JTC and SUTD launch new research centre to drive industrial infrastructure innovation

16 Jul 2014


JTC Corporation (JTC) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) today announced the establishment of the SUTD-JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation (SUTD-JTC I3) Centre to promote the development of innovative and sustainable industrial infrastructure solutions in Singapore.

The SUTD-JTC I3 Centre will bring together JTC's expertise in the development of industrial land and space and SUTD’s integrated expertise in architecture, design, engineering, social sciences and humanities. Co-located and managed by the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKY CIC), it will spearhead collaborative research efforts in three Research Thrusts: Urban Innovation, Integrated Architecture and Engineering, and Design and Technology. The Centre will also see JTC and SUTD working together on an integrated masterplan for Changi Business Park and its vicinity by leveraging on SUTD’s proximity to the Park with its new campus.

This is the third I3 Centre set up by JTC as part of its efforts to expand its innovative capacity through partnerships with institutes of higher learning. The NTU-JTC and NUS-JTC I3 Centres launched in late 2011 focused on building complex engineering capabilities and creative land optimisation strategies respectively. With a strong focus on integrated design and technology industrial infrastructure, the SUTD-JTC I3 Centre is set to develop more breakthrough urban solutions using innovative technologies.



Mr Png Cheong Boon, JTC’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “As the nation’s industrial developer, JTC will continue to take the lead in driving innovation, sustainability and construction productivity as we pioneer future-ready industrial developments. Through our partnership with an innovation-driven university such as SUTD, I am confident that we can look forward to new ideas and fresh perspectives that will contribute to the long-term sustainable development and transformation of industrial infrastructure solutions in Singapore.”

Professor Chong Tow Chong, Provost of SUTD, added, “Together with JTC, I am certain the I3 Centre will create a unique environment to enable our students, faculty and researchers to maximise the capabilities of developing innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions; the exciting multi-disciplinary research projects will positively impact Singapore, the region and the world.”

The Centre will be funded by JTC with an annual operations budget of S$1.5 million over five years. A Steering Committee, comprising Ambassador Chan Heng Chee, Chairman of SUTD’s LKY CIC, Professor Jeffrey Huang, Head of SUTD’s Architecture and Sustainable Design Pillar, and Mr David Tan, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of JTC, will oversee the directions of the Centre.

Find out more about SUTD-JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation (SUTD-JTC I3) Centre.