By Abbas Nazil
Shin Zert Phua, a newly-awarded Gates Cambridge Scholar, is embarking on a master’s programme in Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence with the aim of advancing research on how the environment affects human health.
His work will focus on placing people at the centre of artificial intelligence design and using digital twins to capture connections between personal data, health outcomes and urban environments.
Shin Zert emphasises that without prioritising human-centric data, AI systems risk reinforcing inequality and marginalisation.
He insists that ethical and unbiased approaches are essential if AI is to provide meaningful solutions to global health challenges.
His passion for understanding environmental impacts on health began in 2016 after his father was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer despite never smoking.
The experience sparked questions about the roles of location, diet and pollution in shaping health outcomes.
Following his studies in mechanical engineering and later an ASEAN scholarship at Nanyang Technological University, he developed a strong interest in AI.
He gained practical experience at the Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore, contributing to projects on flood resilience in the UK, sustainable city planning in Germany and digital modelling of Singapore to assess sea level rise and pollutant exposure.
His new role will see him working on CARES’ Health-Driven Design for Cities project, which brings together experts worldwide to study how urban environments influence health behaviours and risks.
Despite being told it would take a miracle to secure funding, Shin Zert obtained both a Gates Cambridge scholarship and an honorary award from Fitzwilliam College.
He says these opportunities motivate him to give back and ensure others benefit from the kindness he has received throughout his journey.