The School of Computing, National University of Singapore(NUS) Computing have joined forces with FPT, one of Vietnam's premier technology companies, to invest in breakthrough AI research and talent building, a joint $50 million investment from FPT, NUS and other key players in this local and regional AI landscape with the aim of pioneering AI research and enhancing workforce development.
In doing so, the partnership will strengthen FPT's capacity for commercializing AI solutions while developing its R&D capabilities as well as building a trained AI workforce in order to further strengthen its position in the APAC and global markets.
New AI Lab Driving Innovation and Research
A major cornerstone of the partnership will be the development of a cutting-edge AI Lab, embracing both NUS research strengths and FPT's perspective from the industry side. Research is to go full throttle within AI areas, such as machine learning and data analytics, for example, which have already been opened up in natural language processing and computer vision for a promise of benefit not only to Singapore but to the APAC region in general.
Located in NUS Computing, the AI Lab will be a critical part of the university's AI ecosystem and will collaborate with the NUS AI Institute (NAII), which unifies researchers and resources across the university in AI. The lab will conduct research in innovative projects on applications for AI in the banking, logistics, aviation, energy, and manufacturing sectors. It will also publish joint research papers, case studies, and white papers for international distribution, thus yielding deep benefits to both the academic and business communities.
NUS Computing and FPT will work together to generate market-ready AI-driven products, services, and platforms with global relevance. The AI Lab will solve practical problems to unleash the full power of AI in bringing breakthrough innovation to crucial areas.
Developing AI Expertise
The second area of collaboration is talent development. FPT and NUS Computing intend to jointly deliver programs, internships, workshops, training sessions, and PhD research in the areas above to develop a robust AI talent pool. Equipping future leaders with the necessary expertise and skills to steer innovations in AI and automation across Singapore and the APAC region as a whole will be the objective.
Dr. Truong Gia Binh, Founder and Chairman of FPT Corporation said: "AI is needed to build the future. We have done R&D in AI for over ten years and applied them in our services. We are pleased to collaborate with the prestigious National University of Singapore on AI as an accelerator for growth and success around the world.".
The AI Lab in Singapore is key to our cooperation, as it is there where we hope to find game-changing solutions to some of the critical challenges that will underpin growth and competitiveness in the region," said Mr. David Nguyen, CEO of FPT Asia Pacific. "We are combining our expertise to accelerate innovation and deliver impactful outcomes locally and globally.".
According to Professor Tan Kian Lee, dean of NUS Computing, the partnership is synergistic: "This collaboration harnesses the complementary strengths of NUS Computing and FPT to deliver innovative AI solutions to real-world problems while contributing to the global AI ecosystem through workforce development.".
FPT has significant expertise in AI research and has just revealed a $174 million investment to construct an AI center in Binh Dinh, Vietnam, alongside the plans of an AI factory worth around $200 million that will rely on advanced technologies provided by NVIDIA. Over 1,500 engineers are focused on AI, with constant reinforcement from 1,300 students at FPT University who major in AI. In addition, through its AI Residency in partnership with Mila Quebec AI Institute, it focuses on educating the next generation professionals in AI.
On the other hand, NUS has been able to boast very strong AI research capabilities and has developed solid ties with government, industry, and international partners. The recent launching of the NUS AI Institute in March 2024 further strengthens its commitment to both fundamental and applied AI research and addressing the societal implication of AI technology.
