The Turing point of my life

 

Timothy Yong
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Turing AI Scholars Programme

No seniors, no traditions?  That’s no problem for Timothy Yong, who joined NTU’s brand-new AI scholars programme and even kickstarted its student club. 

Originally, he wanted to do Data Science & Artificial Intelligence (DSAI) under the NTU-University Scholars Programme because he was keen on a broad education covering both the sciences and humanities. NTU’s beautiful campus in western Singapore also appealed to the “Eastie” who wanted to shake things up in a fresh environment. 

Then, he learnt about the Turing AI Scholars Programme (TAISP), a freshly launched initiative to groom world-class AI experts. The Turing programme features top-drawer teachers from prestigious institutions such as University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. It also offers rich research opportunities, mentorship, a semester overseas at a top university, and an internship at a world-leading corporation.

Timothy had always been rather adventurous, yet he was a little wary of a nascent programme. There were no “seniors” he could seek advice from. Still, he knew that NTU was ahead in AI studies, and he had read in US News & World Report that NTU ranked second in AI studies among global universities in 2024. Attending the TAISP tea session sealed the deal – NTU’s prominent AI professors painted a bold academic vision, and Timothy was convinced.

He took what he calls “a leap of faith”, and it paid off handsomely. Now he is now enjoying every aspect of life at NTU. He and his fellow students seized the opportunity to form the TAISP club, with him as its first president. Other NTU scholarship programmes have their own clubs, and the Turing scholars were not about to be left out.

“NTU encourages students to take initiative and the idea of the TAISP club was warmly welcomed. I’m only in my first semester, but I already feel I’ve learnt so much. At NTU, you are encouraged to write your own story. We want to craft a path for future batches of scholars by forming the TAISP club. This is our legacy for the TAISP programme,” Timothy proudly declares.

The club intends to organise extra-curricular activities such as an AI hackathons and community initiatives. The TAISP club also plans to invite AI professionals from leading companies to give talks and share their experiences. “Apart from learning from the best in the trade, this would also provide valuable networking opportunities for the TAISP scholars,” says Timothy.

Recently, Timothy attended his first AI Masterclass, a unique feature of the Turing programme led by top AI exponents. “If the Masterclass professors that follow are as intellectually stimulating as the first one from Oxford, we would be in for a thrilling ride,” he says.

In their second year, Turing students take on a research programme under the mentorship of AI experts. In their third year, they go on exchange at a world-renowned university. Timothy is opting for UC Berkeley, a top college for AI. This would be followed by a semester-long AI internship at a leading corporation.

“My focus now is to absorb all I can in my studies, and so far, it has been enriching,” he says.

Timothy has just taken up floorball. He intends to live the NTU lifestyle to the hilt. Apart from weekends back home and the occasional trip to Jurong Point mall, he and his friends see little need to venture beyond the campus.

“We have a variety of food outlets, a supermarket, sports and games facilities, and wonderful nature spots – all within walking distance inside the campus. It’s so convenient,” he says.

Read more peer reviews of NTU programmes here.