Xiaoou Tang Scholarship
Celebrating Professor Xiaoou Tang's enduring legacy by supporting the next generation of researchers in artificial intelligence.
In Memoriam
Professor Xiaoou Tang
24 January 1968 - 15 December 2023
Professor Xiaoou Tang was a pioneering computer scientist whose work helped shape modern computer vision and artificial intelligence. He founded the Multimedia Laboratory (MMLab) at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2001 and made influential contributions spanning face recognition, image super-resolution, image dehazing, object detection, and deep learning.
His impact extended far beyond research. Professor Tang created environments in which ambitious ideas could flourish, mentored generations of young researchers, and connected academic discovery with real-world innovation. Many of those he guided have become leading scholars, scientists, and entrepreneurs around the world.
At MMLab@NTU, we remember his intellectual courage, generosity, humour, and unwavering belief in young people. His example continues to inspire us to pursue original research, build with purpose, and help others realise their potential.
A Legacy at NTU
The founding of S-Lab and MMLab@NTU
Professor Tang was the principal champion behind the establishment of S-Lab and MMLab@NTU. His vision, trust, and steadfast support helped create a research environment in Singapore where young scientists could pursue bold ideas in computer vision and AI. The community that has grown here carries forward his conviction that first-rate research begins with talented people, intellectual freedom, and a culture of collaboration.
Continuing his mission
About the Scholarship
Established through a generous gift from the Sophie and Sean Foundation, the Scholarship recognises outstanding NTU PhD students in artificial intelligence and helps them pursue research with ambition and purpose.
Gifted by
Sophie and Sean Foundation
The Foundation's English name brings together Sophie, its founder Ms Yang Qiumei, and Sean, Professor Tang's English name. Its support reflects a shared commitment to education, technological innovation, and the cultivation of young AI talent. The Xiaoou Tang Scholarship was created to perpetuate Professor Tang's passion for building creative research environments and helping young scholars pursue their research dreams.
Visit the FoundationAward and selection
Who is eligible?
The Scholarship is open to full-time and part-time students admitted to an AI-related doctoral programme in NTU's College of Computing and Data Science.
Eligible applicants must pursue research in computer vision or deep learning and be primarily supervised or co-supervised by an MMLab@NTU professor.
Selection criteria
- Academic excellence. Strong prior academic performance and demonstrated potential for doctoral research.
- Research achievement. Quality and promise of research outputs, together with contributions to the wider research community.
- Holistic assessment. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed and selected by the NTU Scholarship Selection Committee.
Priority and support
Supporting researchers who need it most
Among candidates who satisfy the Scholarship's academic and research standards, priority may be given to part-time PhD students who also serve as Project Officers or Research Associates on academic research grants. For these recipients, the Scholarship is intended to help defray tuition fees while they contribute to the lab's research.
If a recipient subsequently obtains a full scholarship, such as an AI Singapore PhD Scholarship, financial support from the Xiaoou Tang Scholarship will end. The recipient may nevertheless retain the honorary title of Tang Scholar. Any other concurrent awards are subject to NTU's approval.
In his spirit
Research boldly. Mentor generously. Build for lasting impact.
Through every Tang Scholar, Professor Tang's belief in original research and young talent will continue to shape the future of artificial intelligence.