The Singapore University of Technology and Design (“SUTD”) and Yayasan MENDAKI (“MENDAKI”) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at SUTD today, to collaborate on initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI), design, and applied learning. The partnership aims to strengthen efforts to prepare the Malay/Muslim community for a digitally enabled future.

In his Budget 2026 speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong underscored why Singapore must harness AI as a strategic advantage—so that we do not fall behind in a rapidly changing world, and to ensure that AI serves our national interests and people. Harnessed well, AI can help Singapore overcome key structural constraints, including limited natural resources, a rapidly ageing population and a tight labour market.

This partnership not only aligns with Singapore’s national priorities but also supports the MENDAKI 2030 Workplan in building a future-ready workforce, and contributes to Langkah Digital, an M³ initiative led by MENDAKI, to promote AI adoption and digital literacy within the community. By combining MENDAKI’s strong community reach with SUTD’s expertise in technology, innovation and applied design, the partnership seeks to translate academic and industry expertise into meaningful, real-world impact. The collaboration will support applied learning opportunities and strengthen pathways for individuals to acquire relevant skills needed in a rapidly evolving economy.

Under the MOU, SUTD and MENDAKI will collaborate in areas such as providing training and skills development opportunities in AI and design for MENDAKI’s employees and the wider community, undertaking joint research and collaborative projects, and supporting student-related initiatives including the Capstone Programme and Design Studio projects. The partnership also encompasses participation in relevant MENDAKI and SUTD events, with the aim of facilitating knowledge exchange and raising community awareness, thereby strengthening digital capabilities and fostering innovation within the Malay/Muslim community.

The MOU was signed by Professor Tai Lee Siang, Deputy President, Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer, SUTD, and Mr Feroz Akber, Chief Executive Officer, MENDAKI, and witnessed by Guest-of-Honour Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State (SMS), Ministry of Defence & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, and Chairman of MENDAKI.

SMS Zaqy also dropped by the two-day SUTD–Yayasan MENDAKI Generative AI Professional Course, where 20 MENDAKI staff participated in the second run of the programme. The programme aims to introduce how AI can be used to support MENDAKI officers in their work, improve productivity, better manage day‑to‑day responsibilities, and enhance service delivery to the community.

This programme mirrors the way SUTD’s adult learning arm, SUTD Academy, has been working with organisations over the past year to build practical AI capabilities in support of Singapore’s national AI strategy. From April 2025 to January 2026, the Academy ran over 125 AI-related courses, training close to 3,700 participants. This included 36 Design AI executive workshops that engaged more than 800 leaders from public agencies, academia, and the private sector—representing a 400% increase from the previous year. For Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), SUTD Academy also organised 19 AI Impact Series workshops in partnership with SGTech, training close to 400 participants. In addition, through its “What’s Next? Reimagine Your Career using Design AI” programme conducted with Workforce Singapore, SUTD Academy is on track to train up to 300 PMETs aged 50 and above.

Professor Tai Lee Siang said: “SUTD’s collaboration with Yayasan MENDAKI reflects a shared belief that learning does not stop at school but continues across every stage of life. Through it, SUTD and MENDAKI will collaborate in areas such as Design and AI, training and skills development, joint research, and student-led projects. Together, we hope to support initiatives that nurture curiosity, build technological confidence and create meaningful opportunities for learners.”

Mr Feroz Akber shared: “Under MENDAKI 2030, our focus is not only on building a future-ready workforce, but also on ensuring that our community is prepared for the future economy. This partnership with SUTD strengthens our Langkah Digital efforts by translating intent into action equipping the Malay/Muslim community with relevant skills, applied learning opportunities and AI driven capabilities, so that they can participate confidently and thrive in a digital age.”

MENDAKI will continue to build strategic partnerships under its MENDAKI 2030 Workplan to strengthen lifelong learning pathways and build a future-ready workforce that thrives in the digital and AI-enabled world.