Welcome!

We are pleased to announce that the Chat on GPT was held on Tuesday, 18 April from 2 to 5 PM (SGT)! This was a hybrid workshop for both local students, faculty, administrators and members of the general public interested in learning about the technology of recent AI tools, their applications and their implications for learning, teaching and work. This was a free event, open to the public in the online forum, and open to all members of NUS for on-site physical interaction. Both forms of participation require registration. It was held at University Town (UTown) Auditorium 1. [ Map ]

Due to fire code restrictions, our venue accommodates only a limited number of onsite participants. Note that onsite registrations are limited to NUS staff, students and alumni. However, we have plenty of capacity for virtual attendance for the general public. Use the registration link above to register for either virtual or physical attendance.

Gallery

Programme

Chat on GPT is an event with three one-hour sessions, back-to-back that will culminate with a light afternoon tea and a chance to mingle and talk with our workshop, speakers and panelists.

14:00–15:00 Interactive Demonstrations: Working with and Understanding AI Tools

So you've heard of ChatGPT, GPT4, Midjourney or the new Microsoft Bing? Are you curious about what they could do to improve your productivity? What are their capabilities and limits? How do they work? Learn in this 1-hour session from our local student and faculty experts on how these systems could make a difference now in your work and study.

This session will be chaired by Heng Cheng Suang.

Title: An Introduction – Opposing Views and News Locally and Internationally!
Speaker: Prof Heng Cheng Suang
Abstract: Setting the stage for the entire seminar, highlights of major events/news that have taken the world by surprise! Before introducing the next few speakers and sessions, what are some “food for thought” we should bear in mind?
Bio: Prof HENG Cheng Suang is an Associate Professor at the Department of Information Systems, School of Computing of the National University of Singapore (NUS). He received his Ph.D. (Organization, Technology and Entrepreneurship) from Stanford University, Management Science & Engineering Department. Prior to his post graduate studies, he worked with the former Singapore Trade Development Board (now known as International Enterprise) as a Senior Trade Officer (Information, Technology & Communications). He also had his internship in Chartered Industries of Singapore and Apple Computer (Singapore).

Title: LLM, ChatGPT and Beyond - NUS Chat on GPT
Speaker: Dr Xie Qizhe
Abstract: The speaker will elucidate the reasons behind the success of Large Language Models (LLMs) and provide an overview of the mechanisms that enable them to function effectively. The talk will cover topics such as the role of massive datasets and compute, while also discussing real-world applications and future prospects.
Bio: Dr XIE Qizhe is a research assistant professor of School of Computing at National University of Singapore under the Sea-NExT Joint Lab. He spent two years doing research at Google Brain with Quoc Le and Thang Luong previously. He graduated as a PhD from the Machine Learning Department at Carnegie Mellon University, where he was advised by Eduard Hovy. Before that, he was an undergraduate student from the ACM Honored Class at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Title:
Speaker: Prof Jonathan Y H Sim
Abstract: What can teachers, researchers, and working professionals do with ChatGPT? In this hands-on demonstration, we will show you a variety of ways that you can use AI tools like ChatGPT in teaching and learning, and for other professional purposes!
Bio: Prof Jonathan Y. H. SIM is a Lecturer with the Department of Philosophy, at the National University of Singapore, where he teaches Chinese philosophy and the Philosophy of Computing and Data Analytics to both undergraduates and working professionals. He also teaches philosophy to the elderly as part of a collaboration between NUS and the National Silver Academy. For his passion in teaching and his effective teaching methods, Jonathan won the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) in 2019 and 2021.

Title: Human in the Loop
Speaker: Mr Rishabh Anand
Bio: Mr Rishabh ANAND is an undergrad at the National University of Singapore (NUS) studying Computer Science and Mathematics (CO ‘24). He works on geometric deep learning for molecular biology and cheminformatics, advised by Prof. Bryan Hooi. He enjoys working at the fascinating intersection of AI4Science! He's currently at I2R, ASTAR studying geometric deep learning and generative modelling for protein engineering. I’m fortunate to have Dr. Li Xiaoli and Dr. Edwin Khoo as supervisors. He is also an avid writer on ML/AI as well as an active open-source contributor for ML tooling.

15:00–16:00 Talks: AI Tools, Here and Now - Implications and Policies

Hear from faculty on how to integrate AI into the core university mission of learning and teaching, and how these tools are poised to transform our productivity and assessment. What are the right ways to adopt such technologies while being true to your core missions of learning and producing value. This session features four short talks on the ever-evolving present, and how academic life is being changed by artificial intelligence tools.

Title: Enhancing Productivity and Creativity with AI: Introducing ChatGPT, Tome, and Midjourney
Speaker: Charina Ong

Abstract: Discover the benefits of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Tome, and Midjourney in enhancing productivity and creativity. Learn how ChatGPT assists with text-based queries, Tome generates high-quality slides, and Midjourney creates high-quality images and visualizations, providing practical examples for various roles. Improve efficiency and quality of work with these AI tools.

Bio: Ms Charina ONG is Senior Educational Technologist at CDTL. Charina’s work includes designing and conducting professional development courses/workshops for academics, specifically on Technology-enhanced Learning (TeL); developing e-learning resources for academics and students; providing pedagogical advice on designing or redesigning of blended learning modules; and designing multimedia-related resources to promote the CDTL’s publications and outreach initiatives in various publishing platforms. Charina obtained her Master's degree in Education at De La Salle University, Philippines and worked as a Senior Lecturer at De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde, School of Design and Arts. Charina’s interests in education include technology-enhanced learning, academic development, and blended learning.

Title: From Learning Companion to Learning Threat: Examining ChatGPT’s Trustworthiness in the Classroom
Speaker: Prof Lek Hsiang Hui
Abstract: This talk will highlight some concerns with the trustworthiness of AI tools and discuss how it impacts student's learning.
Bio: Prof LEK Hsiang Hui is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Information Systems and Analytics at National University of Singapore (NUS). He graduated with Bachelor of Computing (Honors) in Computer engineering and PhD in Information Systems from National University of Singapore. He currently teaches undergraduate courses in Enterprise Systems Design and Development courses. He also conducts executive training in Healthcare Analytics at the Centre of Health Informatics (CHI). He currently serves as one of the department's Curriculum committee members which look into the curriculum planning. He is also one of the faculty advisors for the NUS BiZiT Society, a student-initiated society that aims to promote Visibility for the business IT industry.

Title: The Potential Impact of GPT-like Tools on Computing Education and Career Opportunities
Speaker: Prof Damith Rajapakse
Abstract: This talk explores three important questions related to the impact of GPT-like AI tools on computing professionals. Firstly, to what extent can these tools automate the work of computing professionals? Secondly, how will the increasing use of such tools affect the career prospects of computing professionals? And finally, how can teaching and learning computing degree programs be adapted to keep pace with these changes?
Bio: Prof Damith Chatura RAJAPAKSE is an Associate Professor of Computer Science of the School of Computing at The National University of Singapore (NUS). He received his Ph.D. degree (2006) in Computer Science (Software Engineering) from NUS, School of Computing and his B.Sc. (First Class Honours) degree (2001) in Computer Science & Engineering from The University of Moratuwa, Faculty of Engineering, Sri Lanka. Dr Rajapakse’s research and teaching interest is mainly in the area of Software Engineering Education. He has authored or co-authored several books and is the founder of a number of education related software projects benefitting thousands of students and instructors around the world. He is also a fellow of the NUS Teaching Academy and a former fellow of the College of Alice and Peter Tan at NUS University Town.

Title: ChatGPT – ThatGPTeacher and Cerebral Classmate
Speaker: Prof. CHEN Zhi Xiong
Abstract: In my talk, I will highlight features of NUS interim policy on AI in education through the lens of a fellow educator and student. We will explore its relevance in the context of healthcare and humanity’s strengths needed to steer AI.
Bio: CHEN Zhi Xiong is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physiology and the Assistant Dean (Education) of NUS Medicine. He completed his fellowship with Ludwig Cancer Research at Karolinska Institutet and is researching on new approaches to treat and monitor pediatric cancers at NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR) and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Deeply interested in professional development, he obtained his Masters in Health Professions Education from Maastricht University and founded Asia-Pacific Biomedical Science Educators Association (APBSEA). He is also an Associate of Centre for Medical Education (CenMED) and a Board Member of International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE). Involved in the education of various health professions, Zhi Xiong is passionate about transdisciplinary learning through faculty development, medical education technology and cross-faculty collaborations. As Master of NUS LightHouse, he believes that student development through human communities and connections is essential to a complete university experience that cannot be replaced by AI.

16:00—17:00 Panel: Future Forward with AI

What does the future hold for learning, teaching and our livelihoods? What is the responsibility of institutes of higher education in preparing students for the future of AI and its impact on society? Join our panel and participate in the discussion, as we take questions from the audience on the path into the near- and long-term future as we discuss the implications of AI tools and the possibility of Artificial General Intelligence and the Singularity.

Panelists

The panel will be moderated by Kan Min Yen.

Panelist: Dr Kiruthika Ragupathi

Bio: Dr Kiruthika RAGUPATHI is Associate Director in the Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning (CDTL) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). In her current role, she leads the foundational professional development programmes for early career academics, the course design institute, and oversees the centralised teaching quality instruments at NUS—student feedback and peer review. She designs and conducts training on various topics including technology enhanced learning, student engagement and assessment. Kiruthika obtained her PhD in in Higher Education: Research, Evaluation and Enhancement from Lancaster University, UK. Her research work focuses on academic development, social practice theory, graded/gradeless learning, assessment, online learning, interdisciplinary education, and student living-learning experiences.

Panelist: Prof Loy Hui Chieh

Bio: Prof LOY Hui Chieh is an associate professor at the Department of Philosophy in NUS. He is also the Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, and Master of Cinnamon Wing at NUS College. He currently co-chairs the University Policy Workgroup for AI in Teaching and Learning for NUS. A/P Loy received his BA (Hons) and MA in Philosophy from NUS, and PhD in Philosophy from University of California, Berkeley.

Panelist: Prof Jungpil Hahn

Bio: Prof Jungpil HAHN is a Professor in the Department of Information Systems and Analytics at the School of Computing at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He served as the Head of the Department of Information Systems and Analytics from July 2015 to June 2021. Prior to joining NUS, he was an Assistant Professor of Management at the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University in West Lafayette (IN) and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Information Systems at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh (PA). He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration from Yonsei University in Seoul Korea and he earned his Ph.D. in Information and Decision Sciences from the Carlson School of Management at The University of Minnesota.

Panelist: Prof Martin Henz

Bio: Prof Martin HENZ is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science, National University of Singapore. He obtained his M.Sc. from the University of Stony Brook in 1992 and his Dr.rer.nat. from the Saarland University in 1997. He has been a research scientist at the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence. His current research and teaching revolves around the scalability of experiential learning. With his NUS colleagues, he has scaled the experiential course CS1101S (computer science introduction) from 48 students in 2012 to 670 students in 2021. He founded the experiential course CS4215 Programming Language Implementation, and offers experiential undergraduate software projects. He has published in a wide range of areas, including computer science and engineering education, programming languages, combinatorial search, and electric vehicles.

Organisers

Location

Chat on GPT was held at the University Town, Auditorium 1. It is organised by the School of Computing, National University of Singapore.

Related Links

Events

• The New AI Tools In Our Lives, featuring Loy Hui Chieh (hybrid lecture: 4 May; 19:30-21:00; in person at the Shaw Foundation Alumni House or on Zoom)
• Co-existing with A.I. Chatbots, featuring Natalie Pang (panel: 26 April; in person at the NLB Building)
• NUS Center for Development of Teaching and Learning – What can ChatGPT do for you? (An awareness session; forthcoming)
• NUS Center for Development of Teaching and Learning – Assessment practices and ChatGPT (forthcoming)
• NUS Center for Development of Teaching and Learning – Exploring the Power of AI Tools: A Conversation with Students (forthcoming)

Courses

• CS6101 Large Language Models - to be offered by Kan Min Yen's research group as a public course and a 2MC DYOM for qualified undergraduates.

Contact us

Contact email: If you have any enquiries, please drop an email to our friendly School of Computing Communications Team.