SIT plans test bed spanning Punggol Digital District for trial of ideas

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is working with JTC Corporation, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and industry partners to set up a test bed that extends beyond the campus so that ideas can be trialled across the entire Punggol Digital District (PDD), and eventually beyond.

- Shermaine Ang

One idea is autonomous robots that provide services within the precinct, and could be programmed to patrol areas, detect suspicious objects and alert security officers when needed, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Sept 16.

"Through initiatives like these, SIT is transforming the campus into a rich field of possibilities," PM Wong said. He was speaking at the official opening ceremony of SIT's Punggol campus, attended by over 500 students, alumni, industry partners and donors.

The campus comprises two plots — the 42,000 sq m Campus Court that faces the Coney Island waterfront, and the 49,000 sq m Campus Heart featuring the Punggol Heritage Trail.

The campus has been fully operational since May, with about 11,000 students and close to 1,300 staff.

SIT was built within JTC's PDD, Singapore's first smart district.

The PDD is Singapore's first "precinct-scale" test bed, where companies can test solutions in areas such as smart city infrastructure, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability.

PM Wong said the SIT campus can be a vibrant place for lifelong learning and industry partnerships.

He cited how SIT is working with A*Star and the Home Team Science and Technology Agency to develop ways to improve detection of contraband at Jurong Fishery Port. If successful, this could be scaled up for larger-scale deployment, he said.