Acacia College at NUS: Exploring the Intersection of Artificial and Human Intelligences
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has announced plans to establish Acacia College within University Town, which will become the fifth residential college on campus and the first new addition in ten years, following the establishment of the last college in 2015. The opening is scheduled for August 2025, with an initial capacity of 100 students, expanding to 600 by August 2026.
Curriculum Framework
Acacia College will implement a curriculum framework that centers on the “Fundamentals of Artificial and Human Intelligences.” This approach aims to foster interdisciplinary learning by allowing students from diverse degree programs to engage in collaborative, small-group courses.
Preparing for a Technology-Driven Future
In light of the increasing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life, Acacia College seeks to equip students for a technology-driven future. The curriculum will cover practical skills in areas such as Generative AI, AI programming, and Machine Learning, while also addressing the ethical, social, and cultural dimensions of AI’s role in modern society.
NUSOne Initiative
The creation of Acacia College is part of NUS’s broader initiative, NUSOne, which promotes self-directed development throughout the university experience. This new college addition highlights the university’s commitment to providing undergraduates, particularly incoming freshmen, with enhanced opportunities for on-campus living and learning.
Residency Program
The college will offer a two-year residency program featuring exclusive interdisciplinary courses. In the first year, students will participate in Junior Seminars focused on the relationship between AI and humans, laying the foundation for more advanced discussions in Senior Seminars in the second year.
LIKES Curriculum
The curriculum, termed the LIKES curriculum, will analyze the interactions between AI and humans through five essential dimensions: Living, Innovation, Know-how, Susceptibility, and Exploration. Furthermore, students will have the chance to initiate projects such as hackathons and symposia to foster industry connections and global exposure.
Temporary Location
Acacia College will temporarily occupy the current location of NUS College (Cinnamon Wing), which is set to move to the Yale-NUS College campus later this year.
Leadership Appointment
Associate Professor Heng Cheng Suang from the NUS School of Computing has been appointed as the Master of Acacia College, succeeding the role of Master-Designate. His expertise lies in the strategic application of technology within organizations.
NUS AI Talent Scholarship
Beginning with the Academic Year 2025/2026, NUS will also launch the NUS AI Talent Scholarship, aimed at supporting 20 undergraduates in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Business AI Systems, or Robotics and Machine Intelligence. The scholarship will provide coverage for subsidized tuition fees, living expenses, and on-campus housing, alongside mentorship opportunities and global engagement.
Access for Scholars
NUS AI Talent Scholars will gain priority access to the University Town College Program, particularly Acacia College, facilitating a specialized living and learning environment centered around AI.
