SINGAPORE – Starting in January, all students at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) will learn to use generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) as part of a broader effort to prepare them for workplaces where this technology is becoming increasingly integral. Rather than teaching Gen AI as a standalone subject, NP plans to integrate it across the curriculum, ensuring every student—regardless of their field of study—engages with the technology in at least one module each academic year.
The curriculum will follow the PAIR framework—short for problem, AI, interaction, and reflection—developed by Professor Oguz Acar, a Gen AI expert at King’s College London. This structured approach will guide students through four critical steps: clearly defining problems, selecting appropriate AI tools, testing those tools through hands-on experience, and reflecting on how AI shapes their decision-making processes.
NP aims to emphasize that AI should enhance human judgment, creativity, and problem-solving skills, rather than replace them. Students will be instructed on the ethical use of AI, including the importance of verifying accuracy and understanding the technology’s limitations. The goal is to cultivate graduates who are adept at using new technologies while also capable of making independent decisions in rapidly evolving work environments.
Other local polytechnics have also begun incorporating AI into their curricula. Republic Polytechnic, for instance, has fully embedded Gen AI into its diploma courses, emphasizing AI fundamentals and critical thinking. Singapore Polytechnic provides all students with basic AI literacy through a common core curriculum, while Nanyang Polytechnic has integrated baseline Gen AI training into all diploma programs since October 2025. Temasek Polytechnic has recently opened an experimental design studio for design students to explore Gen AI.
NP Principal and Chief Executive Lim Kok Kiang stated that the institution has been enhancing its AI capabilities since 2022, beginning with the establishment of a Gen AI hub and the introduction of AI-focused tracks in its information technology courses. “AI is evolving very quickly, and our curriculum has to evolve with it,” he remarked. He added that while mastering AI tools is vital, it is equally essential for students to learn to frame problems effectively, think critically, and utilize AI responsibly.
Third-year NP student Sofea Carmila Rohaizat, 19, initially hesitated to engage with Gen AI tools due to concerns about grades and academic integrity. “I didn’t know what was allowed and what wasn’t… I heard stories of students whose reports were flagged and ended up getting zero, and that really scared me,” she explained. However, her outlook shifted in her second year when she was encouraged to use AI for an individual assignment. During her internship at Sentosa Development Corp in 2025, she used AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to enhance her communication and critical thinking skills.
“Although using AI will help us tremendously, we need to know where our limits are. At the end of the day, we must feel rewarded for earning this diploma. Gen AI can only do so much, but as humans, we can do so much more,” Sofea added. She intends to pursue data analytics at the National University of Singapore and believes the PAIR framework will benefit her future studies and career.
As part of its overhaul, NP is updating its diploma offerings, including the launch of a diploma in computing with law, the first of its kind at a polytechnic in Singapore. This program is designed to meet the growing need for professionals who can bridge the gap between technology and legal work, as more law firms, companies, and public agencies adopt digital tools.
NP plans to admit 40 students for its inaugural cohort in 2026. Those enrolled will study software development, cybersecurity, AI, and database management, alongside various legal subjects. Mr. Lim noted the diploma was created in response to rapid changes in the legal sector, as firms and tech startups increasingly invest in AI and digital solutions.
The program is supported by industry partners, including Rajah & Tann Singapore and the Singapore Academy of Law, which will provide mentorship, insights, and internship opportunities. “A grounding in law is increasingly important today, as governance and accountability matter across industries,” Mr. Lim stated, emphasizing that this knowledge could enhance graduates’ employability beyond the legal tech sector.
Final-year ICT student Elvis Chan, 21, is currently undertaking a six-month internship in Vietnam as an AI engineer. Working with a startup focused on legal applications, he has been involved in tasks like drafting contracts and agreements. Despite his limited prior knowledge of law, he successfully automated legal document generation, underscoring the demand for talent who can navigate both legal and technological domains.
Mr. Chan commented on the increasing intersection of technology and law, stating, “Today, many industries no longer operate purely within one discipline, and legal technology is increasingly intertwined.” He pointed out that the new diploma allows students to build a solid foundation in both fields from the outset.
NP’s School of Engineering is also updating its curriculum to meet the complexities of modern infrastructure and industrial systems. Starting in April, all engineering students will receive enhanced AI training and will have the option to pursue cross-disciplinary specializations. New offerings include a space technology program focusing on systems design, electronics, and data-driven applications, as well as a diploma-level operational technology cybersecurity track aimed at protecting critical infrastructure.
These initiatives reflect NP’s commitment to adapting education to align with technological and industrial changes. Mr. Lim concluded, “By embedding AI literacy across disciplines, linking learning to emerging sectors, and promoting ethical and adaptive thinking, we are dedicated to equipping our learners with the skills and perspectives necessary to navigate complex environments and contribute meaningfully to society.”
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