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Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
QS World Rankings 2026: SMU rises, NUS and NTU hold strong, SUTD slides
Photo: SMU SINGAPORE: In the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings 2026, released on Thursday (Jun 19), Singapore's autonomous universities posted mixed performances on the global stage, with some rising and others slipping in rank. Singapore Management University (SMU) recorded one of its most notable improvements, climbing to 511th globally—a substantial leap from its previous ranking of 585th—aligning with the university's aspiration to be a top 50 business school. The London-based QS ranking agency evaluates universities across various indicators, including employer reputation, academic standing, and graduate outcomes. Singapore's two academic powerhouses continued to hold their ground among the global elite. The National University of Singapore (NUS) maintained its prestigious eighth place globally, retaining its crown as the top university in Asia. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) also inched upward, ranking 12th, up from 15th last year. In sharp contrast, the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) experienced a significant decline in the rankings, falling from 440th to 519th, a move that may prompt reflection on its strategic positioning and academic impact. The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) did not feature in this year's rankings, consistent with previous years, as these universities have historically not been evaluated by QS. Now in its 22nd edition, the QS World University Rankings 2026 assesses the top 1,500 universities across 106 countries, serving as a global benchmark for prospective students and employers.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Singapore actress Pan Lingling's son graduates with first-class honours
SINGAPORE: Mediacorp actress Pan Lingling is a proud mum after her son, Beckham Wee, graduated with first-class honours. In an Instagram post on June 3, the 54-year-old wrote: "The proudest moment in my life. To my firstborn, we see your effort. We know your hard work. We feel your dedication." A series of photos showed Beckham, dressed in his graduation gown, giving his mother a peck on the cheek. The 25-year-old had just graduated from the Singapore University of Technology and Design. Pan, looking glamorous in a full-length green dress, was beaming as she held a balloon that read, "Happy Graduation." Pan's husband, veteran actor Huang Shinan, 64, was pictured resting his chin on his son's shoulder. "Today, we witness your achievements. Son, you are our pride. So proud of you," Pan added in the post. Pan and Huang, who tied the knot in 1997, also have a younger son, Kynaston, 23. Pan has won six Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes awards. She also secured the Best Actress in a Supporting Role title twice at the Asian Television Awards for Breakout (2010–2011) and A Song To Remember (2011). Fellow stars Christopher Lee, Chen Xiuhuan, Xiang Yun, Aileen Tan, and Huang Biren expressed their joy for the family with numerous congratulatory messages in the comments section.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Singaporean actress Pan Lingling's son graduates with first-class honours
Pan Lingling takes to Instagram to express her support for her son, Beckham Wee. With them is her husband, veteran actor Huang Shinan. Photo: Pan Lingling/Instagram Mediacorp actress Pan Lingling is a proud mum. In her Instagram post on June 3, the 54-year-old wrote: 'The proudest moment in my life. To my firstborn, we see your effort. We know your hard work. We feel your dedication.' The sequence of photos showed Pan's son, Beckham Wee, clad in his graduation gown. The 25-year-old, who had just graduated from Singapore University of Technology and Design, was seen giving his mother a peck on the cheek. Pan, glamorous in a full-length green toga dress, was beaming as she held a balloon with the words, 'Happy Graduation'. Pan's husband, actor Huang Shinan, 64, was shown resting his chin on his son's shoulder. 'Today, we witness your achievements. Son, you are our pride. So proud of you,' Pan wrote in the post. Pan and Huang, who tied the knot in 1997, have a younger son Kynaston, 23. Previously, Huang took a 10-year break from show business to take care of their children. His first drama after his decade-long hiatus was Never Too Late (2024), which saw him and Pan playing a married couple. Huang has also been nominated in the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes category for the first time in the upcoming Star Awards 2025 on July 6. Pan has six Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes awards to her name. She also won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role title twice at the Asian Television Awards for Breakout (2010 to 2011) and A Song To Remember (2011). Fellow stars Christopher Lee, Chen Xiuhuan, Xiang Yun, Aileen Tan and Huang Biren have expressed their joy for the family with a slew of congratulatory messages in the comments section. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
AI and design will see wider adoption only if tools and systems are designed well: Tan Kiat How
Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How noted that enterprise adoption of AI has grown steadily from 34 per cent in 2022 to 46 per cent last year. PHOTO: SUTD AI and design will see wider adoption only if tools and systems are designed well: Tan Kiat How SINGAPORE - More companies in Singapore view artificial intelligence (AI) as a 'practical tool' for growth and innovation today, with many already moving past the experimentation stage and actively deploying AI in their daily operations. Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How said this at the inaugural Design AI and Tech Awards ceremony on May 19, an event that recognised enterprises that harness design, AI and technology to tackle real business challenges. Mr Tan noted that, according to latest available figures, enterprise adoption of AI has grown steadily from 34 per cent in 2022 to 46 per cent last year. In 2024, close to 3,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) here adopted AI-enabled solutions from local retailers – making use of the technology to help them to forecast demand, optimise venues and reduce wastage. Mr Tan added that with this greater adoption of AI, SMEs should take advantage of various government initiatives and make use of the platforms and tools on offer. He cited examples such as the Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service, which offers over 300 pre-approved digital solutions, nearly a third of which were AI-enabled last year alone. It supported more than 330,000 users and helped some 3,000 SMEs adopt AI to enhance operations, improve customer efficiency and make informed decisions. Another tool is the SME Go Digital programme, which has benefited close to 100,000 SMEs since 2017 by helping them digitalise at their own pace to suit their needs. 'Innovators and start-ups in Singapore who find solutions to common issues should make use of these platforms to reach out to SMEs and firms,' he said. These platforms are not just for end-users but also for innovators to scale up and implement their solutions in Singapore and overseas. Beyond SMEs, Tan also highlighted the importance of helping workers outside of traditional tech sectors, by providing clear and practical guidance on how roles are evolving and to keep pace with them. In his speech at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Tan also spoke of the focus on enrolling more students in information and digital technology (IDT) courses. Last year, around 8,000 students were enrolled in such courses across universities, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education. IDT places at universities have increased from 3,000 in 2020 to 4,000 this year, accounting for more than one in four degree places, he said. Universities are also making AI more accessible, practical and relevant across fields beyond tech, such as architecture, sustainable design and engineering product development. 'It's not about our technology, it's our people and talent. AI and design will only be widely adopted if the tools are designed well with the user interface and experience fitting into existing workflows. Designers not only need skills but (they) also need to understand users and their needs,' said Mr Tan. The Design AI and Tech Awards, jointly organised by The Business Times and the SUTD, saw three finalists named as this year's winners – LionsBot, MetaOptics Technologies and Sengkang General Hospital. The awards were open to all companies, international and locally, including SMEs, start-ups and large corporations. Applicants were assessed across six criteria: design thinking process and strategies; originality; utilisation of AI and advanced technologies; ethical consideration and sustainability; aesthetic and functional qualities; and whether the design has made quantitative and qualitative impact. THE BUSINESS TIMES Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
AI and design will see wider adoption only if tools and systems are designed well: Tan Kiat How
[SINGAPORE] More companies in Singapore view artificial intelligence (AI) as a 'practical tool' for growth and innovation today, with many already moving past the experimentation stage and actively deploying AI in their daily operations. Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How said this at the inaugural Design AI and Tech Awards ceremony on Monday (May 19), an event that recognised enterprises that harness design, AI and technology to tackle real business challenges. Tan noted that, according to latest available figures, enterprise adoption of AI has grown steadily from 34 per cent in 2022 to 46 per cent last year. In 2024, close to 3,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) here adopted AI-enabled solutions from local retailers – making use of the technology to help them to forecast demand, optimise venues and reduce wastage. Tan added that with this greater adoption of AI, SMEs should take advantage of various government initiatives and make use of the platforms and tools on offer. He cited examples such as the Chief Technology Officer-as-a-Service, which offers over 300 pre-approved digital solutions, nearly a third of which were AI-enabled last year alone. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am SGSME Get updates on Singapore's SME community, along with profiles, news and tips. Sign Up Sign Up It supported more than 330,000 users and helped some 3,000 SMEs adopt AI to enhance operations, improve customer efficiency and make informed decisions. Another tool is the SME Go Digital programme, which has benefited close to 100,000 SMEs since 2017 by helping them digitalise at their own pace to suit their needs. 'Innovators and startups in Singapore who find solutions to common issues should make use of these platforms to reach out to SMEs and firms,' he said. These platforms are not just for end-users but also for innovators to scale up and implement their solutions in Singapore and overseas. Beyond SMEs, Tan also highlighted the importance of helping workers outside of traditional tech sectors, by providing clear and practical guidance on how roles are evolving and to keep pace with them. In his speech at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Tan also spoke of the focus on enrolling more students in information and digital technology (IDT) courses. Last year, around 8,000 students were enrolled in such courses across universities, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education. IDT places at universities have increased from 3,000 in 2020 to 4,000 this year, accounting for more than one in four degree places, he said. Universities are also making AI more accessible, practical and relevant across fields beyond tech, such as architecture, sustainable design and engineering product development. 'It's not about our technology, it's our people and talent. AI and design will only be widely adopted if the tools are designed well with the user interface and experience fitting into existing workflows. Designers not only need skills but (they) also need to understand users and their needs,' said Tan. The Design AI and Tech Awards, jointly organised by The Business Times and the SUTD, saw three finalists named as this year's winners – LionsBot, MetaOptics Technologies and Sengkang General Hospital. The awards were open to all companies, international and locally, including SMEs, startups and large corporations. Applicants were assessed across six criteria: design thinking process and strategies; originality; utilisation of AI and advanced technologies; ethical consideration and sustainability; aesthetic and functional qualities; and whether the design has made quantitative and qualitative impact.
