His Excellency Jamal Abdulla AlSuwaidi, Ambassador of The United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Singapore,
His Excellency Sulaiman Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Professional Development Sector of the Ministry of Education for The United Arab Emirates,
Her Excellency Dr May Laith Al Taee, Vice Chancellor of the Emirates College for Advanced Education,
Professor Liu Woon Chia, Director of the National Institute of Education,
Ambassadors,
Distinguished guests.
1. Good morning. It is truly a pleasure and an honour to be here with all of you today — a gathering of leaders, educators, and partners who are committed to educating our next generation of students so that they will thrive in the future, and make the future better and brighter for our communities.
Shared Vision, Common Ground
2. Singapore and the UAE share many core convictions, especially in our approach towards education. In both our nations, education is a strategic national priority, a social compact between government and people, and above all, a long-term commitment to nurturing the full potential of our people.
3. We share a deep belief in the role of education, not only as an engine of growth for our countries, but also an enabler for harmony, and to create opportunities for our people. We are committed to making learning more accessible, equitable, and responsive to the needs of a changing world.
4. No nation can thrive in isolation. Collaboration and partnerships are important for progress.
5. Today's event is a clear manifestation of that belief — the result of a tripartite collaboration between the Embassy of the UAE, the Emirates College for Advanced Education, and NIE NTU, Singapore
A Commitment to Strengthening Global Partnerships
6. We view this as the beginning of a long-term partnership that drives our shared aspirations, strengthens our collective expertise, and creates opportunities for meaningful, lasting learning from one another.
7. Together, we aim to develop practical solutions that not only meet today's needs but also prepare us for the challenges education will face in the years ahead.
Navigating the Age of AI
8. When we conceptualise the future of education, we cannot ignore the presence, and the promise of AI.
9. AI is transforming our world in ways that we are just beginning to understand, particularly Generative AI for now. Education systems need to respond in two ways.
10. First, we need to prepare our students to augment their capability through the use of AI, and to use AI for good. This means that instead of banning AI in educational institutions, we ought to teach our students wise principles of when and how to use it, and why. At an appropriate age. We still have to teach fundamentals. Without sound understanding of fundamentals, humans cannot create and innovate, which is still an important human endeavour. And also, over-reliance on technology is never a good thing. We must have our own mind to judge, to evaluate, to assess, and be grounded in strong values to use AI wisely. This is a responsibility we cannot abdicate.
11. Second, our education system and educators should judiciously use AI to enhance and customise learning for our diverse learners for greater effectiveness.
12. In our classrooms in Singapore, AI is already enhancing synchronous learning — from providing real-time feedback to individual students in the classroom via interactive learning assistants that help guide them to their learning outcomes.
13. Outside the classroom, AI is enabling asynchronous learning, allowing students to engage in self-directed learning at their own pace. Immediate analysis of their answers through AI-enabled feedback assistants, personalised recommendations and adaptive quizzes through the adaptive learning system are helping each learner chart their own unique learning pathways.
14. But as our students are still developing their capabilities, our educators are very much in the loop. They are in the loop in the design to ensure our students are actively learning and still have agency. They are in the loop to put in safety guardrails for accuracy, appropriateness and relevance. And they are in the loop to ensure no one is left behind and all can benefit from it.
Leading with Purpose and Values
15. Our commitment to the development, well-being, and growth of the next generation must remain steadfast. Leadership in education isn't just about policy or strategy. It's about leadership rooted in values — ensuring that education stays human, inclusive, and hopeful. The challenge is not to be dazzled by the rapid pace of technological change, but to ensure our education systems are guided by what is not only possible, but also purposeful.
16. As we explore the possibilities of AI, we are equally mindful of our responsibilities. Ethical use of AI is at the heart of our approach. For our youngest learners, we emphasise data protection, privacy, and age-appropriate design. Across all levels, we are equipping educators to use AI critically and thoughtfully, always keeping the human connection at the core of learning. Because in our pursuit of innovation, we must lead with integrity, responsibility, and care.
A Future Guided by Purpose
17. So, as we begin today's conversations, let's ask ourselves another question: What kind of future do we want to create for our next generation?
18. This question lies at the heart of everything we do. It should shape not just how we teach, but also what we teach, and why. It should guide our focus not only on infrastructure and innovation, but more importantly, on people, especially our educators.
19. Speaking about our educators, the integration of AI isn't about replacing teachers. It's about empowering them—helping teachers analyse student learning data more efficiently, offering insights for differentiated instruction, and suggesting resources tailored to students' needs. By using AI to support professional practice, we are reinforcing the critical role of educators as facilitators, mentors, and guides in a future-focused learning ecosystem.
20. At the end of the day, it is the human connection — between teacher and student, mentor and learner — that forms the foundation of meaningful learning.
A Shared Path Forward
21. Today's event affirms the power of coming together across borders, institutions, disciplines, and industries to shape the future of education.
22. Let's continue to build not just smarter systems, but stronger partnerships. Let's invest not only in technology, but in trust — and in the people who will carry us forward.
23. By embedding AI thoughtfully into our education system, we are building a shared future — one where students, educators, policymakers, and technology partners work hand in hand. And our goal should be clear: to prepare every learner for the unpredictable future, while remaining anchored in our values.
24. I look forward to the insights, inspiration, and imagination that will emerge from today's dialogue — and to the continued collaboration between our nations.
25. Thank you.