News: LKCMedicine staff bags top prize in NISTH inaugural Ideas Challenge

On March 11, LKCMedicine’s Assistant Director of Education Development Emmanuel Tan was awarded the first prize in the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) Institute of Science and Technology for Humanity Ideas (NISTH) inaugural Ideas Challenge, for his essay addressing the theme of AI for Humanity. His essay proposed an online dispute resolution mechanism, known as “Online Mediation for AI” (Omai), for resolving conflict in the AI world.


LKCMedicine’s Assistant Director of Education Development Emmanuel Tan was awarded the first prize in the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) Institute of Science and Technology for Humanity Ideas (NISTH) inaugural Ideas Challenge

Mr Tan received his prize from NTU President and Distinguished Professor Subra Suresh at the official launch of NISTH, in the presence of the Guest-of-Honour, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam. 


The Challenge drew a total of 90 entries, including project proposals, works of fiction and essays that raised issues for a society increasingly reliant on AI, and put forth strategies to enhance the human condition. The entries were judged by a panel for their originality, feasibility and potential impact.

Prof Suresh first announced in February last year that NISTH would be set up to study the impact of technology on society. "NISTH would bring together industry, government, academia and non-profit organisations to develop ideas and concepts for the prudent and ethical development of technology and policies for the betterment of human conditions as the Fourth Industrial Revolution impacts the global society in profound ways,” said Prof Suresh.

In his essay, Mr Tan noted that while the use of mediation and online mediation is not new in Singapore, its scope could be expanded to include AI matters. A dedicated mediation service for AI, he said, would not only raise the choice of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution to litigation, but also build
capacity for better AI governance. Mr Tan believes that Omai would allow for more parties to participate and help build trust between AI and the community.

Of his win, Mr Tan said, "I am deeply humbled as well as honoured to win this award and I feel very encouraged by the strong support from LKCMedicine management and my team.”