Chen Yidan Foundation, NTU to advance AI education, research, and application

The Chen Yidan Foundation and Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have reached an agreement Dec. 3 to advance education, research, and application in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

The foundation, launched by Dr. Charles Chen Yidan, a core founder of Shenzhen-based internet behemoth Tencent, has pledged a gift of S$6 million (US$4.47 million) to the university.

Dr. Charles Chen Yidan (L), founder of the Chen Yidan Foundation, and Professor Ho Teck Hua, President of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), pose for a photo at the ceremony held in NTU on Dec. 3. Photo courtesy of Chen Yidan Foundation

NTU will set up the Yidan Professorship in AI to help shape and drive the university’s academic and research programs within the fields of AI and AI in education.  

The professorship, administered by NTU’s College of Computing and Data Science, is also expected to bolster the university’s ability to attract the world’s leading AI academics to drive transformative innovation in this rapidly evolving field.

Beyond the professorship, the gift will also support the advancement of research and education through curriculum development, research grants for NTU faculty to pursue AI-focused projects, and global collaborative initiatives.

It will also be used to set up a global education forum which brings together thought leaders across the world to share insights on cutting-edge research findings.The first edition of the forum is scheduled to be held in 2027 in China.

The gift was formalized at a ceremony held at the NTU campus.

“This gift exemplifies the Chen Yidan Foundation’s steadfast commitment to creating a better world through education. The commitment aligns with NTU’s mission to nurture future-ready graduates and be a leader in the AI revolution,” Professor Ho Teck Hua, President of NTU, said at the ceremony. “Together, we aim to shape the future of AI and its applications in education.”

According to Dr. Charles Chen Yidan, the foundation is committed to fostering a diversified education ecosystem through interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, cross-regional, and cross-group collaboration.

“Looking ahead, we believe that AI will play a transformative role in shaping the future of learning. NTU has always been at the forefront of multidisciplinary innovation. We hope that our collaboration will lead to breakthroughs and foster international cooperation and exchange, particularly in education research and practice for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.” he said. 

Dr. Charles Chen Yidan delivers a speech at the fireside chat. Photo courtesy of Chen Yidan Foundation

At a fireside chat following the ceremony joined by NTU faculties and students from the College of Computing and Data Science, the National Institute of Education, and the Institute for Pedagogical Innovation, Research and Excellence, the guests discussed AI’s unrelenting impact on education and how AI can be used more effectively for education.

Guests discuss about AI’s impact on education and how AI can be used more effectively for education at the fireside chat. Photo courtesy of NTU

While affirming AI’s potential in empowering teachers and education, the guests, with their different areas of expertise, also shared insights into AI’s limitations and the challenges it brings. They agreed that more support and training in AI, more awareness of moral values, data ethics, and education fairness, and parent participation are all crucial for helping students to navigate related technologies and tools.

The chat was moderated by Professor Luke Ong, NTU Vice President (AI & Digital Economy) and Dean of the College of Computing and Data Science.

Founded in 2013, the Chen Yidan Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing education development, research, and innovation worldwide. The foundation has offices in Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Dr. Charles Chen Yidan also established the Yidan Prize, one of the world’s largest education prizes that recognizes changemakers who inspire progress in education.