23 February 2024
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has unveiled its new College of Computing and Data Science, set to open its doors for enrolment in August, marking a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to advancing AI education. The inaugural batch of 60 students will embark on a journey to acquire essential mathematical and computational skills vital for the development of cutting-edge AI solutions.
At the core of the curriculum lies a focus on addressing the ethical dimensions of AI technology. Recognising the potential for AI to perpetuate inequality, bias, and misinformation, the program will equip students with a nuanced understanding of these challenges. Three mandatory modules dedicated to AI ethics and society underscore the college’s emphasis on fostering responsible AI practices among its graduates.
The overarching goal of the College is to cultivate AI talent that not only excels in technical prowess but also demonstrates a deep understanding of the societal implications of their work. Through industry-relevant degree programs, students will gain fluency in AI applications across various domains, positioning them as valuable assets in the evolving landscape of technology and innovation.
Central to the College’s mission are initiatives such as the Generative AI Lab and the Institute of Computing & Society, which facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage students to tackle real-world challenges arising from AI implementation. These initiatives underscore NTU’s commitment to leveraging AI for positive societal impact.
The establishment of the College of Computing and Data Science represents a strategic move by NTU to position itself at the forefront of AI education and research. This initiative aligns with the university’s broader vision of harnessing AI as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
NTU’s commitment to excellence in AI education is further underscored by its recent accolades in global rankings. The university was ranked #2 by US News and World Report in their global university rankings for AI, while its Data Science and AI Programme earned recognition as one of Forbes’ World’s Top 10 Best AI and Data Science Undergraduate Courses.
In line with its dedication to nurturing socially conscious AI talent, NTU introduced a series of new academic offerings earlier this year. These include the interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in AI and Society degree program, the Turing AI Scholars Programme, and a Minor in AI open to all undergraduates. These initiatives aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to develop human-centric AI solutions that prioritise ethical considerations.
The incoming Vice President (AI & Digital Economy) and Dean of the College of Computing and Data Science expressed optimism about the role of AI as a general-purpose technology. He highlighted the College’s role as a platform for delivering industry-relevant degree programs and emphasised the importance of the new academic offerings in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the AI-driven future.
