ÌÇÐÄVlog

Lianhe Zaobao,

(Translated summary)

To address the complex challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), both academia and industry require more multidisciplinary talent. In response, the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) plans to launch a new Bachelor of Science programme designed to develop AI specialists with cross-disciplinary expertise.

At the ¡°When AI Meets Eastern Wisdom¡± seminar on 18 September, Chairman of the National Research Foundation, Mr Heng Swee Keat, highlighted the complexity of AI issues and the need for inclusive, interdisciplinary collaboration. He stressed the importance of establishing ethical and value-based safeguards to ensure AI serves humanity. Drawing on Confucian principles such as benevolence, propriety, righteousness, and loyalty, he emphasised that knowledge and innovation must ultimately serve people and communities.

Mr Heng further underscored that humans must not become tools of AI, while machines must remain tools, highlighting the need to cultivate partnerships between humans and intelligent machines. He suggested that AI governance should encompass law, corporate governance, ethics and virtues, and social norms.

AI technologies¡ªincluding machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing¡ªare typically taught within STEM fields, with limited integration of humanities, arts, and social sciences. SUTD aims to bridge these boundaries through its new programme, combining AI and design with humanities, arts, and social sciences, reinforcing the philosophy that ¡°humans are the foundation of intelligent systems.¡± The university is currently seeking approval from the Ministry of Education for the course.

The seminar attracted around 200 attendees, including SUTD President Professor Phoon Kok Kwang.