National Translation Committee (NTC) Conference 2026
Reimagining Translation in the Age of AI
Last updated on 22 September 2026
About The Conference
The National Translation Committee (NTC) Conference 2026 brings together the translation community – including practitioners, industry partners and representatives from academia, media, translation and technology sectors as well as translation and language enthusiasts to share perspectives on translation, languages and localisation in Singapore’s multilingual context.
Building on the conversations from NTC’s 10th Anniversary Conference, this year’s theme, “Reimagining Translation in the Age of AI”, explores how fast-evolving AI technologies are reshaping translation, and how the industry can harness these developments while preserving the human voice through quality audit, contextualisation and cultural nuance.
Date: 26 September 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm (Registration starts at 9:00am)
Venue: Grand Hyatt Singapore, Level 2 Grand Salon
Guest-of-Honour: Mr Tan Kiat How, NTC Chairperson and Senior Minister of State for Digital Development & Information and Health
*Please note that the event timing has been revised. The conference will now be held from 10:00am to 2:00pm, with registration commencing at 9:00am.
About The NTC
The National Translation Committee (NTC), established by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), drives efforts to strengthen translation capabilities and uphold translation standards across Singapore’s four official languages. It works with the community and partners across media, government, industry and academia to support Singapore’s translation ecosystem.
Learn more about the NTC here (opens in new tab).
Due to overwhelming demand, sign-ups have closed! Thank you for your interest in our conference and we hope to see you at the next one!
Updated Programme
Time | Programme |
0900–1000 | Registration & Networking *Refreshments will be provided |
1000–1020 | “Reimagining Translation in the Age of AI” Opening Remarks by NTC Chairperson SMS Tan Kiat How |
1020–1050 | “Translation in Transition: AI and Its Impact” Opening Plenary |
1050–1130 | Panel Discussion |
1130–1245 | “Best of Both Worlds: AI Generates, Humans Refine” Breakout Sessions by Vernacular Languages |
1245–1400 | Lunch |
Sessions
Opening Plenary & Panel Discussion - "Translation in Transition: AI and Its Impact"*
Speakers: Mr Ian Tan Yong Hoe, Dr Mukhlis Abu Bakar, Ms Han Yong May
Moderator: Mr T Raja Segar
Abstract: As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries at an unprecedented pace, the fields of translation, communication, and media are grappling with profound and complex questions about the art of language itself. This plenary session examines the transformative role AI is playing in how meaning is created, conveyed, and interpreted across languages, cultures, and platforms.
What is lost, and what is gained, when algorithms take on the work of human expression? Where does technology end and human judgement begin? Drawing on perspectives from across technology, translation, and media, this session explores the enduring importance of nuance, context, and cultural sensitivity in an age of automation – and the important role that human insight continues to play in bridging the gap that AI has yet to close.
*Session details are tentative and may be updated closer to date.
Click here for more information on the speakers and moderator.
Breakout Sessions by Vernacular Languages - “Best of Both Worlds: AI Generates, Humans Refine”
Speakers: Mr Cruyff Chua & Ms Li Kunqi (Chinese), Mr Hadi Saparin & Ms Rilla Melati (Malay), Ms Letchumi Jaiganth & Mr Vadi PVSS (Tamil)
Abstract: This session brings the conversation closer to the ground, focusing on the practical realities of working with AI in translation today. Through the lived experiences of practitioners in the field, it examines how AI-generated outputs are refined in practice – and how human judgement remains essential in ensuring accuracy, tone, and cultural nuance.
Conducted concurrently in Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, each session features two speakers bringing diverse perspectives to the table, with opportunity for interaction and exchange among participants. Together, they explore what a productive human-AI partnership in translation really looks like, and what it takes to get the best out of both worlds.
*Session details are tentative and may be updated closer to date.
Getting There
Address
Grand Hyatt Singapore, Level 2
10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211
By MRT
Alight at Orchard MRT Station (NS22), Exit A.
The hotel is a short walk along Scotts Road.
By Car/Taxi
Alight at the main driveway along Scotts Road.
NTC 10th Anniversary Conference Highlights
Find out more here: NTC 10th Anniversary Conference Highlights
FAQs
Who should attend the Conference?
The Conference is open to translation and interpretation practitioners, students, media and communications professionals, and anyone with an interest in language and translation.
Is there a registration fee?
No, the Conference is free.
Do I need to register in advance?
Yes, registration is required. Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here (opens in new tab).
Is this a hybrid event?
No, this is a fully in-person event.
How can I receive updates about the Conference?
Updates will be shared on this page and through NTC’s official communication channels. Essential updates will also be sent to registered participants via email.
For the latest NTC events and announcements, join our official WhatsApp (opens in new tab) and Telegram (opens in new tab) channels.
Contact Us
For enquiries about the NTC Conference 2026, please contact the NTC Secretariat at: MDDI_NTC_Secretariat@mddi.gov.sg