SMU and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) have launched a laboratory that will apply artificial intelligence (AI) technology to tackle high-priority national challenges facing Singapore such as the ageing population and polarisation. The lab will develop tools and solutions tailored to the local context. The lab will also conduct research that integrates SMU's humanities and social sciences expertise and A*Star's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) expertise. Speaking at the launch held at the SMU Yong Pung How School of Law, SMU Provost Professor Timothy Clark said the new lab will focus on two main areas of research: computational social sciences and human-AI synergy. He said computational tools can generate insights over large volumes of data, such as digital content gathered online, but research in disciplines such as psychology and sociology is needed to understand the ways people generate and consume this content.