Use of AI in Schools to Be More Coordinated Across Institutes of Higher Learning with New Committee

The Straits Times
The Straits TimesApr 1, 2026

Why It Matters

Coordinated AI governance will speed up adoption, reduce duplication, and enhance the competitiveness of the nation’s higher‑education ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

  • New AI committee created to coordinate higher education institutions
  • Committee chaired by senior official includes university presidents and polytechnic CEOs
  • Focus on strategic direction, oversight, and AI priority alignment
  • Initiative aims to share best practices and emerging AI developments
  • Coordination expected to accelerate AI integration across all institutes

Summary

The government announced the formation of a new committee dedicated to artificial intelligence in higher education, signaling a systemic push to harmonize AI initiatives across universities, polytechnics and other institutes of higher learning.

Chaired by a senior minister of state, Dr. Janel Pucherryi, the body will bring together university presidents, polytechnic CEOs and other senior officials to provide strategic direction, oversight and coordinated priority‑setting for AI projects, while still allowing individual institutions to experiment.

The committee’s charter emphasizes two core functions: steering a unified AI agenda across the sector and fostering the exchange of best practices, case studies and emerging developments, ensuring that successes and lessons learned are rapidly disseminated.

By institutionalizing collaboration, the initiative aims to accelerate AI integration, mitigate fragmented policy risks, and position the nation’s higher‑education system at the forefront of global AI adoption, benefitting students, researchers and industry partners alike.

Original Description

Education Minister Desmond Lee announced a new committee that will coordinate the approach to AI among Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) across the nation for a more “strategic and coordinated approach towards AI in higher education”.
He was speaking at The Straits Times Education Forum 2026 on April 1.
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