Research Scholarship at DTC
DTC Research Scholarship
Application for this intake is now open.
The Digital Trust Centre (DTC) Research Scholarship supports research within the Safe AI in the Built Environment Programme, led by the Digital Trust Centre at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
The programme brings together NTU's interdisciplinary strengths in sustainability, intelligent construction, and AI safety to address critical challenges and accelerate the adoption of safe, trustworthy AI across the built environment.
Research is organised around three key themes:
- Intelligent, Sustainable Built Environment: AI for Climate-Responsive, Low-Carbon Buildings
- Intelligent Prefabricated Construction Ecosystem
- Agentic AI for Construction
The scholarship is open to both local and international applicants seeking admission as full-time candidates in an NTU Graduate Research programme.
Selection Criteria
- Meet the admission requirements for an NTU full-time PhD programme.
- Be accepted into CCDS, CEE, or IGP-ERI@N and undertake research aligned with the scholarship themes.
- Demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential in a relevant field.
The DTC Research Scholarship is awarded to outstanding PhD candidates from the College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS), the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), and the Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme – Energy Research Institute @ NTU (IGP-ERI@N) who undertake research in AI in the built environment.
Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements and be accepted into one of the following schools:
The available research projects are outlined below. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the respective Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Investigator (Co-PI) for further information.
Research Plan 1
| Research Topic | Intelligent, Sustainable Built Environment: AI for Climate-Responsive, Low-Carbon Buildings |
| Principal Investigator | Assoc Prof Kong Wai Kin Adams (CCDS) |
| Co-Investigators | Dr Sundar Raj Thangavelu (ERI@N), Dr Faizal Zulkefli (ERI@N), Dr Riccardo Talami (ERI@N) |
Research Plan 2
| Research Topic | Intelligent, Sustainable Built Environment: AI for Climate-Responsive, Low-Carbon Buildings |
| Principal Investigator | Asst Prof. Fu Yuguang (CEE) |
| Co-Investigators | Dr. Sivanand Somasundaram (ERI@N), Dr. Faizal Zulkefli (ERI@N) |
Research Plan 3
| Research Topic | Intelligent Prefabricated Construction Ecosystem |
| Principal Investigator | Asst Prof. Fu Yuguang (CEE) |
| Co-Investigators | - |
Research Plan 4
| Research Topic | Agentic Al for Construction |
| Principal Investigator | Prof Lam Kwok Yan (CCDS, DTC) |
| Co-Investigators | Prof Dusit Niyato (CCDS) |
Scholarship recipients will be hosted and administered by either the College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS), the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) of NTU or the IGP - Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) and supervised by a PI or Co-PI of NTU.
There is no bond attached to the scholarship.
The award is tenable for one (1) year in the first instance and is renewable annually subject to good progress. The maximum period of the Scholarship is four (4) years for PhD candidates, as determined by CCDS/CEE/IGP-ERI@N as well as availability of research funding.
Proposed Monthly Stipend as follows:
| Citizenship | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Singapore Citizen1 | $3,800 |
| Singapore Permanent Resident | $3,400 |
| International Student2 | $3,000 |
1 Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions shall be provided at a rate pegged to the prevailing employer's contribution rate set by CPF, on top of the monthly stipend received.
2 International Students must perform teaching / laboratory supervision duties to fulfil the requirements of the Graduate Assistantship Programme (GAP) / Graduate Training Hours (GTH). Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents may perform GAP at the discretion of the schools.
- For scholars who pass the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination/Confirmation, he/she may be eligible for an additional stipend of up to $500 per month. The increased in stipend is subjected to good performance in research and the attainment of required standards for courses taken. The University reserves the right to vary the amount of the stipend at any time by written notice.
- In addition to the monthly stipend, the award also covers the annual tuition fee.
- Scholarship coverage and award terms are subject to change. The university reserves the right to vary the amount of the Award stipend at any time.
Admission is in August or January each year.
For new applicants interested to pursue full-time PhD, please submit your application through NTU online portal - Graduate Research Admission System (GRAS). Applicants are advised to submit applications at least 4 months before their desired intake.
Intake in August or January is subjected to the School’s selection and recommendation. The University reserves the right to admit applicants in other semesters. You may contact the School for their assistance.
| List of schools and the respective emails for admission queries | ||
|---|---|---|
| No. | School | |
| 1 | College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS) | ccdspostgrad@ntu.edu.sg |
| 2 | School of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) | ceephd_meng@ntu.edu.sg |
| 3 | Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme (IGP) | igp@ntu.edu.sg |