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About

Established in September 2012 as a research centre of excellence, the LKYCIC is only one of two institutions in Singapore that carry the name of our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.
Our motivation

The challenges

The world is facing multiple crises today. Rapid urbanisation has put tremendous strain on infrastructure and the environment, particularly in cities. Escalating geo-political tensions, existential threats from climate change and diseases, food and resource disruptions have exacerbated the precarity of economies, impacted health and daily living and widened urban inequality. The acceleration of technology will further disrupt and massively influence the way we live, work, play and learn.

However, these challenges also present tremendous opportunities for innovators and policy‐makers. We are at a juncture where cities that are managed well will be able to overcome limitations, raise the quality and standard of living of its citizens, and seize economic and social opportunities at the frontiers of the emerging new industrial revolution. The inherent multiple dimensions of these challenges confronting us require a concerted effort by all stakeholders to work towards comprehensive and holistic solutions.

Our mission

The Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC) was established in September 2012 as one of the research centres of excellence in the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). LKYCIC is only one of two institutions in Singapore that carry the name of our founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew.

 

The Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC) seeks to stimulate thinking and research to address the critical issues of cities and urbanisation by adopting an interdisciplinary research approach that harness urban science, design, technology, social science and policy, and working collaboratively with local and international partners, to seek integrated urban solutions.

Our research

LKYCIC’s research is highly interdisciplinary with an emphasis on translation. Currently, LKYCIC is undertaking five major research programmes:
  • Future of Cities
  • Ageing Urbanism
  • Urban Innovations
  • Cities and Urban Science
  • Sustainable and Resilient Cities
The research is also supported by focussed “Labs”. These labs enable the exploration and incubation of new ideas and pilots, which can eventually morph into major research programmes and scaled interventions. These Labs cover:
  • Smart Cities
  • Urban Psychology
  • Design Z (SUTD’s flagship Design Initiative)
    • Positive City Lab
    • Future Innovation Lab
Thought leadership

Beyond research

Education
LKYCIC also trains a new generation of urban researchers, analysts and practitioners by conducting the Masters in Urban Science, Policy and Planning (MUSPP). This programme advances a unique “research-education” pedagogy.
Partnerships
We work closely with faculties in SUTD and with more than 100 partners in government agencies, universities and research institutes, industry and international organisations for our research and education projects.
Knowledge centre
The Centre also hosts talks, seminars and conferences that build a deeper understanding about cities. It also works to bring cities together to understand, from the experiences of Singapore and other successful cities, the best practices and innovative solutions for cities.

Join our SUTD family

Make a difference in the future of urbanisation with us. We offer competitive compensation that matches your credentials and experience, with various activities and initiatives to nurture your growth alongside fellow colleagues.

Careers at LKYCIC
Begin your career at one of the world's top universities, as part of our diverse and dynamic team.
Partnerships
The LKYCIC is open to discussions and partnerships that promote urban innovation and sustainability.