUS Medicine+Science Library.

A stage for student researchers

The annual conference features Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) projects and presentations by Research Experience (REx) fellows. UROP allows students to participate in research projects under the supervision of faculty members, while the REx programme is a course upgrade that arms them with research skills.

After completing their UROP project, REx fellows get the chance to showcase their findings at UREC, which has a line-up of new features this year.

For the first time, UREC 2025 included interactive booths led by faculty members, and offered more opportunities for students to showcase their work with a line-up of about three times more presenters than the year before.

Students could also take on leadership positions, with some in the UREC student-led publicity team, and others who became panel moderators, a role usually given to graduate students with more experience.

It was through the conference that Yiyang, under the supervision of Dr Kyeong Hi Baek, Senior Lecturer at NUSC, studied how Gen Z-ers found, built, and maintained relationships. He was intrigued by the structural inequalities and social norms at play in society, with love being a key – and relatable – pillar.

Keeping in mind what he learnt from his REx workshop on research communication, Yiyang prepared his presentation at UREC with the goal of engaging the audience, who were from different faculties in NUS. To do this, he referred to icons in pop culture such as the popular Korean drama, Crash Landing on You. “Whenever I discuss my research on love, my audience often reacts with puzzlement, viewing love as an inexplicable, deeply subjective emotion—much like the romance portrayed in Crash Landing on You. However, this study demonstrates that love can be rigorously examined through scientific inquiry, revealing its broader societal implications.”

The world is your abalone

While Yiyang’s presentation on love captured the attention – and hearts – of many, it was fellow presenter Alpha Ho who won the Best Oral Presenter award with hand-drawn illustrations and a duck plushie as props.

The Year 4 undergraduate majoring in Food Science & Technology had studied the effects of three cooking methods on the nutritional value of plant-based abalones made from mung beans. Abalones are considered critically endangered, which calls for the sourcing of suitable alternatives.

“The other reason for the investigation is that mung bean protein is not often used in the plant-based food industry, and the protein ends up going to waste,” noted Alpha.

In his experiments, he cooked the abalones and mung bean alternatives using three common Asian cooking methods: steaming, boiling, and stir-frying. He then roped in over 40 participants for a blind taste test of the two abalone options, the real abalones and the mung bean abalones.

Alpha concluded from their feedback that the smell, taste, texture and colour of regular and plant-based abalones were comparable, although there was still room for improvement. He also found that mung bean abalones retained more essential amino acids after cooking than real abalones did, making them nutritionally viable alternatives.

Under the guidance of his supervisor, Professor Huang Dejian and co-supervisor Dr Liu Yunjiao from the Department of Food Science & Technology, Alpha compiled his findings into a report and a presentation deck for the conference.

On winning the award, Alpha credited other faculty members such as Dr Liu Mei Hui and Dr Vinayak Ghate who were engaging presenters and how he channelled them during his presentation to maintain an infectious energy. “They inspired me to find my own way of being engaging,” he said.

Taking REx fellows to new heights

At UREC, Alpha also drew inspiration from the posters of other REx fellows, taking personal notes on how to present information in a more compelling manner for future conferences.

In addition, UREC has stoked Yiyang’s creative fire. After a chat with a fellow conference participant, he is now thinking of studying how other factors such as multiracialism affect parents and family, which in turn impact romantic relations.

He will be analysing his findings in relation to meso-level systems. These are medium structures that exist between the micro and macro levels, like families (micro); and organisations, communities or ethnic groups (macro), respectively. By interacting with others at the interdisciplinary conference, Yiyang has found that obtaining data is only the first step in taking his research further.

“The conference is like magic – you approach so many people with different perspectives and get new insights,” said Yiyang who spoke to engineers, scientists, and social scientists.

This is exactly why the UREC was established. “UREC aims to be an annual student conference where undergraduate researchers share their work and learn from one another,” said Mr John Caines, Programme Manager, Research Experience (REx). “With each iteration, UREC hopes to bring together students from more faculties and departments to discover exciting intersections between disciplines.”

Both Yiyang and Alpha hope to pursue PhDs, and UREC is a stepping stone to their goal.

“I feel that you don’t get that many opportunities to present your research outside of your department as an undergraduate,” said Alpha. “Hence, this conference is an opportunity to showcase my project to a broader audience and it helped me brush up on my scientific communication skills for different audiences. It has also strengthened my research portfolio.”

Students interested in the Research Experience (REx) Course Upgrade can apply for it here.

On Darwin Day, 12 February 2025, the Darwin Online project at the National University of Singapore (NUS) launches the largest collection of caricatures of Charles Darwin and evolution in history. It is the result of 25 years of research by historian of science Dr John van Wyhe, from the Department of Biological Sciences at the NUS Faculty of Science, drawing on historic magazines, newspapers, books and archives. The edited collection consists of mostly unknown comic illustrations from 1860 to 1939 showing how Darwin and evolution have been represented in the press and popular culture worldwide since the publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species in 1859.

Until recently, only about a dozen caricatures of Darwin were widely known. The new 165-page online catalogue provides over 100 caricatures, of which 30 are new discoveries. The 740-page catalogues of evolution caricatures are much more numerous, over 1,200, and their range and diversity are staggering, highlighting the widespread public engagement with the topic of evolution.

This huge collection provides deeper insights into the cultural impact of Darwin’s theories. Evolution was used in these illustrations in endlessly surprising ways. Not even experts in this field knew there was this much visual imagery in response to Darwin and his ideas and published in so many parts of the world. Today, it is often overlooked that by the 1870s, thousands of newspapers and magazines around the world featured comic illustrations, including those on Darwin and his theories. Many of the caricatures in this collection curated by Darwin Online were created by some of the best comic writers of their time.

The humour of evolution

Popular ideas, misconceptions, prejudices and older traditions fed into these caricatures which in turn popularised and spread ideas further. For example, one common theme is to make jokes about Darwin's purported claim that humans are descended from monkeys – something he did not in fact believe. Other erroneous but popular themes were the idea that Darwin’s theory of evolution is about inevitable progress or the occurrence of so-called degeneration from humans back into animals. Almost all the caricatures show amused ridicule of evolution rather than deep offence or religious outrage.

Darwin’s works introduced the public to many phrases and concepts such as natural selection, sexual selection or the struggle for existence. The idea of a supposed ‘missing link’, referring to transitional species, became a long-lasting theme. Often much older comic imagery was re-branded into Darwin-themed ones such as transformation cartoons showing the origins or ‘evolution’ of a cat into a violin. Another common theme is monkeys or apes expressing disgust at being related to humans with all their faults. Some caricatures show friends or a married couples looking at a monkey at the zoo ─ the husband eerily resembling the monkey ─ and the joke is that Mrs So-and-so didn’t take Darwinism seriously before, but now she sees there might be something to it after all! 

The controversies over teaching evolution in public schools in the USA in the 1920s saw a veritable explosion of these caricatures with the Scopes Monkey Trial 100 years ago. The collection by Darwin Online is by far the largest collection of these caricatures ever assembled. They are both fascinating and often very funny.

Context of the caricatures explained

The collection of caricatures is dated, identified and often the artist and the historical context or meaning explained. Unlike previous compilations, the Darwin Online collection provides the accompanying poems or articles that were originally alongside the illustrations. Without historical context, it is usually impossible to understand what the caricatures originally meant, and often modern readers imagine a very different meaning.

“This unprecedented collection allows us to see how the public reacted to, used and mis-used evolutionary ideas from the moment Darwin published his seminal work, On the Origin of Species, and over the next 80 years. There is much to be learned from them. They will be useful for teaching and research. For decades, modern publications and documentaries have re-used the same small handful of caricatures. Now anyone can see at a glance just how many and diverse they were. A lot of them are very clever social commentary, and others are simply hugely enjoyable,” said Dr van Wyhe.

How can we make mental health services more inclusive and accessible, while focusing on early intervention, community support and destigmatisation? How can businesses in the built environment sector decarbonise through energy-efficient technologies to meet global sustainability goals?

These were some of the pressing challenges tackled by NUS students during the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Open Hack @ NUS 2024, one of the key events at the inaugural NUS Enterprise Sustainability (E-SUS) Challenge. Organised by NUS Enterprise teams from BLOCK71 and Innovation with Societal Impact in collaboration with partners such as NUS Sustainability and the Office of Student Affairs, the NUS E-SUS Challenge encouraged NUS students to address social and environmental challenges through innovation and entrepreneurship.

SDG Open Hack @ NUS 2024

Held as part of NUS Sustainability CONNECT Week, SDG Open Hack @ NUS was the campus edition of the SDG Open Hack Singapore, a global series of student hackathons endorsed by the United Nations and organised in partnership with the Global Green Economic Foundation.

The 24-hour hackathon attracted more than 50 teams and over 300 NUS students, making this the highest participation among Institutes of Higher Learning and the largest turnout for NUS-hosted student hackathons. Winners from campus editions competed in the SDG Open Hack Singapore finals and three NUS teams advanced to the finals, with one team emerging as the first runner-up of the hackathon.

Team N-House, comprising Year 5 Computer Science undergraduate Eugene Chia, Year 4  Business undergraduate Raphael Chew, Year 4 Information Systems undergraduate Glenn Quah, Year 2 Business undergraduate Harry Wu, and Year 2 Environmental Engineering undergraduate Wan Baicen, were the winners of the NUS campus edition. All were residents of NUS ENterprise House (N-House), where they met and formed a team for the hackathon. The team’s winning proposal was EcoVolt, an innovative energy efficiency solution that reduces power consumption and emissions in buildings by intelligently managing and optimising plug load.

Sharing about his experience, Eugene, Co-Founder of EcoVolt said, “The SDG Open Hack @ NUS 2024 was a truly heartening, impactful, and eye-opening experience for the EcoVolt team. The impeccable curation of speakers, mentors, and judges, coupled with unwavering support from Singapore’s social impact community, was on full display throughout the event. We were especially inspired by our passionate peers, who like us, dedicated their weekend to hacking for the SDGs. With continued and growing support, we will undoubtedly shape a future that champions inclusive innovation, drives sustainable growth, and empowers communities for generations to come.”

NUS Student Innovation Carnival

The inaugural NUS Student Innovation Carnival was held during the NUS E-SUS Challenge, which attracted over 500 NUS students. The winning teams from the SDG Open Hack @ NUS were invited to showcase their ideas at the carnival, alongside innovative projects from across the university.

Students also participated in an interactive scavenger hunt where they were introduced to the entrepreneurial resources and support services available at NUS. Adding to the excitement, student entrepreneurs took the stage during the open mic sessions to pitch their ideas, creating a vibrant platform to foster creativity and collaborations.

Impact x Innovation Immersion Programme to Vietnam

As part of the Impact x Innovation Immersion Programme, about 30 NUS students, including some who participated in the SDG Open Hack @ NUS 2024, travelled to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to explore business opportunities and gain insights into the local business culture. Following its successful debut in 2023, the programme returned for its second year in 2024, providing participants with hands-on learning experience.

During their eight-day trip, students had the opportunity to interact with peers from various Vietnamese universities and visit start-up incubation centres. They also engaged with start-up founders to understand the challenges and opportunities in Vietnam’s start-up ecosystem.

Armed with new knowledge and perspectives, the students refined their business ideas to better tailor them to the Vietnamese market. Their efforts culminated at the Singapore-Vietnam Youth Innovation Summit in Vietnam, a vibrant event designed to connect young changemakers, impact-driven entrepreneurs and industry leaders from Singapore and Vietnam.

On top of being able to exchange ideas and explore impactful collaborations, NUS students pitched their ideas on stage to a panel of judges. Among the standout pitches was Digi-Up!, a start-up offering gamified solutions to help seniors learn and adapt to modern technology. Another notable start-up pitch came from Village Ventures, a global immersion company that supports rural communities by helping them raise funds and connect with social impact organisations to receive the support they need.

“The Impact x Innovation Immersion Programme offered us the opportunity to learn about various aspects of entrepreneurship in Vietnam, from start-up ecosystems to local business practices, and how these are shaped by the unique cultural and economic landscape. It became clear that successful businesses are those that adapt to their community’s specific needs. This programme offers a unique chance to dive deep into how diverse entrepreneurial landscapes operate, making it a must for anyone eager to expand their global perspective on business,” said Ms Sruti Mulupuri, a Year 1 Business undergraduate who is also the Co-Founder of Digi-Up!.

By NUS Enterprise

• zbSunday, 9 February 2025, News, p5

• zbSunday, 9 February 2025, News, p7

• Suria News Online, 8 February 2025

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed globally on 11 February every year, aiming to promote full and equal access and participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields for women and girls. This year, the initiative embraces the theme “Unpacking STEM careers: Her Voice in Science”, emphasising the importance of amplifying the experiences, insights, and contributions of women in STEM.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we highlight the inspiring journeys of three women in STEM from NUS: evolutionary biologist Professor Antonia Monteiro, AI scientist Associate Professor Angela Yao, and mechanical engineer Assistant Professor Tan Yu Jun, to showcase their passion for research in STEM and tenacity in breaking barriers, reimagining possibilities, and paving the way for the next generation of girls and women to pursue rewarding STEM careers.

Unveiling the secret lives of butterflies

Professor Antonia Monteiro, an evolutionary biologist from the Department of Biological Sciences at the NUS Faculty of Science is intrigued by butterflies and their remarkable evolution. Together with her team, they uncover the lives of butterflies, studying the genetic links to their wing colours, their behaviour, and the behaviours of their offspring.

“Early in my career, I focused exclusively on investigating the genetic and developmental mechanisms behind the wing patterns of butterflies. But after hosting a few students that pushed to work on behavioural projects, I got hooked in studying this facet of butterflies’ lives. Studying the genetics of behaviour is equally, if not more, fascinating than studying static wing patterns. It is as if we are studying genes responsible for producing a ‘movie’ rather than a still ‘picture’,” explained Prof Monteiro.

Prof Monteiro’s STEM journey began in high school, where she met an engaging biology teacher who ignited her interest in the many wonders of biology. This experience inspired her to study biology in college where she delved into evolutionary biology.

“I found evolutionary biology most interesting as it could explain and unite all of biology into a cohesive framework,” said Prof Monteiro. “It was during an internship at an evolutionary biology laboratory, in my final year of college, which made me discover all the intriguing projects that researchers were pursuing in this area of biology that convinced me that I really wanted to pursue a research career in evolutionary biology.”

When she was pursing undergraduate studies in Lisbon, Prof Monteiro had the opportunity to work in an evolutionary biology lab in the Netherlands, as a visiting Erasmus student. “I picked that lab because they said they worked ‘on natural selection experiments in tropical butterflies’. This just sounded fabulous and different from other more mundane topics,” she added.

During her earlier college years, Prof Monteiro would go on field trips in Portugal, and she always found the colours and patterns of the birds and butterflies there completely mesmerising. “I got hooked on working with butterflies in my senior year of college and have worked on them ever since,” she said.

Prof Monteiro describes venturing into a STEM career as “immensely rewarding and never boring”. “Except when repeating the same experiment multiple times to obtain a good estimate of the typical outcome or it effect size,” she quipped.

“Having a STEM career in research demands enormous amounts of creativity, deep thinking, perseverance, and bravery. It is also fun! The flexibility of the job makes it very compatible with having a family,” added Prof Monteiro, who has one daughter, who is now working as a science videographer.

As she leads her research team, she hopes to inspire her students and researchers by engaging them and helping them to explore what interests them. “By delving deeper into their topic of interest, I hope to guide them to designing experiments to investigate those questions and to discover their full potential as researchers.”

Harnessing artificial intelligence to understand human movements

Associate Professor Angela Yao from the Department of Computer Science at the NUS School of Computing centres her research on the visual perception of people. Assoc Prof Yao works alongside her team to understand videos relating to human actions and human 3D modelling.

One of Assoc Prof Yao’s research projects looks at estimating the 3D joint positions of various human hand poses as it performs everyday tasks in recorded videos. The team employs weakly-supervised and self-supervised learning to train data sets and build artificial intelligence (AI) models to predict how the human hand moves and interacts. Her work was earlier awarded funding from the MOE Academic Research Funding (AcRF) Tier 2 scheme in 2021, and the team is now leveraging this model to develop real-world applications.

Assoc Prof Yao began her STEM journey specialising in Engineering during her undergraduate and master's studies, with a strong interest in signal processing, multimedia, and machine learning. Her thesis projects applied machine learning for prosthetics control, which led her to explore image and video analysis and later, pursue a PhD in Computer Vision. Assoc Prof Yao’s PhD thesis focused on human action recognition, which involved developing AI algorithms to interpret human activities in images and videos — a topic which she continues to research on today.

Throughout her academic journey, Assoc Prof Yao has been inspired by strong role models at different avenues of her life – from her mother, who helped her spark an early interest in math to supportive university professors who demonstrated the real-world impact of research. Assoc Prof Yao’s passion for both research and teaching made academia a natural career choice. Now, Assoc Prof Yao strives to lead by example, showing her students that STEM is for everyone.

Assoc Prof Yao’s message to girls and women looking to pursue a career in STEM is simple: “Just go for it! Believe in yourself, because you are strong and capable. STEM careers are fun and exciting — you get to be at the forefront of new discoveries and technology, and your work can make a significant and meaningful impact on the world.”

Revolutionising engineering through sustainability and inclusion

Assistant Professor Tan Yu Jun from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the College of Design and Engineering in NUS focuses her research on applying principles from biomaterials science to develop sustainable, functional materials for flexible sensors, biocompatible implants, and soft robotic systems, all aimed at advancing the circular economy.

“When people think of mechanical engineering, they often picture cars, heavy machinery, or rigid robots. However, my research takes a different approach by harnessing the properties of natural materials, transforming them into valuable and functional products, such as self-healing devices and developing recyclable and biodegradable materials for these devices and soft robots, ensuring that our innovations align with sustainability goals,” said Asst Prof Tan.

From a young age, Asst Prof Tan enjoyed watching documentaries and was captivated by nature’s ability to create complex, efficient structures. She found it fascinating that biological systems can generate both soft and hard materials, while seamlessly integrating function with sustainability.

“Unlike conventional manufacturing processes, nature constructs materials without relying on extreme conditions or harmful chemicals. This piques my curiosity: could engineers replicate these natural processes to develop more sustainable technologies?” remarked Asst Prof Tan.

This desire to blend the natural world with engineering led her to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. Asst Prof Tan is deeply appreciative of her mentors, who guided and shaped her academic and professional journey, instilling in her the importance of creativity, perseverance, and interdisciplinary thinking. These qualities have proven to be crucial to her research.

Recognising the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of STEM leaders, Asst Prof Tan aims to provide the same support and encouragement her mentors gave her, helping future engineers and scientists realise that creativity and collaboration are essential for progress in both STEM fields and society.

“STEM fields thrive on diverse perspectives, and by encouraging more women to contribute their unique insights, we can drive innovation that would benefit society. My goal is to continue breaking stereotypes and contribute to a future where women in STEM are no longer the exception, but the norm,” said Asst Prof Tan.

Offering some wise advice to young girls and women considering a career in STEM, Asst Prof Tan said, “Seek out mentors who can guide and encourage you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and dive deeply into the topics that spark your curiosity.

“And most importantly, believe in yourself. If STEM is where your passion lies, pursue it with confidence. The world needs your creativity, your perspective, and your innovative ideas – it’s waiting for you to shape it in your own unique way,” she added.

By Prof Hsu Li Yang, Dir at the Asia Centre for Health Security and Vice Dean (Global Health) at Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at NUS

• CNA, 6 February 2025

By Dr Emir Hrnjic, Senior Lecturer, Dept of Finance and Academic Director, UCLA-NUS Executive MBA Programme, both at the NUS Business School; and Head of FinTech Training at the Asian Institute of Digital Finance at NUS

• The Business Times, 6 February 2025, p16

By Dr Sharon Tan, Research Fellow from Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at NUS, and Dr Felicia Sundram, chairperson and co-chair of the Singapore Dental Association’s Dental Public Health Committee

• The Straits Times, 6 February 2025, Opinion, pB3

• CNA Online 5 February 2025
• The Straits Times, 6 February 2025, The Big Story, pA6
• Lianhe Zaobao, 6 February 2025, p10

By Dr Khoo Yoong Khean, from the Centre for Outbreak Preparedness and the Centre of Regulatory Excellence at Duke-NUS Medical School

• CNA Online, 5 February 2025

By Dr Andy Tay, Presidential Young Professor in the Dept of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering at NUS

• The Straits Times, 5 February 2025, Opinion, pB2

• CNA Online, 30 January 2025
• Vasantham News Online, 30 January 2025
• CNA Online, 4 February 2025
• Suria News Online, 4 February 2025

• The Straits Times, 4 February 2025, The Big Story, pA2
• Lianhe Zaobao, 4 February 2025, Focus, p3
• Tamil Murasu, 4 February 2025, p2
• Lianhe Zaobao, 5 February 2025, Opinion, p20
• Berita Minggu, 9 February 2025, p10

• CNA, 4 February 2025
• CNA Online, 4 February 2025
• Channel 5 News, 4 February 2025
• 8world Online, 4 February 2025
• Suria News Online, 4 February 2025
• CNA938, 4 February 2025
• Money 89.3FM, 4 February 2025
• The Straits Times, 5 February 2025, The Big Story, pA2
• Lianhe Zaobao, 5 February 2025. Singapore, p8
• Berita Harian, 5 February 2025, p2
• Tamil Murasu, 5 February 2025, p1

Conserving and restoring Southeast Asia’s carbon-rich peatlands and mangroves could mitigate more than 50 per cent of the region’s land-use carbon emissions, according to a new international study published in Nature Communications.

Despite occupying just 5 per cent of the region’s terrestrial land, these ecosystems play an outsized role in emission reduction efforts, making them crucial for meeting climate targets across ASEAN countries.

The research study, conducted by an international team of scientists from NUS, with contributions from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and James Cook University in Australia, highlights the significant climate benefits of conserving and restoring peatlands and mangroves.

Together, these ecosystems store more than 90 per cent of their carbon in soils rather than vegetation, making them among the most efficient natural carbon sinks globally.

However, when disrupted or destroyed through activities such as land-use changes, these ecosystems release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, posing a major challenge to achieving emission reduction targets.

Additionally, peatland degradation during dry periods, such as those associated with El Niño events, not only results in massive carbon emissions but also contributes to regional haze events, affecting air quality in countries including Singapore.

Associate Professor Massimo Lupascu, Principal Investigator and the paper’s senior author, explained, “If we conserved and restored the carbon-dense peatlands and mangroves in Southeast Asia, we could mitigate approximately 770 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) annually, or nearly double Malaysia’s national greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.”

“Our research underscores the immense climate benefits of protecting these ecosystems, making them a pragmatic and effective natural climate solution for ASEAN countries,” said Assoc Prof Lupascu, who is from the Department of Geography at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Professor David Taylor, a co-author of the paper and Head of the NUS Department of Geography, said that “including both peatlands and mangroves in the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) that countries signed up to the Paris Agreement must update and re-commit to every five years can certainly contribute to increasing the ambition of countries across the region through the setting of higher emissions reduction targets, although this would involve substantial investment in effective conservation and restoration.”

Unique ecosystems with global implications

Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s largest areas of tropical peatlands and mangroves. These ecosystems share water-saturated, oxygen-limited soils that slow the decomposition of organic matter, enabling them to act as natural carbon sinks when undisturbed.

However, this soil-stored carbon is “irrecoverable”, meaning it cannot easily be replaced once lost to human activities, such as agriculture or urban development.

Assistant Professor Pierre Taillardat, a co-author of the paper and principal investigator at the Wetland Carbon Lab at the Asian School of the Environment, NTU Singapore, emphasised the transformative potential of wetland conservation and how it can also yield economic benefits through schemes like carbon credits.

“Wetland soils may have little agronomic value, as it is generally not well-suited for traditional farming or crop cultivation, but they are unmatched in their ability to store and preserve carbon,” added Asst Prof Taillardat.

“If carbon were valued like other critical commodities, such as being traded on the carbon credits market, it could unlock vast opportunities for conservation and restoration projects. This will enable local communities to lead carbon management efforts with a win-win scenario where livelihoods and sustainable ecosystems thrive together.”

Updated Emissions Estimates and Pathways for Change

The study also provides up-to-date estimates of emissions from disturbed peatlands and mangroves across Southeast Asia from 2001 to 2022, broken down by land-use type and country.

By doing so, it offers policymakers critical data to identify hotspots for intervention and prioritise conservation efforts.

In their paper, the researchers call for ASEAN governments to integrate peatland and mangrove conservation into national climate strategies.

Given their high carbon storage capacity and the ability to mitigate land-use emissions, peatlands and mangroves represent a cost-effective and impactful approach to achieving net-zero targets.

By conserving and restoring these ecosystems, Southeast Asian nations can reduce emissions, bolster climate resilience, and support local communities that depend on wetlands for their livelihoods.

Dr Sigit Sasmito, from TropWATER, James Cook University in Brisbane, Australia, who is the study’s first author and led the work when he was a Research Fellow in the NUS Department of Geography, remarked, “By investing in the conservation of peatlands and mangroves, Southeast Asia can lead the world in deploying cost-effective, nature-based solutions that deliver enduring climate and biodiversity benefits. These ecosystems pack a climate mitigation punch far beyond their size, offering one of the most scalable and impactful natural solutions to combat the planet's climate crisis.”

The open-access paper, titled “Half of land use carbon emissions in Southeast Asia can be mitigated through peat swamp forest and mangrove conservation and restoration”, is available online at Nature Communications.

By Dr Zhang Jun, Adjunct Researcher Fellow, Institute of Operations Research and Analytics at NUS

• Lianhe Zaobao, 4 February 2025, Opinion, p8

• 8world Online, 4 February 2025

• Berita Harian, 31 January 2025, p3 

• Suria News Online, 29 January 2025

In a breakthrough for the advanced study of gut health, NUS scientists have developed a 3D microscopic version of the human intestines condensed into a small chip about half the size of a five-cent coin. This new cell culturing platform, known as the Gut-Microbiome on a chip (GMoC), provides a realistic in vitro microgut model that allows researchers to examine the interactions of gut microbes and their collective impact on gut health. The chip offers a scalable, reproducible, and efficient method to dissect the roles of gut microbes and their community, which is of key interest for the preventive healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry.

“The GMoC system represents a significant advancement in our ability to investigate the effect of the gut microbial community on gut health and diseases,” said Professor Lim Chwee Teck, Director of the NUS Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech). Prof Lim is also from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the College of Design and Engineering, NUS. “By establishing a physiologically-relevant gut model capable of culturing communities of gut microbes, we can gain deeper insights into the role and complex mechanisms of these micro-organisms in maintaining gut health and preventing disease.”

The findings were published in the journal Advanced Science on 27 February 2024.

Understanding the complex interplay of gut microbes and health

Our intestines contain trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which play a crucial role in our overall well-being. These communities of microorganisms – also known collectively as the gut flora or gastrointestinal microbiome – can either help or harm us.

However, the exact mechanisms by which these gut microbes prevent or cause gastrointestinal illnesses remain unclear. While researchers have identified individual differences in the gut microbiomes of healthy people and those with diseases, the complexity of the interactions amongst the trillions of microorganisms residing in our intestines makes it difficult to isolate the exact modes of action by which these microbes protect us or induce disease.

The innovative 3D ‘microgut’ platform developed by NUS researchers provides a more realistic presentation of the gut microbial community compared to existing models. It simulates biological conditions (like food movement and oxygen levels) as in the human gut, mimics key structural and physiological features of the gut lining, allows for diverse communities of microbes to be cultivated, and is designed for easy and real-time investigation.

Mimicking the human gut

The GMoC system provides a realistic in vitro (outside the body) model of the human gut, featuring a 3D version of the gut epithelium that mimics key architectural and functional aspects of the intestinal tract, such as the intestinal villi (tiny finger-like projections for absorption of nutrients), co-inhabitation of microbes and intestinal cells, and the dynamic conditions simulating movement of food.

Replicating the structure of the intestinal villi is important because the specific location of different microbial species within a 3D substrate influences how they organise and function, and it also has a distinctive impact on the gut’s response to various stimuli.

In addition to structural features, the team’s ‘microgut’ platform also demonstrated key attributes of a functioning and physiologically-relevant intestinal epithelium. The ‘microgut’ can also produce mucin, which serves as a line of defence against microbial invasion and contributes to the establishment of the gut-bacteria interface.

The GMoC system is therefore a more complete in vitro model because it replicates, architecturally, the cells lining the human intestine, and offers a more physiologically-relevant model compared to existing static in vitro systems.

Real-time visualisation of inter-microbial interactions

Poised to be a versatile research tool, the innovative GMoC system enables scientists to study the inter-microbial interactions and gut-microbial community interactions in greater resolution and in real-time.

By studying how different bacterial species compete for limited resources such as nutrients and physical space for growth in the gut, and examining how this competition helps prevent harmful bacteria from overgrowing and disrupting the balanced gut microbiota in the gut, scientists can facilitate the development of targeted microbiome-based interventions and strategies for modulating gut microbiota.

The unique design of GMoC ensures scalability while enabling multiple tests to be performed on a single chip.

Future plans

The research team is focused on further developing the device, aiming to enhance its complexity to better replicate the human intestines. This includes incorporating complex mechanical cues, enhancing cellular complexity, and creating oxygen gradients within the GMoC system.

On the biological front, the team also aims to use the device to further investigate the assembly, interactions, and behaviour of diverse microbial communities under various stimuli including nutrients and antibiotics. This will contribute to our overall understanding of how these interactions impact gut health. In terms of commercialisation, the team is looking to bring the device to market by reducing the manufacturing costs and standardising the production process.

The GMoC chip offers a crucial advancement to the field by providing a realistic, in vitro platform for the investigation of the multifaceted roles of gut microorganisms in a highly scalable way. This will help scientists to better understand the mechanisms of microbe-induced disease pathogenesis, identify novel therapeutic targets, and develop treatments capable of modulating gut microbiome to improve health and clinical outcomes.

By Dr Carol Soon, from the Dept of Communications and New Media at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at NUS

• The Straits Times, 3 February 2025, Opinion, pB3

Kicking off its 120th anniversary with a meaningful cause, NUS organised a charity walk on its Kent Ridge campus on 8 February 2025, raising more than S$880,000 from donors and the University community in support of NUS undergraduates with financial difficulties. 

Close to 1,200 students, staff and alumni – along with their families and friends – signed up for the NUS120 Charity Hongbao Walk, which was followed by festivities to celebrate the Lunar New Year. 

The 8km walk was flagged off by NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Professor Aaron Thean, NUS Students’ Union President Sean Pang Kai Xiong and NUS Students’ Sports Club (NUSSSC) President Jayden Lim. 

Proceeds from the event will go towards the NUS Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme. The scheme covers tuition fees and contributes towards living expenses, on-campus residency, as well as overseas opportunities for full-time Singaporean undergraduates from low-income backgrounds. 
 

A force for good

Speaking at the event, Prof Tan reflected on the spirit of service that has underpinned the University’s evolution from a modest medical school founded in 1905 to a global university that conferred degrees to nearly 16,000 graduates last year. 

“Today, NUS is a global university that engages in cutting-edge research, and also seeds enterprise efforts around the world. And on top of all that we do in our core mission areas of education, research and innovation, there is one important calling that grounds and also guides all of us, and that is to serve our country and community,” said Prof Tan.

Noting the timely significance of the University’s 120th anniversary, coinciding with national celebrations for Singapore's 60th year of independence which is themed “Building Our Singapore Together”, Prof Tan said: “Today’s walk is also a building block to build a strong, better and more united community and this exemplifies the heart of NUS, and also our commitment to come together to uplift others.”

Among the donors to the charity walk was the Building and Estate Management Alumni (BEMA), which made a S$10,000 contribution. Dr Teo Ho Pin (Design and Environment '85), President of BEMA and Adjunct Professor at the NUS College of Design and Engineering (CDE), said, “The Building and Estate Management Alumni has always been supportive of NUS’ fundraising projects, contributing to scholarships, bursaries and building funds over the years,” citing their previous donations for University Town and the NUS Alumni Complex, where the NUSS Kent Ridge Guild House and Shaw Foundation Alumni House are located. “BEMA hopes that NUS will continue to be a world-class university to nurture future talent for the global economy.”

Jayden, the President of NUSSSC – one of the event’s partners – lauded the charity walk as an example of how “sports and service can unite individuals and ignite passion under one common purpose”.

“It’s truly heartwarming to see students from every faculty rally around this meaningful cause. Their willingness to step up and support the Enhanced Financial Aid Scheme speaks volumes about our culture of care here at NUS — proving that when diverse minds and hearts come together, we can create a lasting impact for those who need it most,” the Year 3 NUS College and Arts and Social Sciences undergraduate reflected.

Tracing the milestones

Starting and ending at University Hall, the two-hour walk covered areas such as University Town and Prince George’s Park, passing by many NUS colleges, faculties and schools.

The route took participants down various milestones in the University’s journey. These included the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, which shares its anniversary with NUS; the NUS Business School and Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, which celebrate their 60th and 10th anniversaries respectively this year; and Singapore's first net-zero energy building cluster, located at CDE.

Participants also passed by upcoming additions such as the sports-themed hostel Valour House, and Acacia College, NUS’ upcoming fifth Residential College, which has a special focus on artificial and human intelligences.

Along the route, lively busking performances by student musicians Top Gs and the SNAFU Wind Quintet from Tembusu College and the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music kept spirits high. 

The excitement continued after the finish line, with a thrilling lion dance display by the NUS Lion Dance group, as well as performances by a cappella group NUS Resonance and mandopop group NUS Voices. Besides the traditional tossing of yusheng, participants were treated to hotdogs, ice cream and cotton candy, game booths, and a lucky draw.

The charity walk was also graced by two unique AI-powered guests – a robot dog and a humanoid robot – under the guidance of Assistant Professor Fan Shi from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at CDE. Built by robotics firms Unitree Robotics and EngineAI respectively, they showcased the innovative research conducted by Asst Prof Shi’s Human-Centred Robotics Lab, which develops novel AI-based approaches to enhance the intelligence and safety of robotic platforms, ensuring their reliable operation in human-centric environments.

Ms Sonia Sanjeev Wadhwa, a graduate of the NUS Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Statistics programme (Science ‘20), said she enjoyed the nostalgic journey through the campus grounds while reminiscing with fellow alumni about their university days. “The best part was meeting other alumni and current students—it was fun sharing stories about our times at NUS. Walking around campus brought back so many good memories, especially all the times spent with friends and the good food ... Overall, it was a meaningful and nostalgic experience, all while supporting a great cause,” she said.

This event is the first in the series of NUS120 anniversary celebrations, themed "Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future," which will continue until June next year. They include a photo exhibition celebrating life at NUS, as well as thought-provoking lectures by renowned experts and policymakers.

The event’s fundraising drive is ongoing and donations can be made through the NUS Giving page until 12 February 2025.

For more information on NUS' 120th anniversary celebrations, visit the NUS120 website.

By Assoc Prof Fabio Leite, from the Oral Health Academic Clinical Programme at the Duke-NUS Medical School

• The Straits Times, 3 February 2025, Science, pA16

• Lianhe Zaobao, 3 February 2025, Singapore, p5

In this series, NUS News explores how NUS is accelerating sustainability research and education in response to climate change challenges, and harnessing the knowledge and creativity of our people to pave the way to a greener future for all.

Sustainability is a shared commitment that requires everyone to take personal responsibility for the planet. NUS students are encouraged to foster ground-up projects and partake in community initiatives to promote a sustainability mindset and sustainable practices across campus and among the next generation.

With hostelites spending much of their time on campus, making sustainable living both accessible and engaging is essential. From island-hopping excursions and food rescue operations to swapping fashion items, discover how students from various NUS hostels are learning and inspiring their peers to embrace a sustainable lifestyle!

Pioneer House

At the heart of Pioneer House's (PH) ethos lies a fundamental belief in the power of humanity. To this end, one of PH's core values is promoting frugality and sustainable living as part of a broader effort to remind residents that they can do their part to contribute meaningfully to the House and the wider community.

A Frugality and Sustainable Living Subcommittee comprising 17 like-minded students, led by undergraduate Prisha Ramesh Babu, oversees the planning of different initiatives to promote sustainable living among the PH community.

“Our efforts centre on introducing sustainable practices and habits that residents can adopt, while also encouraging a deeper connection with nature. By planning innovative and engaging events, we aim to transform sustainability into an inspiring and enriching aspect of community life!” said Prisha, a Year 2 Chemical Engineering undergraduate.

Through the island-hopping initiative, the subcommittee aims to take students on exploratory trips around Singapore's picturesque islands, such as St John's and Lazarus Island. During these visits, participants discover and appreciate each location’s unique ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Organised yearly, the popular island-hopping excursions are designed to minimise environmental impact. Students are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks, while enjoying outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and relaxing on the beaches – a budget-friendly way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city!

Another interesting initiative organised by the subcommittee is Fashion Swap. Instead of purchasing new clothing items, PH residents are encouraged at the start of every academic year to donate their used clothing in exchange for curated pre-loved items from their peers. As nearly 7 per cent of the global landfill is made up of textile waste, the subcommittee hopes to promote mindful consumerism, encourage residents to adopt more sustainable living habits and be better stewards of the environment.

One of the main organisers of this initiative, Jonathan Ho, a Year 1 undergraduate from the Faculty of Science, recalled the challenge of managing some 50kg worth of clothing that changed hands at the last Fashion Swap held in October last year. “I am glad that the event was overall a success despite all the logistical struggles! I believe that many participants felt happy as they were able to exchange their clothes at no cost while also contributing to the reduction of clothing waste,” he shared.

Ridge View Residential College

As the residential college with sustainability as one of its themes, students residing at Ridge View Residential College (RVRC) are no strangers to issues related to sustainability. While it facilitates ground-up sustainability efforts by students, RVRC also adopts “The World is our Classroom” as a learning motto, such that even academic activities are carefully curated to provide a real-world experience to effectively inculcate a sustainability mindset in their residents.

One example of such a curated experience can be found in RVN2000 Engaging Communities in Sustainability, a course offered under the NUS General Education’s Communities and Engagement pillar. This course explores the role of communities in addressing challenges related to resource consumption and waste production through field trips with different community partners.

The course includes a field trip to Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, where students work alongside a ground-up initiative called Fridge Restock Community SG (FRC) to rescue “ugly” vegetables and fruits, which are then distributed to community fridges and community distribution points located in residential neighbourhoods.

Sharing her reflections after the field trip, Shanice Zhuang, a Year 2 student from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences said, “It was overwhelming to see the sheer amount of perfectly good produce that would have been disposed of. As we went through the process of collecting and distributing the produce, I kept wondering why these were considered as waste. They were still fresh and in good condition—too good to be thrown away.”

Students also engage with FRC’s founder, along with its volunteers and beneficiaries, gaining valuable insights into the challenges of community-led initiatives, the volunteers' motivations for participating in sustainability efforts, and the significant impact made by this initiative in addressing food waste.

Tembusu College

The five houses in Tembusu College are each named after endangered animal species, reflecting the College’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, the College has its very own student-led wildlife interest group - the Tembusu Wildlife Association (tWild).

tWild aims to inspire students to appreciate nature through education and hands-on exploration, while nurturing a sense of personal responsibility towards the planet and its biodiversity. The group organises a variety of activities on and off-campus to encourage Tembusians to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the rich biodiversity in Singapore.

These on-campus activities included a movie-trivia night featuring a wildlife-related documentary; and Wildlife Wednesday, a recurring initiative that shares fun facts about local species and offers practical tips on how individuals can address conservation challenges.

During recess and reading weeks, students venture out of the campus and go on guided wildlife walks at different nature reserves and parks across Singapore. These walks allow Tembusians to learn more about local wildlife and foster a greater sense of appreciation for nature and its inhabitants.

Sharing about their future plans, Zayn Tong, Year 2 Life Sciences undergraduate said: “One exciting event we have planned for this semester is Conservation Month. Throughout this month, we will centre our activities around a unifying theme, featuring events like nature walks and talks by experts in wildlife and conservation. These speakers will share their work and offer insights into how students can make a tangible impact.

“Our goal is to provide Tembusians with more opportunities to learn about conservation and sustainability; and empower them to play an active role in these efforts through interactive walks, informative talks and engaging exhibits.”

This is the second in a two-part series featuring sustainability initiatives at the various hostels in NUS. Read the first part here.

Ms Tan Shui-Min, NUS Chief Information Technology Officer, started the year on a high note with her recognition as one of the ‘Transformative CIOs of 2024’ by the Economic Times CIO Southeast Asia. This accolade celebrates her visionary leadership and instrumental role in driving digital transformation at NUS.

The award, which honours top Chief Information Officers (CIOs) across Southeast Asia, is presented to those who have demonstrated exceptional foresight, strategic thinking, and the ability to integrate technology seamlessly into their organisations. Ms Tan was selected for her significant role in advancing NUS’ digital landscape, creating a robust ecosystem that fosters collaboration, learning, and research.

A standout initiative launched under her leadership in 2024 is AI-Know, NUS’ proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) platform. This comprehensive suite of AI-powered tools is designed to empower NUS staff to build digital competencies alongside Digital Enablement training that enhances AI literacy across the university. With features tailored to support the academic and administrative needs of university users, AI-Know aims to transform workplace culture by fostering a mindset of self-service, innovation, and agility, while embracing the full potential of AI.

Emphasising the importance of cultivating a culture of agility and innovation to navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape, Ms Tan said, “Our transformative approach to advancing the campus digital landscape stems from our belief in enabling and empowering all staff to embrace AI. That is why, from the onset, NUS Information Technology (NUS IT) decided to build an AI platform instead of a function-specific AI solution. Through AI-Know, we enable staff from all departments to build their own AI solutions within defined safe guardrails.”

Since its launch, AI-Know has empowered nearly 1,000 staff and engaged over 120 departments across campus. Departments have leveraged the platform’s AI-Create feature to develop their own generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs), integrating their data repositories and tailoring specific instructions. For example, NUS Office of Human Resources has developed a GPT to assist candidates during the hiring process, while ‘GPT Tutor’ provided personalised support to learners.

Beyond AI-Know, Ms Tan’s strategic emphasis on cloud computing, AI, and data fabric has solidified NUS’s position as a beacon of innovation within the educational sector, inspiring institutions across the region to follow suit.

• CNA Online, 27 January 2025

• The Straits Times Online, 28 January 2025

• 8world Online, 28 January 2025

• Lianhe Zaobao, 28 January 2025, Business, p30
• 8world Online, 27 January 2025

• Lianhe Zaobao, 24 January 2025, Singapore, p6
• The Straits Times, 25 January 2025, Singapore, pA14

By Dr Lance Gore Liangping, Senior Research Fellow from the East Asian Institute at NUS

• Lianhe Zaobao, 24 January 2025, Opinion, p13

• Suria News Online, 23 January 2025

• The Straits Times, 21 January 2025, The Big Story, pA4
• The New Paper, 21 January 2025

• Lianhe Zaobao, 21 January 2025, Singapore, p6
• Lianhe Zaobao, 21 January 2025, Singapore, p6
• Berita Harian, 21 January 2025, p4

• Berita Harian, 21 January 2025, p4

• The Straits Times Online, 27 January 2025

• CNA Online, 24 January 2025

• Berita Harian Online, 28 January 2025
• Berita Harian, 29 January 2025, p5

• CNA, 28 January 2025
• Money 89.3FM, 28 January 2025
• Berita Harian, 29 January 2025, p2
• Tamil Murasu Online, 28 January 2025
• The Straits Times, 29 January 2025, Singapore, pA5
• Tabla!, 31 January 2025, p6

Scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) are poised to make significant contributions to global efforts aimed at uncovering dark matter and discovering exotic astrophysical particles, with the potential to transform our understanding of the universe and redefine fundamental principles of physics. They are part of the Singapore team joining the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers to search for Exotic physics (GNOME), an international scientific collaboration pushing the boundaries of physics to explore dark matter and other exotic astrophysical particles.

Dark matter refers to a new type of fundamental particle or particles that interact with ordinary matter through gravity. Such particles are undetectable through conventional methods, making it exceptionally challenging to observe directly. However, the presence of dark matter can be inferred through gravitational effects on visible matter.

GNOME’s network of 15 stations located in some of the most prestigious research institutions around the world collect magnetic field signals from quantum sensors across these stations. By analysing the collective data of the GNOME network, scientists hope to uncover the presence of dark matter.

The Singapore GNOME unites the strengths of the National University of Singapore (NUS), Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR), and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It leverages world-class atomic clocks from NUS, which are managed by Associate Professor Murray Barrett and his team at CQT, as well as advanced quantum magnetometers from A*STAR, cutting-edge atomic gravimeters from NTU, and enhanced cloud computing and machine learning functions from Amazon Web Services (AWS) Singapore.

Assoc Prof Barrett, who is from NUS Department of Physics and CQT, said, “The unprecedented precision of optical clocks opens new scientific opportunities such as the search for new physics or possible dark matter models. My team’s lutetium clock project has established this capability in Singapore, and I am delighted for the opportunity to contribute to GNOME.”

As a member of GNOME, Singapore expands the network’s geographic coverage with its equatorial location, improving the accuracy of global data collection and analysis. Singapore’s inclusion in this prestigious network will foster knowledge exchange, driving innovations and generating economic impact across different fields, including biomedical imaging, navigation systems, and environmental monitoring.

Read more here.

Professor Mohan Kankanhalli and Professor Abhik Roychoudhury from the NUS School of Computing have been honoured as 2024 Fellows of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). Among the latest cohort of ACM Fellows, they stand as the sole computer scientists from a Singapore institution to receive this distinguished accolade.

The 2024 cohort of ACM Fellows comprises 55 distinguished inductees from leading universities, institutions, and tech companies around the world. One of the highest accolades in the computing field, the ACM Fellows programme recognises the top one per cent of ACM members for their exceptional contributions to advancing computing and information technology, and/or outstanding service to ACM and the larger computing community. Fellows are nominated by their peers, with nominations reviewed by a distinguished selection committee.

Prof Kankanhalli, who is also the Director of NUS AI Institute and Deputy Executive Chairman of AI Singapore, was recognised for his significant contributions to multimedia content processing and multimedia security. An authority on multimodal computing, computer vision as well as trustworthy AI, Prof Kankanhalli’s research contributions are in   using multimodal semantics forimage and video understanding, as well as making multimodal models robust and safe.

Prof Kankanhalli shared, “It is a special honour to be included in such distinguished company. It is also a recognition of the outstanding students, postdocs, colleagues and collaborators with whom I was able to pursue very exciting and meaningful research. NUS and NUS Computing have supported the exploration of bold ideas, and I look forward to doing even more impactful work!”

Prof Roychoudhury, who also serves as Co-Director (Singapore) of DesCartes, was honoured for his transformative contributions to software testing and analysis, including automated programme repair and fuzz testing. His research has played a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability of software systems, addressing critical challenges in cybersecurity and system resilience.

“I am honoured to be selected as an ACM fellow for my contributions to trustworthy software systems. As I narrated in a recent interview to ACM, I feel that imagination remains the key to research—it drives the formulation of new research directions and new research problems. The qualitative outlook towards computing research, which can shape future technology that is actually being used by society, is thus at least as important as the quantitative outlook towards research (which simply measures research and often gets over-emphasised). Today the technologies for software security or automatic programming that we have built at NUS are used by practitioners on a daily basis, while still continuing to inspire new lines of thought among researchers to this day,” said Prof Roychoudhury.

NUS congratulates Prof Kankanhalli and Prof Roychoudhury on receiving this prestigious accolade and we celebrate their remarkable contributions to shaping the future of computing. Their achievements underscores NUS’ commitment to driving cutting-edge research, fostering innovation, and advancing global excellence in the field of computing.

Read more.

Lively gatherings, shared resources, and warm feelings of identity and belonging come to mind when strong communities are mentioned. Simple as these benefits may seem, they contribute to an important concept called social capital that influences a country’s success in weathering a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic and even predicts crime rates in neighbourhoods.

Described as the value derived from social networks, social capital involves elements like interpersonal relationships, a shared sense of identity, and trust within and between various groups in communities. When social capital is high in a community, members are motivated to help one another to solve problems large and small and unite in the face of challenges.

The concept was discussed at length at the Institute of Policy Studies’ (IPS) annual Singapore Perspectives conference on 20 January 2025, where the theme of “Community” took on deeper meaning in the context of the 60^th anniversary of Singapore’s independence and an upcoming general election. In three panel sessions on Community and the State, Community and the Market, and Community and the Polity, speakers reflected on how far the country has come and what is needed to take it forward in an increasingly divided world.

Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, noted that the original principles established at independence – to adopt an open posture towards the rest of the world and to create a Singapore for Singaporeans that rises above “tribal instincts” while protecting differences in religion and culture – have served the nation well. Nevertheless, Singaporeans must continue to work together to avoid becoming divided over issues like ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, age, and sexual orientation.

Said Mr Tong: “Our ability to forge a strong collective ‘We’ as opposed to ‘Me’, whilst enabling and even encouraging diversities to come forward, sharing perspectives, and having collective aspirations will give us the space to flourish. This, I believe, will be the key to our continued success.”

The payoff from social capital

In his opening speech, IPS director Mr Janadas Devan recalled the impact of social capital in the COVID-19 pandemic, when Singaporeans behaved in socially responsible ways, looked out for one another regardless of background, and showed appreciation and respect to essential workers.

A study published in The Lancet in 2022 found that countries with strong social capital, measured by indicators like high trust in government and high interpersonal trust, did better in controlling COVID-19 infection rates and achieving high vaccine coverage.

“We routinely cite social cohesion, solidarity, as one of the factors in Singapore’s success. This nostrum may sound like a cliché to some, even propaganda. But as we saw in the pandemic, social cohesion literally saves lives,” said Mr Devan.

The link between social capital and crime rates was brought up in the session on Community and the Polity by Mr Chng Kai Fong, Permanent Secretary (Information and Development) at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information.

Mr Chng noted that crime rates are lower in neighbourhoods with high social capital, such as those where residents know their neighbours’ first names. Such social ties encourage specific reciprocity, where behaviours are shaped by interactions between individuals, he explained. “If (I) cheat somebody, other people will hear about it from the neighbourhood. So the more I cheat, the more I lose because no one’s going to do business with me.”

However, an even more powerful product of social capital is generalised reciprocity, where community members are motivated to show kindness to others without expecting a direct benefit, said Mr Chng.

“I will be nice to you and help you because in this community, others are nice to me. I can trust that the doctor down the street, the next-door technician, they’re all going to help me out when I need help. And anyway, on the weekend we’re going to see each other at the community run or at the market. This is what I daresay happened during COVID, and this is what I hope happens in our neighbourhoods.”

Ways to build social capital

Mr Chng and his fellow panellists, Associate Professor Daniel Goh from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Ms Yulianna Frederika, founder of research and advocacy platform Lepak Conversations, discussed the practical, everyday aspects of community building – from navigating new cultural identities and practices to finding and creating environments for social capital to develop.

Assoc Prof Goh explained an emerging phenomenon of “super diversity,” which in the Singapore context can be translated as the layering of old, new and super new cultural identities and practices. For instance, cross-ethnic and cross-national marriages are increasing, and Singaporeans are working and living overseas at higher rates, then bringing new cultural ideas with them when they return.

The result is more complex identities that are difficult to fit into traditional categories of race and ethnicity. But rather than allowing such complexities to divide us, we can embrace this new reality by keeping an open mind to accept broader definitions of culture and citizenship and choosing inclusion as the operating principle when making decisions around super diversity, said Assoc Prof Goh.

He also suggested moving away from the idea of the “true blue Singaporean, born and bred here”, explaining that it excludes individuals he considers to be fellow Singaporeans even if they were born elsewhere.

Ms Yulianna shared that Lepak Conversations explores the possibility of bringing Singaporeans together around values rather than identities. Values, she noted, can be shared across different groups and belief systems, and the overlaps create opportunities for knowledge exchange and trust-building.

She cited, for instance, a recent event she was facilitating for Malay-Muslim benefit organisations where Lepak Conversations community members of other ethnicities were also in attendance. When Ms Yulianna approached one of them, she realised that he was chatting with an organisation’s elders to find out how he and his friends could help them to raise funds.

“That’s why it’s important to create that space and welcome everyone for that exchange of wisdom and knowledge. Keeping to ourselves within our communities limits that,” she said.

Ultimately, building social capital to create a more inclusive Singapore starts with our actions as individuals who make up communities, said Mr Chng. “My challenge to you is this: especially at the start of the new year, are you joining a neighbourhood gym or a neighbourhood club? Are you getting to know the people in your neighbourhood? You’ll be quite surprised. People open up and are willing to talk to strangers if you make the first move.”

Held for the first time in Indonesia, NUS Enterprise collaborated with the Tarumanagara Foundation, Institut Teknologi Bandung and Universitas Indonesia to organise the second run of the NUS Enterprise Winter Programme in Entrepreneurship from 5 to 12 January 2025 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Bandung.

Similar to the programme’s first run in Bangkok last January, this iteration took participants through a transformative week filled with learning journeys to local Indonesian companies, mentoring sessions with industry experts, and a cultural immersion workshop where they tried playing the angklung, a traditional Indonesian musical instrument made of bamboo.

Likening her experience to being filled with childlike curiosity again, Laura Lee, a Year 1 NUS Mechanical Engineering student with a passion for environmental sustainability and climate solutions, reflected on her eight-day journey in Indonesia.

As a foreigner in the country, everything felt fresh and unfamiliar – whether the food, conversations with her Indonesian peers in the programme, or even the everyday act of crossing the road. “It’s perplexing at times,” she reflected, “but it’s also incredibly rewarding to be able to see the vastness of the world beyond Singapore.”

Despite her initial apprehension, Laura transformed her journey into a vibrant tapestry of discovery. From Jakarta's electric urban pulse to Bandung's serene landscapes, each moment became a catalyst for personal growth — weaving together threads of adventure, camaraderie, and self-reflection. The trip not only expanded her horizons but also crystallised her entrepreneurial vision, revealing unexpected strengths and inspiring new perspectives that would reshape her professional trajectory.

The power of collaboration and playing to one’s strengths

During team formation, the awareness that she would be the only Singaporean in the team made Laura realise communication was key and she would have to code-switch to get her ideas across effectively. With this in mind, the success of her team, ByAlgae, was no accident.

Comprising two business-savvy students, two creative designers, and Laura herself, the team brought a set of diverse skills to the table.

"Their talents, dedication to their cause, and work ethic amazed me," Laura shared. “They even meticulously combed through research papers in Bahasa Indonesia and translated them into English.” Recognising her team's diverse strengths, Laura took the lead in delegating tasks, maximising each member’s unique capabilities to bring life to their project.

Their winning pitch for Metland’s problem statement was a testament to teamwork and strategic thinking. Guided by pitch mentors and judges like Mr Tay Kae Fong, Founder of Binomial Consulting and Co-Founder of Greenway Revolution; and Mr Paulus Timothy, Founder and CEO at Apaw Virtual Indonesia who conducted the mentoring session with the group, Laura’s team learned that less is more when it comes to storytelling.

“The first step is just getting them to like you," Mr Paulus advised – a principle, Laura embraced in drafting a compelling and focused pitch.

Problem-solving can be long-term, but – on the spot?

ByAlgae’s innovative solution to air pollution—using microalgae technology integrated into urban infrastructure — stood out for its blend of sustainability and design. Initially focusing on building facades, the team pivoted to urban infrastructure after their mentor’s advice, honing a business-to-government approach that offered greater scalability and impact.

Despite last-minute stress and technical hurdles, Laura’s creativity shone during the pitch. Her quick thinking to incorporate a face mask prop to drive home the urgency of tackling air pollution and forgo a one-minute video that reiterated issues already discussed by the previous groups, using the time instead to elaborate on the team’s solutions, resulted in a captivating presentation that won over the judges.

Reflecting on her team’s victory, Laura remarked, "It taught me that a great idea isn’t enough — it’s the story and branding that get you noticed. This experience has given me confidence in my pitching skills, though I know the journey of entrepreneurship is far from easy."

With future aspirations in sustainability and green engineering, Laura emerged from the experience more confident of her skills in pitching to a panel of judges.

A bit of culture, a bit of laughter

Beyond acquiring skills and gaining exposure to enterprises, Laura discovered that the best friendships can blossom in the most unexpected ways. For her, it was the bond forged with her Indonesian roommate, Anastasya, during their late-night giggle sessions. “Initially, I was worried about the cultural and language barriers,” Laura admitted. However, simple moments, like ironing shirts together, proved to be powerful icebreakers. "That night, we laughed so hard it felt intimate to me – a genuine connection. Anastasya's uncontrollable laughter in the darkness as we watched videos of our ironing antics, I realised this was what true friendship felt like."

Another standout memory for Laura was the angklung performance, where seated participants came together to play the instrument with instructions from the emcee. "It transcended all boundaries when the emcee conducted the crowd to play several songs, bringing to life a tune in unison. It was beautiful," Laura recalled. "The crowd became a singular entity, connected through song and dance. It’s a feeling I wish I could capture forever."

Terima kasih for the good times!

The trip was a whirlwind of unforgettable moments for Laura and fellow participants: late-night bus conversations, playing chess on the streets, karaoke parties, and trying monosodium glutamate (MSG) as a seasoning. But on top of the fun, it was the wisdom shared by mentors that left a lasting impact.

Vertex Ventures’ Jessica Koh’s assertion that "every start-up faces near-failure multiple times" reframed Laura’s understanding of resilience. Similarly, Mr Tay’s words: "The hardest thing you’ll ever do is whatever you’re doing right now" – underscored the perseverance required in entrepreneurship.

As her journey came to a close, it was the profound connections Laura forged – her newfound “family” – that left an indelible mark on her. Their impact transcended mere cultural or culinary exchanges; they instilled in her the invaluable lessons of embracing the unknown, nurturing an insatiable curiosity about the world, and wholeheartedly embracing novel experiences.

Reflecting on her transformative adventure, Laura shared, “While I search for an idea that I’m passionate about, this programme has prepared me to embrace future challenges with excitement and determination." The trip was a vivid reminder that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can unlock not just new perspectives, but also serendipitous connections that inspire profound gratitude.

By NUS Enterprise

NUS will be setting up Acacia College in University Town – its fifth Residential College (RC) on campus and the first new RC to be established in a decade since the last RC was launched in 2015. The new RC will open its doors in August 2025 with an inaugural cohort of 100 students, scaling up to accommodate 600 students by August 2026.

Building upon the successful curricular design and pedagogical approaches of the four existing RCs and offering the University Town College Programme, Acacia College will be the first RC in NUS to study the theme – “Fundamentals of Artificial and Human Intelligences” – where students from different degree programmes come together and read interdisciplinary courses delivered through immersive small-group sessions at the college.

With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming integral in our daily lives and its pervasive influence reshaping our interactions with the world, there is a pressing need to equip students to thrive in this new hyper-technological era. As society grapples with the ethical, social and cultural implications of AI, students will explore the relationship between AI and all facets of life and work, while acquiring practical skills and know-how in Generative AI, AI programming and Machine Learning.

The expansion of NUS’ stable of RCs is aligned with NUSOne, the latest effort by the University to encourage and imbue greater self-directed growth through the vibrancy of student life, living on campus, and out-of-classroom experiences. It also marks another step towards NUS’ goal of providing every undergraduate the opportunity to experience on-campus living and learning for a year, especially during the freshman year.

LIKES curriculum for AI

Students who gain admission to Acacia College will embark on a two-year residency programme, gaining access to exclusive interdisciplinary courses. In their first year of residency, they will explore the concept of “AI versus humans” through Junior Seminars, learning about the tensions and conflicts between AI and humans, stemming from the fundamental similarities and differences between them. This will provide students with foundational knowledge to engage with advanced topics in AI in their Senior Seminars.

Building on this, the second year of residency will allow students to deep dive, through Senior Seminars, into cross-disciplinary topics on how “AI and humans” can co-exist across the diverse facets of life in the following areas:

• AI and Living
  Explores how AI can be integrated into our everyday lives – whether in daily routines or leisure activities – from the creative arts to competitive athletics and even companionship.
   
• AI and Innovation
  Analyses how AI is utilised across different industries and its unique role in revolutionising innovative breakthroughs, elucidating the triggers, catalysts, and other essential factors.
   
• AI and Knowhow
  Imparts technical knowledge and knowhow, problem-solving skills and other practical skillsets to work confidently using Generative AI (text, image, video), AI programming and Machine Learning.
   
• AI and Exploration
  Examines historical precedents and patterns of technological innovation, both past and present, to uncover unexplored territories within AI across the social, economic and cultural contexts.
   
• AI and Susceptibility
  Delves into the legal and ethical considerations, such as controversies and dilemmas surrounding the usage, governance and exploitation of AI, to better understand the complexity and intricacies underlying policies within and across different countries.

Students at Acacia College will also get to lead and organise their own initiatives such as hackathons and symposia as well as benefit from opportunities for industry engagement, global exposure and pastoral care as part of the experiential educational journey of an RC.

Acacia College will be located on the premises currently occupied by NUS College (Cinnamon Wing). NUS College students will be moving into the residential buildings on the Yale-NUS College campus later this year.

Fostering interests with action and imagination

Associate Professor Heng Cheng Suang from the Department of Information Systems and Analytics at NUS School of Computing, who has served as the Master-Designate of Acacia College since 1 November 2024, will assume the role of Master from 1 July 2025. He is an Associate Professor with tenure at the Department of Information Systems and Analytics at NUS Computing, where his primary research focuses on how organisations strategise their use of technology.

Dr Heng is now ex officio after four years as Chair of NUS Teaching Academy, a unit under the NUS Office of the Provost that serves as a think tank for educational matters for the University. He also serves on the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) Steering Committee, Faculty Teaching Excellence Committee, Department Deputy Head (Research & Admin), Department Teaching Mentorship Chair, and Department Ethics Review Committee.

He has been appointed to the Editorial Review Board of academic journals MIS Quarterly and IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, having served as the Track Chair and Associate Editor for the International Conference on Information Systems, European Conference on Information Systems, and Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems. In addition, he is a reviewer for top journals such as Information Systems Research and Research Policy.

The new RC will adopt the motto “Action. Imagination.”, with Dr Heng explaining: “Action turns dreams into reality, while imagination ignites the spark of possibility. We aspire to build a world where technology doesn't merely solve problems; it deepens understanding, fosters connections, and elevates the human spirit.”

“It is not the brilliance of technology alone that will lead us, but our shared humanity that will chart the course for true progress. By embracing both wisdom and empathy, I hope students of Acacia College will benefit greatly from their residential living experience and be bold in their endeavours, fuelled by curiosity, compassion, and care,” he added.

Fostering the next generation of AI talents

From Academic Year 2025/2026, NUS will also launch a new NUS AI Talent Scholarship awarded to 20 freshmen pursuing full-time undergraduate degree programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Business Artificial Intelligence Systems, or Robotics and Machine Intelligence.

The NUS AI Talent Scholarship is open to Singapore citizens and offers a comprehensive package that includes full coverage of subsidised tuition fees, a living allowance for each academic year, as well as allowances for on-campus accommodation and travel grants for each semester.

In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients will benefit from development opportunities, such as mentorship by top AI researchers, entrepreneurship training opportunities in one of the start-up companies on an AI project through our flagship NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) programme in various locations, or gain overseas exposure and acquire global perspectives at a partner university through our Student Exchange Programme (SEP).

NUS AI Talent Scholars will also receive priority to enrol in the University Town College Programme. This includes access to Acacia College, a new Residential College set to open in August 2025 with a focus on AI. Acacia College will provide a unique living and learning environment, tailored to students with a passion for AI, to align their interests and fortify their strengths in this area.  

By Prof Teo Yik Ying, NUS Vice-President (Global Health) and Dean of Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at NUS

• The Straits Times, 27 January 2025, Opinion, pB3

• Lianhe Zaobao, 27 January 2025, Singapore, p8

A book titled Sensory Anthropology: Culture and Experience in Asia by sociologist Associate Professor Kelvin Low was named an “Outstanding Academic Title” by the American Library Association (ALA) in “The Choice Outstanding Academic Titles list of 2024”.

This prestigious list reflects the best in scholarly titles, both print and digital, that were reviewed the year before by ALA’s publishing unit, Choice, and brings with it the extraordinary recognition of the academic library community. ALA noted that the list is quite selective, containing approximately ten per cent of some 5,000 works reviewed annually by Choice.

Published on 9 March 2023 by Cambridge University Press, the volume is a pioneering exploration of how different Asian cultures understand and value sensory experiences – such as sight, sound, touch, taste, smell and beyond – and reveal the ways in which these are deeply tied to cultural meanings and social practices. For instance, it looks at sensory rituals, the role of sensory experiences in religious practices, and how sensory engagement can shape identity and social interaction.

Assoc Prof Low, Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, focuses his research on sensory studies, migration and transnationalism, food and foodways, and social memory and heritage. His current research projects include human-non-human relations and sensory encounters in the city, as well as sensory craft in relation to ceramic artists and learners in Singapore. 

On the accolade, Assoc Prof Low said, “I am humbled and privileged to receive this acknowledgement from the ALA. More importantly, it is gratifying to see that sensory scholarship continues to gain important traction and academic visibility, with a focus on Asian contexts and cultures”.

Horseshoe crabs are often referred to as the “living fossils” of our planet — the four known species, including three in Asia and one in North America, remain nearly identical to their ancient relatives from hundreds of millions of years ago. These arthropods are a fundamental building block of coastal marine ecosystems. Their eggs, for example, serve as a major food source for shorebirds, some of which have evolved to time their migrations to coincide with peak horseshoe crab spawning activity. In addition to their ecological role, horseshoe crabs are also used in biomedicine to test for harmful toxins in vaccines.

Among the four species, only the Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus), found along the Atlantic coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico, has been extensively studied. In contrast, scientific information about the three Asian species is so scant and scattered that the IUCN Red List, which tracks the extinction risk of species around the world, listed two of them (the mangrove horseshoe crab and the coastal horseshoe crab) as “data deficient”. This designation indicates insufficient data to assess their extinction risk. On the other hand, the tri-spine horseshoe crab is considered endangered.

Understanding our planet’s living fossils

To help fill in these knowledge gaps, a research team led by Associate Professor Frank Rheindt from the Department of Biological Sciences at the NUS Faculty of Science conducted the first comprehensive population genomic study of all three Asian horseshoe crab species: the mangrove horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda), coastal horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas), and tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus).

The study underscores the importance of Southeast Asia’s Sunda Shelf, a shallow-marine region, as a critical coastal marine habitat. Importantly, this region has sustained the survival of these ancient arthropods for millennia and could continue to act as a refuge for Asian horseshoe crabs amid accelerating anthropogenic climate change.

The researchers have also established the first-ever genomic baseline dataset for these species, which lay the groundwork for targeted conservation planning. Their findings, which propose different conservation strategies for each species, were published in Conservation Letters on 16 December 2024.

Back to the basics: Filling data gaps to advance conservation efforts

“To protect and conserve these species, it is crucial that we first cover the basics — understanding their population structure, evolutionary histories and climate-change-driven vulnerabilities,” said Assoc Prof Rheindt. “This foundational knowledge will enable us to develop targeted conservation strategies and prioritise habitats critical for their survival.”

Tracking and monitoring Asian horseshoe crabs is in and of itself a challenging feat. They spend most of their lives on the seabed, making them difficult to observe, and they take 14 years to mature — too long to assess population changes effectively through traditional surveys. To overcome these challenges, the researchers turned to population genomic approaches, where they analysed DNA from 251 horseshoe crabs collected across 52 sites in 11 countries.

Using this data, NUS researchers created the first genomic baseline dataset for Asian horseshoe crabs. This dataset enabled the team to map population structures and delineate genetic boundaries among the three species. “Such distinctions are important, as they highlight populations that harbour unique genetic traits essential for adapting to specific local environments,” said Dr Tang Qian, the first author of the study. “Genomic data also helps us pinpoint coastal hotspots that should be prioritised for conservation.”

The study also revealed how horseshoe crabs have responded to environmental fluctuations over time. The Sunda Shelf emerged as a vital refuge for horseshoe crabs during periods of past climate change. By reconstructing the species’ evolutionary histories, the researchers found that the region has not only preserved genetic diversity but also served as a migratory corridor, which allowed populations to remain connected despite environmental changes.

Tailored conservation strategies needed

The study highlighted that future climate change poses varying levels of risk to the three species of Asian horseshoe crabs. While all are vulnerable, their ability to adapt differs. For instance, the mangrove horseshoe crab, with its limited dispersal capacity, faces higher threats of local extinction compared to the more mobile coastal and tri-spine horseshoe crabs.

Based on these findings, the researchers have proposed tailored conservation strategies to support each species in adapting to climate change:

·       Mangrove horseshoe crabs

o Protect and restore mangrove habitats, which are essential for the species’ survival and ability to migrate southward in response to rising temperatures.

o Prioritise the conservation of populations in the Gulf of Tonkin and South China as they face the highest evolutionary pressures from climate change.

·       Coastal horseshoe crabs

o Protect the Sunda Shelf region, which serves as a critical refugial habitat, particularly around the Bay of Bengal, the Malacca Strait and Southern Vietnam.

o Maintain connectivity between populations by safeguarding coastal corridors to mitigate the species’ vulnerability to habitat fragmentation.

·       Tri-spine horseshoe crabs

o Implement sustainable fishery regulations and restore coastal habitats, especially in areas with a history of intensive development, such as Japan, Taiwan and China.

o Focus conservation efforts on reducing human-driven threats like harvesting and habitat loss as these currently pose greater risks than climate change.

Next steps

“Our study provides an important impetus and the necessary baseline data for the preservation of key habitats for horseshoe crabs’ future survival,” said Dr Tang. “As an important caveat, however, our work is only based on environmental factors and does not take into account future human activities that may directly alter habitats, such as coastal development. The survival of horseshoe crabs will therefore critically depend on interventions based on local contexts.”

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to further explore the evolutionary potential of Asian horseshoe crabs. This includes studying how specific functional genes contribute to their ability to adapt to local environments and changing climates.

“We have established the Horseshoe Crab Global Biorepository, with its physical collection located at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum at NUS, to support ongoing and future research,” added Assoc Prof Rheindt. “Through this resource, we hope to foster collaborations and secure funding to advance genomic research on horseshoe crabs. We are currently working with the Chinese University of Hong Kong on genomic research specifically focused on the tri-spine horseshoe crab.”

A team of researchers from NUS has developed a novel method to enhance the precision of cancer treatment using gold nanoparticles tagged with DNA barcodes.

Led by Assistant Professor Andy Tay from the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Design and Engineering and Institute of Health Innovation & Technology at NUS, the study demonstrates how gold nanoparticles of specific shapes, such as triangles, excel in delivering therapeutic nucleic acids and heating tumour cells during photothermal therapy. These findings uncover the distinct preferences of tumour cells for certain nanoparticle configurations, which could enable the development of personalised cancer treatments that are safer and more effective.

The team’s novel technique, detailed in a paper published in Advanced Functional Materials on 24 November 2024, enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes and modifications, reducing associated screening costs. Beyond cancer treatment, the method has broader therapeutic applications, including RNA delivery and targeting diseases at the organ-specific level.

Size and shape matter

Gold is more than just bling. When reduced to about one-thousandth the width of human hair, gold nanoparticles shine as therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. For instance, specks of the precious metal are used in photothermal therapy, where particles delivered to the tumour site convert specific wavelengths of light to heat, killing surrounding cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles can also serve as messengers to deliver drugs directly to specific locations within a tumour.

“But for these gold nanoparticles to work, they first need to get into the targeted sites successfully,” said Asst Prof Tay. “Think of it as a delivery person with a special key — if the key doesn’t fit the lock, the package won’t get through.”

Achieving this level of precision requires finding the right nanoparticle design — its shape, size and surface properties must align with the preferences of target cells. However, existing screening methods to pinpoint optimal designs are akin to searching for needles in a haystack. Moreover, these methods often overlook the preferences of different cell types within a tumour, from immune to endothelial to cancer cells.

To tackle these challenges, the NUS researchers turned to DNA barcoding. Each nanoparticle is tagged with a unique DNA sequence, with which the researchers could tag and track individual designs, much like registering a parcel to be shipped by post in a delivery system. Importantly, these barcodes enabled the team to monitor multiple nanoparticle designs simultaneously in vivo, as their sequences could be easily extracted and analysed to locate the nanoparticles’ whereabouts within the body.

“We used thiol-functionalisation to securely anchor the DNA barcodes to the surface of the gold nanoparticles. This ensures the barcodes remain stable, resistant to enzymatic degradation and do not interfere with cellular uptake,” said Asst Prof Tay, highlighting an important novelty of the team’s work.

To demonstrate this, the researchers prepared nanoparticles in six different shapes and sizes, where their distribution and uptake across various cell types were monitored. They found that round nanoparticles, despite showing poor uptake in cell culture studies, were excellent in targeting tumours in preclinical models as they were less likely to be eliminated by the immune system. On the other hand, triangular nanoparticles excelled in both in vitro and in vivo tests, resulting in high cellular uptake and strong photothermal properties.

Making cancer treatments safer

The team’s work shines a light on nanoparticle interactions in biological systems and the need to bridge discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo findings, as evidenced by those revealed by the round gold nanoparticles. These insights could guide the development of shape-morphing nanoparticles or intermediate designs tailored to optimise different stages of drug delivery.

Additionally, the research also illuminates the untapped potential of exploring nanoparticle shapes beyond spheres, which dominate those approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The researchers’ DNA barcoding method could also extend to screen other inorganic nanoparticles such as iron and silica in vivo, broadening the scope for drug delivery and precision medicine.

Looking ahead, the researchers are expanding their nanoparticle library to include 30 designs to identify candidates capable of targeting subcellular organelles. Suitable ones will then be tested for their efficacy in gene silencing and photothermal therapy for breast cancer. Asst Prof Tay also shared that the findings could significantly improve our understanding of RNA biology and advance RNA delivery techniques, which are increasingly being applied in therapeutics for treatment of various diseases.

“We have addressed a key challenge in cancer treatment — delivering drugs specifically to cancer tissues with greater efficiency,” said Asst Prof Tay. “The Achilles’ heel of existing nanoparticle-based drugs is their assumption of uniform delivery across all organs, but the reality is that different organs respond differently. Designing optimally-shaped nanoparticles for organ-specific targeting enhances the safety and efficacy of nanotherapeutics for cancer treatment — and beyond.”

By Dr Chew Han Ei, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at NUS Institute of Policy Studies, and Board Member of SG Her Empowerment

• The Straits Times, 20 January 2025, Opinion, pB3

• Tamil Murasu, 20 January 2025, p3

• Tamil Murasu, 20 January 2025, p3

• Lianhe Zaobao, 13 January 2025, Singapore, p8

By Adjunct Assoc Prof Jake Goh Jit Khong and Dr Li Lian Foo, Clinical Assistant Professor, both from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health

• The Straits Times, 13 January 2025, Opinion, pB3

• 8world Online, 12 January 2025