The National University of Singapore’s (NUS) School of Computing has partnered with Vietnam-based global tech giant FPT to advance artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. This partnership is supported by a joint investment of US$50 million, contributed by FPT, NUS, and other key AI ecosystem players over the next five years. The aim is to promote groundbreaking research in AI and nurture a highly skilled AI workforce, reinforcing both entities’ commitment to driving technological advancement across the region.
Establishing an advanced AI lab to lead research and innovation
A key part of this collaboration is the creation of a cutting-edge AI lab. By combining NUS’s research expertise with FPT’s industry experience, the lab will focus on advancing research in various AI areas, such as machine learning, data analytics, natural language processing, and computer vision. This lab, hosted at NUS Computing, will contribute to both local and international AI ecosystems.
The new AI lab will work closely with the NUS AI Institute (NAII), known for its extensive AI research efforts. Together, they will tackle real-world challenges in key sectors like banking, insurance, logistics, aviation, energy, and manufacturing. Research conducted at the lab will lead to joint papers and case studies, further enhancing the global AI knowledge base.
The partnership is not only focused on research. FPT and NUS also aim to commercialise AI-driven solutions, developing AI products and services for global markets. This collaboration is expected to significantly impact industries that are crucial for Singapore’s growth and global competitiveness.
Boosting AI talent through joint programmes
Developing talent is a major focus of this partnership. FPT and NUS Computing will offer internships, training courses, workshops, and PhD research opportunities to nurture future AI leaders. These initiatives will help build a pool of AI professionals capable of driving advancements in AI and automation, ensuring that Singapore and the wider Asia-Pacific region remain competitive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The collaboration between FPT and NUS is viewed as a key step toward accelerating innovation in AI, fostering both research and practical applications. The AI talent pool emerging from this partnership will be equipped with the skills necessary to address real-world problems and create lasting, impactful solutions.
Leading voices on the partnership
Dr Truong Gia Binh, Founder and Chairman of FPT Corporation, stated, “FPT believes AI is a pivotal accelerator in shaping the future. For more than a decade, FPT has been actively pursuing AI research and development to stimulate innovations and has integrated AI into all our services and solutions. We also invested heavily in the training and development of an AI-ready workforce. The close partnership with the renowned National University of Singapore can help us harness AI power to drive mutual growth and success not only in Singapore and Vietnam but globally.”
David Nguyen, CEO of FPT Asia Pacific, highlighted the strategic importance of the new AI lab, saying, “The establishment of the AI Lab in Singapore is a cornerstone of our partnership, where we will develop groundbreaking solutions to address challenges across industries that are critical to the region’s growth and global competitiveness.”
Professor Tan Kian Lee, Dean of NUS Computing, commented, “This synergistic partnership brings together the complementary strengths of NUS Computing and FPT. We aim to bring innovative AI solutions to real-world challenges, and at the same time, contributing to the AI ecosystem in Singapore and globally through the development of a highly skilled AI workforce.”
Strengthening FPT’s AI leadership
FPT has been a major player in AI research for over a decade. Recent investments include US$174 million for an AI centre in Vietnam’s Binh Dinh province and an additional US$200 million for an AI factory using NVIDIA’s advanced technologies. The company has also established an AI Residency programme in partnership with Mila Quebec AI Institute, helping to nurture the next generation of AI experts.
On NUS’s side, its AI research capabilities are well-regarded. The university has built strong connections with government agencies and industry leaders, launching the NUS AI Institute in March 2024 to explore both fundamental and applied AI research.
This partnership is set to further elevate both FPT’s and NUS’s positions as leaders in the AI field, creating opportunities for innovation and talent development in Singapore, Vietnam, and beyond.
