About Me

I am a Principal Scientist at the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR, Singapore.  Primary aim of my R&D is to lead use-inspired research and innovate in AI and Data Science, and translate the research outcomes into niche commercializable technologies. Many of the R&D projects I have led or was involved in have resulted in technologies that have been commercialized and led to successful spinoffs. 

My current research interests include Advanced Machine Learning (Deep Learning, Interpretable ML, etc. ), Text Analytics, and Semantic Computing. I have published in top peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and served in the Programme Committees of many international conferences. And also chaired several international events on AI, Data Science and Analytics.  

I am always interested in collaborations with Universities/R&D Institutions, and also end-users with problem statements that cannot be addressed by off-the-shelf solutions. Prospective students with strong inclination towards applied R&D are welcome.   

Hobbies: Hacking music, movies, spiritualism, theology, human potential. 

Grants & Fundings 

• PI, Intramural funding (~$1m). 2021-2024.  R&D Theme: Neuro-Symbolic Natural Language Reasoning 

• PI, NRF Trans Grant (~$1.2m). 2018-19.  R&D Theme: Financial Audit Risk Prediction   

• Co-PI, SERC Industry Alignment Funding (~$1.4m) . 2015-2018. R&D Theme: Technology Development for Collaborative Commerce  

• PI, GAP Funding (~$535K). 2015.   R&D Theme: Advanced Analytics for Procurement Optimization and Risk Management  

• PI, Intramural funding (~$1.2m). 2011-2014.  R&D Theme: Semantic analytics for Service Ecosystem   

Awards

• AAAI / IAAI  'Deployed Application  Award' 2021.

• A*Star Innovation Award 2019, Singapore. (co-recipient)

• Ministry of Trade & Industry Borderless Award 2017, Singapore. (co-recipient)

• Ministry of Trade & Industry Innovation Award 2013, Singapore. (co-recipient)

• IEEE Cloud Cup 2013, USA. (The only awardee and finalist from Asia. I conceptualized, initiated and led the team.) 

• IEEE Services Cup 2012, USA. (Only awardee from Asia. I conceptualized, initiated and led the team.) 

• Others: ACM Web Applications Competition 2009, Tan Kah Kee Young Inventor’s award (2006 & 1998), TEC Innovation award 2000.