In Singapore and beyond, AI is supercharging educational technology

Education these days is not child’s play.

Educators have to prepare their students for careers that are being rapidly transformed by automation, AI — one of five key trends shaping the educational technology (edtech) market in the next five years, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) — and other forms of digitalization. 

From personalized learning to exam supervision, AI is also being implemented widely within the education sector to support both students and teachers as we prepare the next generation for a job market very different from anything we’ve seen before.

The future of the classroom is within our reach

Imagine a school equipped with agentic AI-enabled student aids that help learners take control of their learning, such as personalized digital learning platforms that tailor content to individual students’ needs. AI-driven tools also create a more inclusive educational environment, giving students with learning difficulties or those who require more support access to customized resources and real-time assistance.

For educators, there are AI proctoring tools to ensure the integrity of exams, and automated grading and feedback systems that free up teachers’ valuable time. Predictive analytics for student performance help teachers identify at-risk learners early on.

These innovations aren’t around the corner — they are available now, and they’re set to have a profound impact on education all over the world.

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Singapore gears up for a new era of education

One country that’s embracing this exciting era of innovation is Singapore, which already ranks among the world’s top-performing nations for its commitment to providing high-quality education.

In fact, the Singapore Ministry of Education is already one step ahead, having launched their comprehensive “Transforming Education through Technology” Masterplan 2030 — or “EdTech Masterplan 2030,” for short.

The goal of the plan is to create an inclusive learning environment where technology — including AI, data analytics and advanced infrastructure — is fully integrated into the fabric of education. These technologies must be used to create more engaging and effective learning experiences, and the plan includes upskilling students and teachers accordingly.

Making this ambitious vision a reality depends on:

• The ability to use learning data and analytics to gain insights into student performance and tailor educational interventions
• Having the right technological infrastructure and support systems in place in schools, going beyond hardware and software to create an integrated environment that supports the entire educational process, from classroom management to student engagement
• Building an edtech ecosystem that follows best practices and brings together stakeholders to support innovation, with a high level of collaboration between the public and private sectors

No progress without the right support

However, it’s not always simple to put these enablers in place. The education industry is a digital laggard, with less than 4% of global expenditure allocated to digital initiatives. This presents a serious challenge but also a notable opportunity for growth.

Indeed, digital spending in the sector is already expected to grow to $404 billion this year, from $227 billion in 2020, as augmented reality, virtual reality and AI become increasingly integrated into core education delivery and learning processes.

In Singapore, NTT DATA’s global expertise makes us a key educational technology partner in this ongoing digital transformation. We have a wealth of experience in transforming IT infrastructure, spanning networks, cloud, cybersecurity, the digital workplace and more.

A full curriculum of technology services

Acting as a key enabler, our platform-enabled managed services support institutions in their quest for advanced solutions that deliver an excellent user experience by combining technology with business outcomes and metrics. Our cloud and security platform now uses agentic AI to make centralized monitoring of our clients’ networks and defenses even more powerful than before.

These services include scalable smart campus solutions designed to streamline operations and reduce operational costs. From network infrastructure to cloud services, we lay the foundations for a more engaging and interactive learning environment for students. For teachers, easy access to better tools helps them to track student progress and provide personalized feedback.

Beyond the educational benefits, our smart campus solutions support facility usage analytics, traffic management, AI-enabled school safety (including weapons detection), crowd monitoring and even air quality, all contributing to a safer and better managed educational environment.

We consult on and implement advanced data analytics and AI that give teachers insights into student performance and recommend educational interventions, and our GenAI tools create personalized learning content and provide one-on-one support to make learning and teaching more interactive.

A sustainable future for today’s students

Sustainability is a core value at NTT DATA. To shape a better world for all, we apply our digital capabilities to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society. Our technology plays a crucial role in creating sustainable communities, both within and beyond the educational sector.

By focusing on sustainable solutions built with innovative technologies, we’re not only supporting the EdTech Masterplan 2030 in Singapore but also contributing to a broader vision of a prosperous future.

We invite educational institutions in Singapore and all over the world to partner with us and give every student the opportunity to succeed. We’re here to support you every step of the way.