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Singapore has recognised that innovation in Urban Solutions and Sustainability is pivotal to its long-term development and the creation of a sustainable, resilient, and liveable urban landscape. The recent Urban Solutions and Sustainability (USS) R&D Congress, graced by Guest-of-Honour Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, underscored the significance of strong partnerships in advancing this transformative journey.
These collaborations involve not only the government but also Institutes of Higher Learning, research institutions, and private firms, all working in harmony to translate research findings into practical, real-world outcomes.
The USS domain, one of the four verticals under Singapore’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan, is dedicated to tackling multifaceted challenges related to sustainability, liveability, and resilience, with a primary focus on transforming the built environment.
Its roots can be traced back to 2006 when the Science and Technology 2010 plan was conceived, primarily to address Singapore’s energy and water constraints. The mission of ensuring a sustainable future and liveable city, however, led to an expanded scope in 2015, encompassing vital aspects like food security, waste management, urban design, mobility, and climate science.
This year, a significant collaborative effort took centre stage as the Ministry of National Development (MND) partnered with the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) to organise the USS R&D Congress. This alliance underscores the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and a burgeoning synergy across USS agencies.
Under the theme “Building Sustainable, Resilient, and Liveable Cities of Tomorrow,” the Congress convened more than 60 distinguished speakers hailing from diverse fields. Their discussions encompassed a wide array of topics, ranging from leveraging cutting-edge technology for resource circularity and climate adaptation to constructing cities that promote citizens’ health and well-being.
The pivotal role of automation and digitalisation in building resilience in the built environment sector also took centre stage, emphasising the transformative impact of these technologies.
Singapore’s journey towards sustainable and resilient urban solutions hinges on embracing automation and digitalisation as essential tools for progress. The incorporation of these technologies into various facets of urban development promises to reshape the city-state’s landscape in several key ways.
Singapore utilises automation and digitalisation to optimise resource efficiency, minimise waste, and boost energy conservation, aiding its shift towards a circular economy. These technologies enable early climate change adaptation with real-time weather data monitoring.
The integration of digital tech fosters the growth of smart cities that enhance traffic management, public services, and resident well-being. Automation ensures resilient infrastructure through predictive maintenance, reducing downtime, and contributing to sustainable urban planning.
Besides, efficient mobility solutions and data-driven public services improve citizens’ lives while promoting environmental sustainability. Singapore’s embrace of technology and sustainability sets a global example for urban development.
According to Minister Desmond, the USS R&D Congress is a testament to Singapore’s unwavering commitment to creating a future where sustainability and resilience are at the core of urban development. By embracing automation and digitalisation, the city-state is poised to lead the way in redefining the modern urban landscape, setting an example for cities worldwide to follow.
He added that in a world where limited resources and environmental challenges loom large, Singapore’s vision of sustainable, resilient, and liveable cities serves as an inspiring model for the future. Through innovation and collaboration, the city-state is pioneering a path towards urban excellence, where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.
