From leveraging Virtual Reality (VR) to ease the fears of young cancer patients doing CT scan and radiotherapy treatments, to harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to preserve centuries‑old Chinese cultural artefacts, Nanyang Polytechnic’s (NYP) Class of 2026 are demonstrating how innovation and empathy can come together to make a real difference to society.

 

VR simulations alleviate pre-treatment anxiety from young cancer patients and their caregivers

 

Five learners from NYP’s School of Design & Media partnered the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) to develop VR simulations that help young cancer patients prepare for radiotherapy treatments. Designed for children aged five and above, the VR simulations allow patients to interact with virtual treatment rooms, control equipment and familiarise themselves with treatment procedures in a safe and immersive way.

 

By replicating the VR experience exactly like the real treatment rooms, the environment remains familiar to patients, helping them feel less anxious before and during their treatment. Caregivers are also able to view their child’s VR experience in real time, allowing them to have a better understanding ahead of treatment.

 

The full VR suite is currently used by NCCS during pre‑treatment briefings, and the project’s technical roadmap will be presented at ESTRO 2026, one of the world’s largest oncology conferences, in Sweden next month.

 

Preserving Chinese cultural heritage in Singapore through AI

 

ArchAIve, an AI‑powered start‑up co‑founded by three graduands from NYP’s School of Information Technology, digitises handwritten Chinese documents and calligraphy. The project aims to help heritage institutions preserve valuable cultural artefacts that are increasingly at risk due to age and physical deterioration.

 

Co‑founder, Joon Jun Han, also received the Lee Kuan Yew Award for Mathematics and Science for his excellent academic performance and active participation in co-curricular activities.

 

The project was born out of a real industry need by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) – to digitalise handwritten traditional Chinese calligraphy from historical meeting minutes. Through the AI tool, the once onerous task – which previously took an hour per document – can now be completed under five minutes.

 

ArchAIve has since secured a term contract with SCCCI, with growing interest from other Chinese clan associations looking to preserve clan histories and make heritage records accessible to younger generations.

 

For Jun Han, the project was an opportunity to apply his technical skills to solve a real-world problem, in a cultural setting with long‑term significance. The entrepreneur is part of a growing number of NYP learners who are developing industry‑ready solutions with commercial and social value even before completing their studies.

 

Graduation 2026

 

These are some of the projects accomplished by the 5,500-strong Class of 2026, comprising diploma, specialist diploma and advanced diploma graduates from the Schools of Applied Science, Business Management, Design & Media, Engineering, Health & Social Sciences and Information Technology. The respective graduation ceremonies for each School will be held from 04 to 11 May 2026.

 

Marking the success of the graduating cohort, Mr Russell Chan, Principal and CEO of NYP, shared that NYP is committed to preparing graduates to lead and thrive in the fast-changing world. “Whether they go on to further their studies or step into the workforce to build real-world experience before their next phase of upskilling, our graduates leave NYP equipped with strong foundations, adaptability, and a strong sense of innovativeness and purpose, to make meaningful impact beyond NYP.”

 

At the institutional session held on 04 May, Guest of Honour, Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Education and Sustainability and the Environment, presented awards to the 12 top graduates from the Class of 2026. More details of these award winners are in Annex A. 

ANNEX A