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The National University of Singapore (NUS) and a telecommunications company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Singapore’s first ‘Borderless University’. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance network connectivity, elevating the teaching and learning experience while driving innovation across various fields.
The partnership envisions a future where NUS students and staff benefit from ultra-fast, uninterrupted network connectivity throughout Singapore, facilitated by a dedicated private Enterprise 5G data network. Enabled by eSIM technology, this network promises instant and secure access to NUS’s digital assets and the internet, eliminating the need for repeated logins required by traditional Wi-Fi networks.
Emphasising the transformative potential of this initiative, Ms. Tan Shui-Min, NUS’s Chief Information Technology Officer, stated that the collaboration with the telecommunications company aligns with the university’s vision for a future-oriented learning environment. “Both staff and students will benefit from seamless access to NUS’s resources and the internet, wherever they are in Singapore; and in the future, overseas, without the need for VPN or other remote access technologies.”
The connectivity, powered by the telecommunications company’s Enterprise 5G and cloud solutions, will also pave the way for innovative educational experiences such as virtual labs and augmented reality simulations. This integration marks a significant step towards the University’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable and efficient digital solutions.
The Head of Enterprise Business Group at the telecommunications company highlighted the broader implications of the partnership: “In line with our DARE+ initiative, the partnership with NUS will not only enhance the learning environment for NUS staff and students but also set a benchmark for the future of education and offer valuable learnings for other industry applications.”
StarHub offers a wide range of connectivity, OTT streaming entertainment, cloud gaming, and digital solutions by integrating services to meet its clients’ diverse needs. The DARE+ initiative builds on the success of DARE 1.0, which concluded in October 2021, saving over SG$ 270 million – exceeding the original target of SG$ 210 million – and reducing operating expenses by 15%.
In an exclusive interview with Mohit Sagar, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of OpenGov Asia, Nikhil Eapen, Chief Executive and Executive Director of StarHub, explained at the time, how the global ICT sector drove growth and how StarHub made synergistic investments in infrastructure, enterprise communications, and technology.
Since 2022, the telecommunications company and NUS have collaborated on various pioneering smart campus initiatives, including the deployment of outdoor Wi-Fi networks and Wi-Fi on the Move solutions enabled by Enterprise 5G. These innovations have significantly enhanced connectivity across the university campus, providing staff and students with a reliable and uninterrupted digital experience.
The ‘Borderless University’ initiative will foster a truly mobile and adaptive learning environment. Intelligent data collected from eSIMs holds the promise of optimising campus operations and enhancing the overall student experience. Additionally, the eSIM deployment will streamline the onboarding process for new users, eliminating the need for physical SIM card deployment. Students and staff can register and activate their eSIM with a simple QR code scan to get connected instantly.
“This innovation in borderless connectivity will reshape our campus network, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution that reduces our carbon footprint,” Ms. Tan added.
The MoU signing ceremony, held at NUS, marks a significant milestone in NUS IT’s journey towards establishing the first ‘Borderless University’ in Singapore, setting a precedent for the integration of advanced digital technologies in higher education. Moving forward, the collaboration aims to explore extending network connectivity beyond Singapore, ensuring a consistent experience for NUS staff and students travelling abroad, contingent upon partner network capabilities. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the learning and research environment at NUS, fostering a culture of innovation and technological advancement that aligns with global trends.
