Filtered by: School of Computing
Professor Anthony Tung from the Department of Computer Science was featured on Channel 8 News' Focus programme, providing expert analysis on the rise of AI-generated misinformation targeting Singapore.
Prof Tung explained how deepfake videos can now be produced quickly and cheaply through an automated pipeline – from script generation using language models, to voice synthesis, video creation, and editing. He also discussed the challenges platforms face in detecting and moderating such content.
CNA spoke to experts on the growing risks of telco service disruptions following a series of Singtel outages last week, with Professor Anthony Tung from the Department of Computer Science weighing in on what operators can do better, and why the stakes extend well beyond dropped calls.
Prof Tung called for stronger real-time monitoring and earlier detection systems, including AI tools where appropriate.
"Operators need earlier warning signs. Better real-time monitoring and anomaly detection, including AI tools where useful, can help spot unusual behaviour before it becomes a larger disruption," he said.
On the wider impact of outages, Prof Tung was direct. Many people now rely on mobile networks as their primary means of accessing the internet – for payments, transport, work, and everyday services. A disruption, he noted, can quickly render much of daily life inaccessible, even if the broader internet remains technically functional.
"That is why an outage can quickly disrupt daily life and business activities. It is also a reminder that important services and organisations should not rely on a single access channel, but should have fallback options in place."
His broader point was structural: telcos should be treated as a core part of national resilience, not just from a cybersecurity standpoint, but operationally. As high-concentration infrastructure serving consumers, enterprises, and critical services simultaneously, the risks and consequences of failure are, by nature, highly concentrated.
Associate Professor Ooi Wei Tsang from the Department of Computer Science was featured in a report by The Business Times on the rapid uptake of new open-source AI agent OpenClaw and the risks it raises for enterprise use.
The article looks at how tools like OpenClaw can carry out multi-step tasks with minimal human input, allowing users to automate workflows quickly. However, this ease of use also means such tools may be deployed without proper oversight or safeguards.
A/Prof Ooi cautioned that using these systems without appropriate controls can expose organisations to significant risks.
He likened it to “hiring an intern who blindly obeys instructions, while still giving them deep access to enterprise system, and allowing external parties to send instructions directly.”
A/Prof Ooi added that large language models can produce incorrect or misleading instructions, which may lead to unintended or harmful actions when executed by autonomous systems.
The report highlights growing concerns around “shadow AI”, where such tools are used outside formal IT governance, and the need for stronger safeguards including validation, human oversight and secure system design.