Hailey, a hyper-realistic character we created using generative artificial intelligence (AI), chats with Prof Luke Ong, founding dean of NTU’s new College of Computing & Data Science, about how NTU will train talents to embrace the AI revolution

by Foo Jie Ying / Video and animation by Hanafi Ramdan and Vivian Lim

Hailey: Hello, Prof Ong. Can you tell us why AI is so important today?  

Prof Luke Ong: Well, AI is the science and engineering of intelligent machines – it can do many tasks efficiently and more reliably than humans can. Many jobs that are hazardous or repetitive in nature can be performed perfectly adequately by AI. AI is also very good at handling large amounts of data, analysing them and identifying patterns, so it can help people make difficult decisions. Moreover, AI can provide personalised services in many sectors, from education to healthcare and finance.

H: How do you predict AI will reshape jobs in the coming years? 

L: Since AI is becoming a general-purpose technology, it’s a matter of time before everyone in the job market will require basic AI knowledge. I would encourage students to embrace the technology even if they are not into computing. Our new Minor in AI programme will help students build up career resilience, so they are not left behind.

H: How does NTU’s new College of Computing & Data Science plan to keep students ahead in the fast-evolving AI landscape?

L: Aside from the new Minor in AI, NTU’s new College is also offering a new Bachelor of Computing in AI & Society in Academic Year 2024-2025. This programme teaches students how to build AI models and apply them in the real world by creating AI solutions that are both powerful and human centric.

I should add that having the word “society” in the programme’s name doesn’t mean this is a humanities course. It is every bit as technical as our other computing degrees. Rather, through this programme, we aim to develop AI talents who are socially conscious and equipped to address societal needs.

Students can also opt for the Data Science & AI degree, which has been ranked among the world’s best AI undergraduate programmes, or the Computer Science degree, which focuses on the principles behind the efficient applications of computing technology.

H: What makes the AI and Society programme stand out for someone interested in AI? 

L: Practical learning is a fundamental component of the programme. Students go on a 20-week internship with companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon Web Services and ByteDance. They will get to apply their knowledge to innovate and solve real world problems.

Moreover, in the fourth year, students take on a capstone project. They apply what they have learnt to a sector of their choice by building AI solutions to a real world problem, thereby creating a social good.

“The future is really bright for graduates in AI. One important reason is that this technology is set to be the main engine that drives our digital economy. An AI degree will open graduates to coveted high-paying positions such as AI and data scientists, AI engineers, AI consultants, AI safety advisers, AI policy consultants, and more. We know that NTU’s fresh graduates in Data Science & AI draw some of the highest salaries. According to the latest graduate employment survey, they take home a mean gross monthly salary of $5,352.”

H: What unique opportunities will Turing AI Scholars have?

L: The Turing AI Scholars Programme is meant for talented students enrolled in one of these three undergraduate programmes: AI and Society, Data Science and AI, and Computer Science. Scholars in the programme can learn from AI experts across academia and industry, through exclusive masterclasses and research projects. They can also look forward to overseas internships and study abroad programmes at leading global universities.

Of course, all this is on top of practical perks like full coverage of tuition fees, living and accommodation allowances, a travel grant and even overseas allowances.

H: How can students make sure they’re using AI in a way that’s good for everyone?

L: First, we need to be aware of the ethics behind AI. That means thinking about AI safety – issues such as bias, privacy, verifiability, auditability and robustness – and making sure we’re not causing any harm with our AI projects.

If students have a hand in creating AI or co-creating something with AI, they should always make their AI solutions human centric, by being inclusive and thinking about how different people might use the outcomes. Transparency is key – always be open about how our AI works and be ready to explain our decisions.

Students who build AI solutions should be careful with the data they use. We should only collect what we need, be clear about how they are used, make sure the data are stored safely, and obtain permission before using them.

Lastly, AI is always changing, so everyone has to stay up-to-date and keep improving your skills.  

H: What jobs are suitable for a graduate of NTU’s AI-related programmes?  

L: The future is really bright for graduates in AI. One important reason is that this technology is set to be the main engine that drives our digital economy. An AI degree will open graduates to coveted high-paying positions such as AI and data scientists, AI engineers, AI consultants, AI safety advisers, AI policy consultants, and more. We know that NTU’s fresh graduates in Data Science and AI draw some of the highest salaries. According to the latest graduate employment survey, they take home a mean gross monthly salary of $5,352.

In a constantly changing world, graduates must be nimble and agile, able to spot opportunities as they arise. AI is expected to be a springboard for the next wave of startups. So, you could be the founder of a business that previously didn’t exist and is only possible with AI technologies.

This story was published in the Mar-Apr 2024 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.