- Nanyang Technological University and Hwa Chong International School launched a $5 million AI-focused professorship to advance education innovation.
- The 'Tooh Fee San Distinguished Professorship' honors Tooh Fee San, a pioneer of technology integration in learning.
- The initiative aims to drive interdisciplinary research, global collaboration, and practical AI applications in classrooms through NTU’s National Institute of Education.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore), in partnership with Hwa Chong International School (HCIS), has announced the establishment of a new distinguished professorship in education and artificial intelligence (AI), aimed at advancing AI-driven education and shaping the future of teaching and learning. The initiative, supported by a $5 million gift from HCIS, will be housed at NTU’s National Institute of Education.
Named the Hwa Chong International School- Tooh Fee San Distinguished Professorship in Education and Artificial Intelligence, the role honors the legacy of Tooh Fee San, former principal of Hwa Chong Institution and founding CEO of HCIS, who passed away in 2023. Known for his forward-thinking approach, Tooh was among the early advocates of integrating technology in education, introducing computer learning for students as early as the 1980s.
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According to NTU President Ho Teck Hua, the professorship is expected to attract a globally recognized scholar who will lead interdisciplinary research, foster global academic collaborations, and promote the responsible use of AI in education. The appointed professor will focus on translating cutting-edge innovations into practical classroom applications, including curriculum development, student assessment, and learner engagement.
HCIS Board Chairman Sia Nam Chie said the initiative reflects a commitment to empowering educators and students to succeed in an AI-driven future, while strengthening Singapore’s position as a hub for AI-enabled education. The professorship will also collaborate closely with schools, using them as real-world environments to test and refine education technology innovations.
Liu Woon Chia, Director of NIE, emphasized that the partnership bridges research and practice, enabling new ideas to be implemented in classrooms. The initiative underscores a broader push toward innovation in higher education while honoring Tooh’s enduring contributions to educational excellence and lifelong learning.
