Transforming Education Through AI: The Landmark S$5 Million Gift

In a significant boost to Singapore's higher education landscape, Hwa Chong International School has donated S$5 million to Nanyang Technological University. This generous contribution will establish a dedicated professorship focused on advancing artificial intelligence in education at NTU's National Institute of Education. The move underscores the growing synergy between top secondary schools and universities in harnessing AI to revolutionize teaching and learning.

The donation, announced on May 2, 2026, positions NTU and its teacher-training arm, NIE, at the forefront of AI-enabled pedagogical innovation. As Singapore accelerates its National AI Strategy, such partnerships highlight the nation's commitment to equipping educators with cutting-edge tools for future-ready classrooms. This initiative not only bridges research and practice but also aligns with broader efforts to enhance AI literacy across the education sector.

Honoring a Visionary Leader: Mr. Tooh Fee San's Enduring Legacy

The professorship bears the name Hwa Chong International School - Tooh Fee San Distinguished Professorship in Education and Artificial Intelligence, paying tribute to the late Mr. Tooh Fee San. A graduate of the former Nanyang University, Mr. Tooh served as principal of Hwa Chong Institution and founding CEO of HCIS, dedicating over two decades to elevating educational standards in Singapore.

Under his leadership in the 1980s, Hwa Chong mandated computer classes for all students, showcasing remarkable foresight in technology integration. His emphasis on academic excellence, holistic development, resilience, and community building transformed the institution into a beacon of educational excellence. Passing away in 2023, Mr. Tooh's vision continues to inspire, with this endowment ensuring his influence shapes the next generation of AI-driven educators.

Hwa Chong Institution, founded in 1919 by philanthropist Tan Kah Kee, has a storied history as one of Singapore's premier independent schools. HCIS, its international arm, upholds these traditions while fostering global-minded students. The donation reflects HCIS's deep-rooted commitment to innovation, mirroring Mr. Tooh's pioneering spirit.

Unpacking the Professorship: Scope and Strategic Priorities

The S$5 million endowment will fund the appointment of an internationally renowned academic to lead groundbreaking work in AI and education. Key priorities include interdisciplinary research on intelligent technologies for pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment methods, and learner engagement. The professor will drive global collaborations, translating theoretical advancements into practical tools for classrooms.

Expected outcomes encompass enhanced AI literacy programs, development of AI pedagogical frameworks, and evaluation of AI's impact on teaching efficacy. Funding will support seminars, masterclasses, and research projects, positioning NIE as a hub for AI education innovation. School partnerships, starting with HCIS as a testbed, will enable real-world pilots of AI tools, ensuring research directly benefits students and teachers.

AI's Transformative Potential in Singapore's Classrooms

Artificial intelligence, defined here as machine-based systems mimicking human intelligence for tasks like pattern recognition and decision-making, is reshaping education worldwide. In Singapore, where 93% of university students already use AI tools for studies according to recent surveys, integration at the teacher training level is crucial. AI can personalize learning by adapting content to individual needs, automate administrative tasks, and provide real-time feedback.

Step-by-step, AI implementation in education involves: first, data collection on student performance; second, algorithmic analysis for insights; third, customized interventions like adaptive quizzes; and fourth, continuous refinement via machine learning. At NIE, this professorship will pioneer ethical AI use, addressing biases and ensuring equitable access, vital in a diverse society like Singapore's.

For instance, AI chatbots can simulate tutoring, while predictive analytics identify at-risk students early. Statistics show AI-enhanced curricula improve retention by up to 30% in pilot programs globally, a trend Singapore aims to lead.

Singapore's Ambitious AI Education Ecosystem

Singapore's higher education sector, led by NTU, NUS, and SMU, ranks among the world's best in AI. In QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, NUS and NTU secured top Asian spots in data science and AI, with NUS topping materials science. The government invests S$1 billion over five years in public AI R&D, including free premium AI tools for six months in Budget 2026.

Initiatives like the AI for Education Conference 2026 at NIE and the Global AI Nexus of Schools, involving Hwa Chong Institution, foster collaboration. Universities embed AI across curricula: NTU's AI-focused professional training, NUS's critical thinking modules against AI misuse. Trends indicate 92% student AI adoption, but 74% report stress, highlighting the need for guided integration this professorship addresses.

NIE's AIFE Conference 2026 exemplifies this momentum, drawing global experts.

NTU and NIE: Pillars of Teacher Preparation in the AI Era

NTU, consistently ranked top globally, hosts NIE, Singapore's sole comprehensive teacher education institute. NIE trains over 90% of the nation's educators, emphasizing research-practice synergy. Recent efforts include human-centred AI tools for reflection and genAI for formative assessments.

This professorship amplifies NIE's AI thrust, building on projects like AI assistants for student teachers. With Singapore's Smart Nation vision, NIE equips educators for AI-driven futures, from personalized learning paths to ethical AI governance. The endowment ensures sustained leadership amid rising demands.

Stakeholder Voices: Enthusiasm and Vision

NTU President Professor Ho Teck Hua lauded Mr. Tooh's foresight: “Mr Tooh was truly a visionary educator... This distinguished professorship will allow NTU to attract a world class scientist and educator to advance the responsible use of AI in education.”

Dr. Sia Nam Chie, HCIS Chairman, added: “This Professorship is a tribute to Mr Tooh’s enduring legacy... empower both educators and students to thrive in an AI-driven future.” NIE Director Professor Liu Woon Chia noted: “The Professorship... bring together research and practice... support teaching, enrich learning.”

These perspectives reflect consensus on AI's potential, tempered by ethical considerations.

Real-World Applications and School-University Partnerships

The professorship enables HCIS-NIE collaborations: AI tool pilots, joint research, teacher upskilling. Benefits include:

• Personalized tutoring systems improving engagement.
• Automated grading freeing teachers for mentoring.
• Predictive analytics for dropout prevention.
• Virtual simulations for safe skill practice.

Risks like data privacy are mitigated via robust frameworks. Such testbeds ensure scalable, evidence-based innovations.

Official NTU announcement details partnership scope.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While promising, AI integration faces hurdles: teacher readiness (only 40% confident per surveys), equity gaps, over-reliance risks. The professorship addresses these through training and inclusive design.

Future outlook: By 2030, AI could transform 70% of teaching tasks, per global forecasts adapted to Singapore. Opportunities abound for researchers eyeing faculty roles or PhD programs in AI education.

Photo by TSquared Lab on Unsplash

Implications for Singapore's Higher Education Future

This donation signals philanthropy’s role in higher ed, following NTU's S$284k record fundraising. It bolsters Singapore's edge, where AI grads command premiums. For universities, it sets a model for school ties, enhancing relevance.

Actionable insights: Educators should upskill via NIE courses; institutions foster AI ethics; policymakers support funding. Ultimately, it prepares Singapore's youth for an AI-centric world.