Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP), a leading institute of higher learning in Singapore, has embarked on a transformative digital journey with Microsoft. Through innovative tools, certifications, and collaborative initiatives, NYP is shaping the future of education by championing accessibility and empowering its staff and students.
NYP’s Commitment to Excellence
Founded in 1992, NYP delivers quality and contemporary education across 37 full-time diploma courses and a wide range of continuing education and training (CET) options. Now, as the world embraces digitalization and the era of AI, NYP is deepening its commitment to excellence by investing in moving to the cloud and exploring cutting-edge technologies.
Microsoft 365: A Catalyst for Change
The polytechnic has enhanced collaboration efficiency and impact by adopting Microsoft 365 (M365) tools across its corporate office and classrooms. NYP’s corporate teams have also seamlessly integrated these tools into their workflows. For instance, NYP creates surveys and polls to collect student feedback and facilitate administrative tasks with Microsoft Forms, while the use of Microsoft Teams has enabled real-time communication and file sharing for easier and smoother collaboration.
NYP is also using Power Automate and SharePoint to facilitate work process reviews. Among the many examples is how the institution has successfully reviewed and streamlined accessibility to assistive tools for students with special needs. In addition, the procurement department leverages Power BI for employee workload monitoring, resulting in productivity gains through data-driven decisions and optimized task allocation.
Now, as a first-mover in Singapore’s education sector, NYP is also using AI through Copilot for Microsoft 365 to further optimise work processes.
Ms Viridis Liew-Hwang, Deputy Director of NYP’s Organisational Transformation Department, said: “The tech stack and tools that we have access to through Microsoft are not only transforming the way our teams work day-to-day, but also fostering a culture of agility and ensuring we live our values of continuous learning. We’re always ready to embrace new technology, and the latest AI-powered assistance available through Copilot is transforming our organisation from the ground up.”
The AI & Data Journey
NYP also works closely with industry partners like Microsoft to grow the future generation.
In 2020, NYP launched a revolutionary pedagogy – the Professional Competency Model (PCM) – for students to learn through work-based tasks. Microsoft was one of the pioneer partners on this journey, to co-develop curriculum and co-certify students from the Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics with the NYP-Microsoft Certificate of Competency in Visual Analytics.
During their three-year curriculum that infuses industry knowledge, students are also given the opportunity to attain the Microsoft Power BI Certification, amongst other industry-recognised certification.
The first cohort of students under the PCM graduated earlier this year, and graduates have shared that these industry certificates have been instrumental for their post-graduation opportunities, whether in further studies or seeking employment opportunities.
Kimberly Tan, who graduated with a Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics in 2024, put her Power BI certification to good use during her internship at pharmaceutical company MSD. She impressed the company with her exceptional skills and competencies, and has since joined the company as an AI Ethics and Governance Analyst. Incorporating Power BI into her work helped Kimberly with analysing work performances and visualising dashboards. She said: “With the foundational knowledge from NYP’s Diploma in Applied AI & Analytics, paired with Microsoft’s globally recognised certification, I felt so much more confident in my skills and my employability. I’m happy to have landed my dream job in such an exciting and evolving space.”
Kimberly is also continuing to enhance her AI knowledge by pursuing a Specialist Diploma in Agile Solutioning & DevSecOps part-time at NYP, offered to individuals who wish to master agile methodology and secure software development techniques.
Empowering Staff Everywhere
On the Digital Workplace end, NYP’s implementation of Windows 365 (Cloud PC) aligns with the polytechnic’s Zero Trust and Zero Touch Point IT Security Strategy to maintain a high-scale security environment. This ensures only authorised access to their corporate environment while providing the flexibility to the schools to conduct their lectures, enhancing teaching and learning experiences for their students, without having to compromise security.
Ms Law Chin Choo, Director of NYP’s Digital Solutions & Services Department said: “Moving into the Cloud PC era has enabled us to simultaneously improve our IT security and operational efficiency. Our staff members can now conveniently access Windows 11 and essential applications from any device, be it at home, while travelling, or in the classroom and campus. From an IT infrastructure perspective, the transition was seamless, and has enabled us to work both flexibly and securely.”
Strengthening the Industry Ecosystem
Supported by SkillsFuture Singapore, the NYP-Microsoft Centre for Applied AI (C4AI) serves as a hub for authentic industry use cases and workforce upskilling. Through C4AI, NYP collaborates with companies, crafting real-world AI solutions and bridging theory with practice.
One of the companies that has benefitted from C4AI is Apex Harmony Lodge (AHL), a Community Care Organisation. In just six months, NYP engineering students developed an information retrieval and analytics software tool allowing AHL access to data-driven insights of its residents over the years. AHL was able to use this to better facilitate the planning of quality care for its 210 patients with dementia. 
The NYP team with Apex Harmony Lodge during C4AI project discussions
Singapore semiconductor talent acquisition leader Uni Connect has also partnered with NYP staff through C4AI to automate resume screening and job matching. Using Large Language Model (LLM) technology and Microsoft Cloud, this AI innovation has reduced manual screening time and enabled Uni Connect’s teams to focus on strategic talent decisions. By deploying this advanced software, Uni Connect is setting new industry standards in AI-driven recruitment with the help of NYP and Microsoft Cloud services.
NYP’s Deputy Principal, Academic, Ms Loh Chuu Yi, said: “By embracing technology, we’re transforming our work, empowering staff, and opening doors for NYP graduates with our industry partners. We’re proud to work with Microsoft to remain at the cutting-edge of innovation that benefits not only our students, but Singapore’s business community and economy at large.”
Corporate Strategy for Community Impact
In support of Singapore’s National AI Strategy, NYP is leveraging advancements in technology to support the role of education in shaping a brighter future.
Managing Director of Microsoft Singapore, Ms Lee Hui Li, said: “Nanyang Polytechnic’s digital journey exemplifies how technology, when harnessed thoughtfully, can elevate education and empower students. World class education is the foundation of Singapore’s future, so we’re excited to continue to collaborate with NYP, ensuring that graduates are future-ready and that upskilling remains a force for positive change in Singapore.”
For more information about NYP’s programmes visit www.nyp.edu.sg/student