Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has launched the Global Institute of Finance, Technology, and Society (GIFTS), a university-wide interdisciplinary research institute designed to explore the rapidly evolving intersections of artificial intelligence, finance, digital economics, and societal systems. The institute, jointly founded by NTU’s Nanyang Business School (NBS) and College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS), officially opened on 30 May 2026 during the finale of NBS30, a year-long celebration marking three decades of the business school.
GIFTS positions NTU as a leading Asia-based platform for research, education, industry collaboration, and policy engagement in areas such as AI-driven markets, fintech innovations, digital assets, and the governance of emerging economic systems. The launch underscores Singapore’s ambition to strengthen its role as a trusted global hub for responsible innovation and digital governance in higher education and beyond.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
Professor Lin William Cong, President’s Chair Professor of Finance, Computing and Data Science with appointments in both NBS and CCDS, has been appointed to lead GIFTS. Professor Cong brings extensive expertise from previous roles at Cornell University and Chicago Booth, with a PhD from Stanford. Under his guidance, the institute aims to build research leadership where AI, markets, institutions, and society increasingly interact.
NTU President Professor Ho Teck Hua described GIFTS as a truly interdisciplinary research institute that will amplify cross-school collaboration across data science, computer science, economics, finance, strategy, law, operations, behavioural science, and public policy. NBS Dean Professor Jun Yang noted that the launch signals a bold new chapter for the school as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Research Focus Areas
GIFTS organises its work around three broad clusters. The first, “AI and Technomics Engines,” covers digital media and information economics, AI-driven market design, and computational social science. The second cluster addresses digital assets, blockchain, and fintech ecosystems, examining regulatory frameworks, investor behaviour, and systemic risks. The third focuses on emerging business and social systems, including the governance of AI agents, household and firm responses to market stress, and policy implications of supply chain shocks or digital scams.
These clusters enable GIFTS to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of finance, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and society. The institute will generate insights to help policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders navigate issues such as market stress, new regulations, and the societal impacts of technological disruption.
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Launch Event and Key Highlights
The official launch ceremony featured a keynote address by Economics Nobel Laureate Thomas Sargent, highlighting the global significance of the institute’s mission. Attendees included Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, who emphasised the role of such research in supporting Singapore’s digital economy strategies.
The event marked the culmination of NBS30 celebrations and reinforced NTU’s commitment to interdisciplinary approaches in higher education. GIFTS will collaborate with local and global partners to drive impactful research while fostering talent development and policy engagement.
Implications for Singapore’s Higher Education Sector
The establishment of GIFTS strengthens NTU’s position within Singapore’s higher education landscape, where institutions increasingly prioritise interdisciplinary research to address real-world challenges. By bridging business and computing disciplines, the institute creates new pathways for faculty collaboration, graduate training, and industry partnerships.
Singapore’s universities, including NTU, NUS, and SMU, continue to expand programmes that integrate technology, finance, and societal considerations. GIFTS aligns with national priorities outlined by bodies such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority, supporting the development of future-ready graduates and research that informs regulatory frameworks.
Global Partnerships and Outlook
GIFTS is designed to attract external funding, global talent, and international collaborations. Its vision is to make NTU the leading Asia-based platform for research at the frontier of AI for business and social science. Early partnerships are expected to span academia, industry, and government across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Looking ahead, the institute will contribute to Singapore’s broader goals of responsible innovation and digital governance. As AI and digital technologies reshape financial systems and societal structures, GIFTS positions NTU graduates and researchers to lead in emerging fields that blend technical expertise with economic and ethical considerations.
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Opportunities for Academics and Researchers
The launch creates new opportunities for academics seeking interdisciplinary roles in Singapore’s higher education sector. Positions at GIFTS and related NTU units will likely emphasise cross-disciplinary expertise in AI, fintech, and policy research. Researchers interested in these areas can explore openings through platforms focused on university careers.
Early-career scholars and postdoctoral researchers may find particular value in GIFTS’ emphasis on computational methods, behavioural insights, and real-world policy applications. The institute’s collaborative model supports joint appointments and external grants, enhancing career development in a competitive global academic environment.
Future Developments and Broader Impact
As GIFTS matures, it is expected to influence curriculum development across NTU’s schools, introducing modules that combine finance, data science, and societal analysis. This evolution reflects wider trends in Singapore’s higher education, where institutions adapt programmes to meet demands from the digital economy.
The institute’s work will also contribute to public discourse on topics such as AI ethics, financial inclusion, and regulatory innovation. By generating evidence-based insights, GIFTS supports Singapore’s reputation as a forward-thinking education and research hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
