NUS Business Analytics Centre Receives Record S$1.5 million Support from Single Donor for AI Talent and Research

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms industries and reshapes how organisations make decisions, two gifts totalling S$1.5 million, donated personally by Mr Xie Xin, will bolster efforts at National University of Singapore (NUS) to nurture talent and advance research at the intersection of business, data and AI.

The first, an endowed donation of S$1 million, will establish a scholarship for students in the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) programme offered at the NUS Business Analytics Centre (BAC). The second gift, an expendable donation of S$500,000 will establish the NUS BAC AI Fund to support research in artificial intelligence and digital technologies at the Centre.

Both the MSBA programme and BAC are joint initiatives of NUS Business School and the NUS School of Computing, bringing together expertise from business and technology to develop solutions and talent for an increasingly AI-driven economy.

Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, said: “We thank Mr Xie Xin for his generous investment in the future of AI education and research at NUS. His gifts strengthen two important pillars of our mission: nurturing future talent and advancing research that addresses complex challenges. Together, they will help prepare the next generation of professionals who combine technological expertise, business acumen and a strong sense of responsibility to create meaningful impact.”

Mr Xie, CEO of Lark Technologies Pte Ltd, said: “Technology alone does not change the world. It is people with the knowledge, courage and compassion to use it well who create lasting impact. I hope these two gifts will empower talented students to pursue their aspirations in business analytics while advancing research in trustworthy AI for the benefit of society. Together, they represent an investment not only in innovation but in the people who will shape a better future”.

The new NUS BAC Excellence Scholarship will provide financial support for outstanding students pursuing the NUS MSBA programme. The scholarship will support up to two scholarships in its first year, with its impact expected to grow over time as the endowment continues to provide sustained support for future cohorts.

The new NUS BAC AI Fund will support BAC’s research in trustworthy AI – the development of AI systems that are safe, reliable and accountable – to enable organisations to adopt AI responsibly. The new fund will also complement the University’s broader commitment to advancing interdisciplinary AI research and education.

Since its establishment in 2013, the NUS MSBA programme has developed graduates who combine analytical rigour, technological expertise and business acumen to solve real-world problems. As AI becomes increasingly embedded across industries, such interdisciplinary capabilities will be critical in enabling organisations to adopt AI effectively and responsibly.