Filtered by: Department of Computer Science

Associate Professor Terence Sim from NUS Computing was featured on Money FM 89.3’s The Big Story (aired 2 July 2025), where he discussed the growing threat of deepfakes and the urgent need to bridge the gap between public confidence and actual ability to detect such content. Citing findings from a recent national cybersecurity survey, Dr Sim noted that while nearly 80% of Singaporeans believed they could identify deepfakes, only 25% were able to do so correctly, highlighting a dangerous overconfidence that could increase vulnerability to scams.

He explained how advancements in generative AI have made deepfakes more convincing and harder to detect using traditional cues like lip-sync mismatches. Emphasising the importance of cyber hygiene, Dr Sim likened deepfake preparedness to pandemic readiness, where education, personal vigilance, and coordinated action are essential. He also shared how NUS Computing has launched community anti-scam workshops to raise awareness and equip the public with practical tools to spot fakes. Dr Sim called for a whole-of-society approach, combining public education, stronger regulation, and platform-level safeguards to counter the evolving landscape of AI-driven threats.

Money FM 89.3, 2 July 2025

Associate Professor Ben Leong from NUS Computing was featured in GovInsider (4 June 2025), where he shared how the university is using AI to enhance students’ practical, human-centred skills through roleplaying. He introduced ScholAIstic, a GenAI-powered tool developed by the AI Centre for Educational Technologies (AICET), which enables students in fields such as law, nursing, and social work to practise real-world scenarios with AI-generated personas.

By using large language models, ScholAIstic simulates courtroom exchanges or client interactions, providing instant feedback and helping students develop critical workplace skills. Prof Leong stressed the importance of a pedagogy-first approach, applying technology only after understanding instructional needs. The initiative, supported by AI Singapore, aims to make experiential learning scalable and accessible.

GovInsider, 4 June 2025

Professor Anthony Tung from NUS Computing was featured on Hello Singapore (12 June 2025), where he shared his views on the growing use of AI-generated romantic companions. He explained that these AI partners gather data from users’ browsing history, social media, and shopping behaviour to simulate engaging and personalised conversations, much like targeted advertisements. By combining this information with extensive knowledge across subjects like finance, psychology, and philosophy, AI companions create the illusion of meaningful, emotionally intelligent interactions.

However, Professor Tung cautioned that these systems merely echo what users want to hear, calling it “见人说人话，见鬼说鬼话”—an algorithmic mimicry rather than genuine understanding. He emphasised the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between virtual and real-world relationships, ensuring users understand that they are interacting with artificial intelligence, not a real person.

Hello Singapore, 12 June 2025

Professor Anthony Tung from NUS Computing was featured on Hello Singapore (23 May 2025), sharing his views on AI's transformative potential across industries such as security, aviation, and port operations. He emphasised the importance of talent and resources in driving innovation, noting that the future lies in "using AI to build AI" and unlock real breakthroughs.

The feature coincided with Grab’s launch of its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence in Singapore, supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority. The new centre aims to improve transport efficiency through AI, potentially resulting in shorter wait times and lower fares for commuters.

Hello Singapore, 23 May 2025

Now a Systems Analyst at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Hannah Chia was honoured at the SCS Gala Dinner and Tech Leader Awards on 9 May 2025 for her outstanding contributions and leadership potential in Singapore’s tech sector.

As part of the SG Digital Leadership Accelerator programme, Hannah joins 19 newly appointed digital talents who senior industry leaders across diverse fields such as product management, AI, and quantum computing will mentor. The initiative, launched by IMDA in 2022, has reached over 1,500 professionals to date.

👉 Watch the award video and read the full citation to learn more about Hannah’s achievements.

Lianhe Zaobao, 9 May 2025