Programs at the new campus would be jointly developed by XJTLU and companies that include multinational consumer electronics and home appliances company Haier Group, robotics giant Siasun, Shanghai Qiyuan Technology Co and China Cultural Media Group.

"AI ultimately needs to be controlled by humans. One of the objectives of the new campus is to train students to become the commanders of this technology," says Lim.

"But it won't just be about tech knowledge. Through our partnerships with major industry players, students will gain valuable industry insights and understand how a company operates. All this cannot be learned from books.

"We will also have a robotics factory where students will be exposed to real world settings and learn skills that are currently needed in the industry."