- Centre for Liveable Cities
Co-Host: Partner: Research & Development Division rd 3 Cities Roundtable 2014 Research Synopses LIST OF PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND AGENCIES ATIONS 17 Research Institutions reached out to: - Asia Research Institute, LKYSPP (NUS) - Botany Laboratory, Dept of Biological Sciences, NUS - Behavioural Sciences Institute (SMU) - Centre for Infrastructure Systems (NTU) - Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities (NUS) - Centre for Transportation Research (NUS) - Complexity Institute (NTU) - Energy Research Institute (NTU) - Environmental Research Institute (NUS) - EXQUISITUS Centre for E-City (NTU) - Institute of Policy Studies, LKYSPP (NUS) - Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (SUTD) - Living Analytics Research Centre, SMU-CMU - Singapore-ETH Centre, Future Cities Lab - Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) - SMU-TCS iCity Lab - SMU-CMU Living Analytics Research Centre - Sustainable Earth Office (NTU) Agencies and Ministry divisions Research Institutions - National Climate Change Secretariat National Population and Talent Secretariat PSD Centre for Strategic Futures Civil Service College - iDA SLA - Min Law MCI MCCY MND Divisions (incl. CLC) URA HDB BCA NParks AVA MND PMO - MOT MEWR - MTI MOT Futures Division LTA Academy - - A*STAR EDB (SSIPO) JTC-NUS/NTU/SUTD Industrial Infrastructure Innovation (I3) Centres - MEWR divisions including EBERU PUB NEA CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 2 LIST OF PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND AGENCIES ................................................................................2 SECTION 1: RESEARCH CENTRES/ INSTITUTES/ PROJECTS............................................................................5 1. 2. 3. Asia Research Institute, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore ..6 Botany Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore .............7 Behavioural Sciences Institute, Singapore Management University ................................................8 (A) Centre for Technology and Social-Behavioural Insights (CTSBI) ...............................................9 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Centre for Infrastructure Systems, Nanyang Technological University ......................................... 10 Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities (CSAC), National University of Singapore .............................. 12 Centre for Transportation Research, National University of Singapore ........................................ 15 Complexity Institute, Nanyang Technological University .............................................................. 17 Energy Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University ...................................................... 19 Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore ........................................... 22 (A) Singapore Peking Oxford Research Enterprise (SPORE) Programme .................................... 22 (B) Shanghai Jiaotong University and National University of Singapore Joint Programme on Energy and Environmental and Sustainability Solutions for Megacities (E2S2) – July 2017 Singapore Peking Oxford Research Enterprise (SPORE) Programme ............................................................................. 23 (C) Centre for Climate Change Studies, C3S at NUS .................................................................... 23 10. EXQUISITUS Centre for E-City, Nanyang Technological University ................................................ 24 11. Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) ........................................................................................................... 28 (A) Future Cities laboratory (FCL) ................................................................................................ 28 (B) Future Resilient Systems (FRS) ............................................................................................... 30 12. iCity Lab, Singapore Management University –Tata Consultancy Services ................................... 31 13. Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, University of Singapore.. 32 14. Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (CIC), Singapore University of Technology and Design35 (A) SUTD-JTC I3 Centre ................................................................................................................. 37 15. Living Analytics Research Centre, Singapore Management University-Carnegie Mellon University37 16. Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology .................................................................. 40 (A) Future Urban mobility IRG ..................................................................................................... 40 17. Sustainable Earth Office (SEO), Nanyang Technological University .............................................. 44 SECTION 2: RESEARCH DEPARTMENTS IN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES........................................................ 45 18. Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) .............................................................. 46 (A) Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R)................................................................................... 46 (B) Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) .................................................................. 51 19. Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA)................................................................ 54 (A) Aquaculture Technology Department ................................................................................... 54 (B) Harvest Technology Department ........................................................................................... 55 (C) Laboratories Group ................................................................................................................ 56 (D) Post-Harvest Technology Department................................................................................... 58 20. Building & Construction Authority (BCA) Research Group ............................................................ 62 21. Civil Service College........................................................................................................................ 65 (A) Institute for Governance and Policy (IGP) .................................................................................... 65 CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 3 22. Economic Development Board (EDB)............................................................................................. 66 (A) Safe and Security Industry Programme Office ....................................................................... 66 (B) Smart-Sustainable Cities (SSC) ............................................................................................... 67 23. Housing Development Board (HDB)............................................................................................... 67 (A) HDB Building Research Institute ............................................................................................ 67 (B) HDB Strategic futures office ................................................................................................... 70 24. Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) ................................................................. 73 (A) Technology and Planning ....................................................................................................... 73 25. JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation (I3) Centre ....................................................................... 74 (A) NTU-JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation Centre ............................................................ 74 (B) NUS-JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation Centre ............................................................ 82 (C) SUTD-JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation Centre .......................................................... 87 26. Land Transport Authority (LTA) Academy...................................................................................... 88 27. Ministry of National Development (MND)..................................................................................... 90 (A) Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) .............................................................................................. 90 (B) Research and Development (R&D) Division........................................................................... 91 (C) Research & Strategy Management ........................................................................................ 92 (D) Strategic Planning Division, MND .......................................................................................... 93 (E) Infrastructure Division, MND ................................................................................................. 93 28. Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) ...................................................................... 93 29. Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) ........................................................ 94 (A) National Environment Agency (NEA) ..................................................................................... 94 (B) PUB ......................................................................................................................................... 94 30. National Parks Board (NParks) ....................................................................................................... 99 (A) Centre for Urban Greenery & Ecology (CUGE)....................................................................... 99 (B) National Biodiversity Centre ................................................................................................ 103 (C) Singapore Botanic Gardens Research & Conservation Branch ............................................ 105 31. 32. 33. 34. National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) ............................................................................... 107 Singapore Land Authority (SLA) ................................................................................................... 110 Smart Nation Programme Office, Prime Minister Office ............................................................. 112 Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) ...................................................................................... 112 Cover photo, photos on p 3, 25: Courtesy of williamcho CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 4 SECTION 1: RESEARCH CENTRES/ INSTITUTES/ PROJECTS CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 5 (TOP) 1. Asia Research Institute, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The Asian Urbanisms Cluster (AUC) at the Asia Research Institute of the National University of Singapore explores Asia’s diverse urban experiences historically, contemporaneously, and toward the future. It seeks to contribute to theory and applied research on the reflexivity of society-space relationships in the built environment and city life from local to global scales, in diverse contexts in Asia, and through comparative studies with other world regions. The orientation of the cluster is towards research that speaks in transformative ways to urban-related theories, debates and public policy issues in and beyond Asia. Avenues for research include (but are not limited to): liveable cities past, present and future with regard to vernacular urban heritages, modernization and globalization; urban discontents, insurgencies in cities and through social media, and spaces of hope through participatory city-making; and disaster governance in an age of urban transitions and global climate change. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects 1 Brief description Practical Outcomes Disaster Governance Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project This research program brings social sciences, August 2017 arts and humanities, and physical/technology sciences together to make Singapore a hub in Funded by MOE Tier 2 Asia for research and training on disaster Grant prevention, adaptation and humanitarian assistance. 2 Urban Heritage and the Vernacular City This research program is concerned with both Continuing historically inherited urban structures and living culture as they are expressed through place-making and local production of urban spaces by people who reside in the city. Conferences, Publications, 3 Spaces of Hope This program covers a wide range of research Continuing on grassroots activism for liveable and socially just cities. It includes digital and social media as a form of social mobilisations. It also links with such issues as citizenship, transnational migration, multicultural societies, and the right to the city. Conferences, Publications Conferences, Publications, Policy, Networks (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 6 S/N 1 Contacts Mike Douglass Email Address [email protected]; [email protected] (TOP) 2. Botany Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda Our lab conducts botanical research, specifically on forest ecology and urban agriculture. Current Research Projects S/N Research Research Projects Projects 1 2 Brief Briefdescription description Urban Greenery Studies Using models developed from actual local surveys and consulting published studies elsewhere, we develop a quantitative framework for identifying biodiversity hotspots and setting greenery targets. Enhancing the Urban Native Biodiversity of Singapore We demonstrated how species that are native to Singapore’s own habitats can be used in urban landscaping. Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project July 2013 Completed December 2013 Practical Outcomes Estimated Practical Date of Outcomes Completion & Status of Project Frameworks for greenery planning to maintain/enhance urban biodiversity Greenery calculator and heat maps for identifying biodiversity hotspots and setting greenery targets Completed Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 A/P Hugh Tan Tiang Wah [email protected] 2 Dr. Chong Kwek Yan [email protected] Demonstration plantings for natives-only landscaping Propagation of Singapore’s native plants Growth and survival rates of native plants post-planting Protocols for monitoring wildlife in parks Other Contact details 65162717 65162708 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 7 3. Behavioural Sciences Institute, Singapore Management University Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda Vision - To develop into an iconic institute in Asia that provides thought leadership and addresses frontier topics in behavioural sciences that are of critical importance, sustained interest and practical value in the academic, business and public policy communities. Mission - To create, disseminate and apply knowledge in the behavioural sciences that will lead to evidence-based solutions to practical problems facing businesses and governments, in both local and global contexts. Areas of Focus - The Institute focuses on the following five areas and examines their applications to organisational practices and public policy. Quality of Life and Well-Being Culture and Behaviour Thinking and Decision Making Work Behaviours Methods in Behavioural Sciences There are past and ongoing projects with several government agencies on social, health, environment and security issues. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects 1 Social Experiments [Channel News Asia (CNA)-BSI collaboration] Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Five social experiments were conducted to Completed demonstrate a psychological phenomenon March 2014 that explains how the way people think, feel and behave could be affected by the situation they find themselves in. The five experiments conducted are as follows: 1. Bystander Effect 2. Reconstructive Memories 3. Over-Justification Effect 4. Social Facilitation/ Inhibition Effect 5. Stereotype Threat Effect Practical Outcomes A 5-part programme series titled “The Social Experiment” was shown on CNA to share these psychological phenomena with the public. The series was aired on five consecutive Saturdays in March 2014. (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 8 (A) CENTRE FOR TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL-BEHAVIOURAL INSIGHTS (CTSBI) On 1 July 2014, BSI jointly established the Centre for Technology and Social-Behavioural Insights with A*STAR, to tap on high performance computing technology, big data analytics and behavioural sciences to study people-centric issues and human behaviour including how people think, feel and act in different settings. The centre adopts an integrative approach drawing on the advanced computational modelling and data analytics expertise of A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC), the integrative information technology capabilities of A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) and the in-depth scientific expertise on human behaviours of SMU’s Behavioural Sciences Institute (BSI). Such information can be used to enhance planning and address issues in different areas such as retail, logistics, urban planning, education and community development Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names 1 Professor David Chan Email Address [email protected] Other Contact details 6828 0300 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 9 (TOP) 4. Centre for Infrastructure Systems, Nanyang Technological University Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda Centre for Infrastructure Systems (CIS) was established within School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, on 1 June 2006. The Centre conducts fundamental and applied research led by real needs of a sustainable Singapore land transport system, and translates the research findings as policies, programmes and countermeasures. CIS serves as a platform to provide a sustained and collaborative industry partnership for national research-centric programmes, to pull in campus-wide and overseas expertise beneficial in forging and harnessing multi-disciplinary research capabilities. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project The NTU-SEO-CIS project is aimed at Completed studying how drivers adapt behaviourally June 2013 when transiting from an open road to a road tunnel, and when driving in long road tunnels. 1 Driver behavioural adaptation to underground road conditions 2 Modelling multimodal travel behaviour linking nonmotorised transport with public transport The NTU-SEO project aims to understand the multimodal travel preference and requirement in the transfer section, and propose a multimodal travel behaviour model (mode choice and route choice. In progress (data collection) May 2015 3 Modelling, simulation, and travel time prediction of a road network disruption The NTU-SEO project aims: to model the duration and effect of various types of road network disruptions; to estimate driver behaviour and responses due to road network disruptions; and to predict time-dependent traffic performances and travel time. In progress (data collection) May 2015 Practical Outcomes Insightful knowledge is established on the perception and behaviour of drivers in road tunnels which is useful for enhancing driving experience and traffic safety in road tunnels. Not yet Not yet CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 10 4 Study into the signage framework for commuter facilities [NTU-LTA collaboration on page 88] This NTU-LTA collaborative research In progress reviews the signage framework used to Dec 2015 assist non-motorist commuters around and inside public transport nodes (train stations, bus interchanges and major bus stops), and to identify opportunities and suitable wayfinding elements to fill in the gaps in Singapore’s current signage framework. Not yet The project is expected to propose policy guidelines for the provision of a wayfinding system that will complement and value-add to the existing signage, bearing in mind the needs and abilities of a diverse range of users. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 Wong Yiik Diew [email protected] Associate Professor Director – CIS Other Contact details 6790 5328/5250 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 11 (TOP) 5. Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities (CSAC), National University of Singapore Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities is a research platform to develop cutting-edge urban planning solutions, technological innovations and design explorations, with a focus on the challenges of high density environments. With a mission to advance knowledge in the area of sustainable cities and liveable environments, CSAC’s research is founded on both academic rigor and practical application. Much of its strength lies in its ability to harness the extensive faculty and intellectual resources of NUS as a comprehensive university to ensure that research is always multi-disciplinary in nature, and grounded in sound theoretical principles and methodological foundations. Apart from its academic collaborators, CSAC works closely with government agencies and industry partners, consistently seeking to combine academic objectivity with policy understanding and professional experience. The ultimate goals is to attain robust research outcomes that are useful for urban governance, support planning practice, and enhance urban life quality and community wellbeing. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 Urban Indicator system for high density township development Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project The main aim is to develop an urban Final stages indicator system to support the development and sustainability performance of high density townships. 2 Urban Regeneration as a development platform for sustainable Asian cities The research creates a comprehensive database of urban regeneration case studies, focusing in economic restructuring and community participation, with the aim to provide lessons for developing Asian cities. Research completed, book preparation in progress 3 Benchmarking cities’ sustainability: toward a framework for sustainable growth The research applies integrated and multi-prong assessment of urban sustainability in the context of urban development, with a view to formulating a framework supported with appropriate indicators and best practices to support sustainable growth and community wellbeing. Completed, book preparation in progress, phase 2 being discussed 4 Urban Space Investigations are carried out on new and innovative configurations of urban public spaces integrative with high density typologies, that are environmentally considered and socially adaptable Completed, book preparation in progress Practical Outcomes (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 12 5 High Density This research applies advanced computer Completed simulation and social surveys to explore urban densities and typologies with a view to better understand the multifacetted relationships between density and environmental performance, as well as the sociological impacts of living and working in high density environments. 6 Township Climatic This research examines the relationship Completed between urban morphology and climatic conditions at local levels focusing on sustainable design and energy usage reduction. 7 Community Bonding in dense housing environments The research examines the relationship Completed between community bonding and the built environment and to distil design principles that would enhance social interaction in common spaces. 8 Community Bonding in dense housing environments (Phase 2) Art and Culture Focused Community Spaces As above, focusing on test bedding design In progress typologies to support community interaction. 10 High-Rise Mixed Use Development Typologies This project studies the planning and In progress design parameters for mixed-use supertall buildings and their relationship to the space efficiency. 11 Urban Greenery This project examines how the built Completed environment affects as well as present opportunities for the existence and enhancement of biodiversity through baseline greenery mapping studies 12 To Develop Landscape Guidelines for Application of Green Plot Ratio in Singapore Urban This research project aims to formulate Completed optimal levels of Green Plot Ration (GnPR) within an urban design framework to facilitate a sustainable landscape for Singapore. 9 13 The research focuses on assessment tools In progress used to evaluate culture in the city at the community and neighbourhood level This project study how Industrial ecology Completed CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 13 metabolism can be put in practice through urban planning, focussing on the building block as the level of analysis to estimate the material flows and in-use stock in a specified building block system for a selected study area. 14 Urban Noise: Performance and Simulation for Urban Typology and Morphology Analysis This project aims to examine the relationship between urban noise and building typology and urban morphology using integrated simulation, analysis and visualization technologies, supported by reliable performance metrics 15 Vision for Singapore 50th 16 The Built Environment and Quality of Life of Older Persons The research explores planning and urban Just awarded development scenarios for Singapore in the future This project is a multidisciplinary effort, Completed where an important component is to objectively assessed built environment characteristics that are associated with the aged mobility in a high density urban environment Implementat ion this academic year (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 Dr Lai Choo Malone Lee [email protected] 2 Prof Heng Chye Kiang [email protected] 3 Dr Cho Im Sik [email protected] 4 Dr Kim Hyeong Ill Other Contact details (TOP) (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 14 6. Centre for Transportation Research, National University of Singapore Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The Centre for Transportation Research (CTR) is a multi-disciplinary research centre established with the aim of making productive contributions to the continued progress of the transportation industry in Singapore by conducting applied research and development work in contemporary and future transportation issues. The pool of expertise in the Centre comprises specialist research staff drawn from the Department of Civil Engineering, the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (all of the Faculty of Engineering), the Department of Decision Sciences (Faculty of Business Administration), the Department of Geography and the Department of Economics and Statistics (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences). Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Practical Outcomes <Transport Infrastructure> 1 Environmentally Laboratory and field tests to design new In Progress paving mixes that are environmentally sustainable Nov 2014 pavement mix for sustainable by using recycled materials. Singapore 2 Layout Design Of New Woodlands Land Checkpoint System Proposed new design of a land In Progress checkpoint system to incorporate the latest technology for passenger and August 2014 freight flow control 3 Grid Frame based Automated Container Terminal Design of a new generation automated In Progress container terminal using a grid frame system to replace the conventional yard January 2015 cranes for container storage operations. New mix design for Singapore roads producing reduced traffic noise. Concepts for new generation land checkpoint system of passenger and freight. Concepts for new generation land checkpoint system of passenger and freight. (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 15 <Traffic and Logistics> 5 Safety Assessment System for Ship Traffic in Port Waters A formal safety assessment framework will be developed for evaluating the safety risks of ship movements in the vicinity of a port, with special reference to ports. In Progress June 2016 A ship navigation safety assessment system for new port planning and design. 6 Analysis of Energy consumption and Emission by Shipping Lines The project aims to develop an analytic model to predict fuel and energy consumption of ships taking into consideration ship speed, current, wind speed, and cargo load. In Progress September 2015 7 Hinterland Developments in Asia-Implications for Ports and Shipping Study the impacts of hinterland size, In Progress nature of economic and industrial December developments, land transport networks 2014 on throughput of ports and shipping traffic calling on the ports. A model for shipping lines to predict fuel and energy consumption, as well as carbon emission of ship voyages. A model that relates port operation capacity and hinterland characteristics for port and hinterland development planning. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N 1 2 3 4 5 Researchers Names Fwa Tien Fang Meng Qiang Lee Der Horng Chin Hoong Chor Ong Ghim Ping Email Address [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details Tel: 65162276 Tel: 65165494 Tel: 65162131 Tel: 65162550 Tel: 65162279 (TOP) (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 16 7. Complexity Institute, Nanyang Technological University Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda To conduct cutting-edge interdisciplinary research on scientific problems related to finding, understanding and applying the underlying principles of complexity; to provide opportunities for talented faculty and post-docs of NTU to initiate and do such research; to attract the best scientists from all over the world to take part in it; and to establish itself as the leading Asian node in a network of complexity institutes around the world. Six themes in development: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Cities: understanding the complexity of cities and translate that understanding in policies Governance and complexity Interactions between social and ecological systems Health systems Brains and cognition Innovation Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project July 2015 1 Family and Social Mobility Family background; social values; and social and cultural capital and their impact on intergenerational mobility. 2 National Service Attitudes to National Service Dec 2015 3 Crowd sensing Powering Large-Scale Mobile Crowd Sensing through Monetary Incentives ─ Complexity, Opportunities, and Solutions 2015 - 2016 4 Brains and cognition Gene and Culture: Genetic influences on individual’s multicultural experience and epigenetic changes 2015 - 2016 5 Cities Data library of Singapore and simulation based on unencapsulated agents <Chris Barrett> - Practical Outcomes Research er incharge Luo Jun Urban planning at short- and mid-term time scales CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 17 6 Cities Characterizing the housing bubble in Singapore Dec 2014 7 Cities Early warning signals of possible social regime shifts in Singapore Dec 2014 8 Facebook game as an experimental platform for gauging local sentiments towards foreign labour Using a Facebook game as an experimental platform for gauging local sentiments towards foreign labour Jun 2015 9 Modelling the Singapore public transport network. This project investigates how land use in Singapore affects the human transport patterns in our MRT systems. Near completio n. Understandi ng Vehicular traffic at various scales using simulations. This project investigates the effects of road and speed bottlenecks on the physics of traffic jams. On-going 10 Next phase of the project will investigate the exploitation of efficient information sensing and processing to manage the complexity of vehicular traffic Further plans to include bus system Guide housing policy in Singapore Identify hot button issues before they blow up Serious game to survey very large cross section of population on sensitive social issues Cheong Siew Ann Cheong Siew Ann Cheong Siew Ann, Vivian Chen, Mark Chavez In collaborat ion with IHPC, under Prof Chew Lock Yue In collaborat ion with IHPC, under Prof Chew Lock Yue (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N 1 2 3 4 5 Researchers Names Peter M.A. Sloot J. Stephen Lansing Cheong Siew Ann Chew Lock Yue Chris Barrett Email Address Other Contact details [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 18 6 7 Vivian Chen Mark Chavez [email protected] [email protected] (TOP) 8. Energy Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The Energy Research Institute at NTU (ERI@N), inaugurated in June 2010, aims to be a leading research institute for innovative energy solutions. ERI@N focuses on the areas of sustainable energy, energy efficiency/infrastructure and socio-economic aspects of energy research. Research activities, backed by considerable expertise in these areas, exist within NTU’s research centres and schools. ERI@N provides a unique platform, whereby the various disciplines such as materials; power electronics and systems; biological, physical, and social sciences; as well as humanities and business communities can interact to explore new solutions to a host of current energy issues. Research at ERI@N encompasses seven programmes, namely, fuel cells, energy storage, sustainable buildings technologies, solar cells and solar fuels, maritime clean energy, wind and marine renewables, and electromobility. In partnership with EDB and JTC, the EcoCampus Initiative, launched on 30 April 2014, aims to develop a novel campus-wide sustainability framework with demonstration sites to achieve 35% reduction in energy, water and waste intensity by 2020, encompassing NTU’s 200 hectare campus along with an adjoining 50 hectares of JTC Corporation’s CleanTech Park, which is Singapore’s first eco-business park, hosting companies and institutions in the Clean Environment Technology domain. CleanTech Park started construction in 2010, with one building in operation since early 2012, and will have 25 buildings upon completion in 2030. The three underlying thrusts for EcoCampus are: 1. Research, Development, Demonstration and Deployment for innovative technologies in the energy efficiency and sustainability domain 2. Living lab philosophy using own buildings and infrastructure for technology test-bedding 3. Industry collaboration as a corner-stone for green-growth and sustainable development. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 Liquid Use di-electric fluid at its boiling Immersion temperature to immerse and cool IT Cooling for Data equipment in data centres. Centres 2 Demand Control First application of a multiplexed (centralized) sensing system for demand Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project In Progress 2016 In Progress 2016 Practical Outcomes Technology can be specifically applied to data centres located in tropical environments. Highly efficient cooling of data centres to achieve PUE of 1.1 or lower. Energy savings through ventilation CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 19 Ventilation in Laboratories control ventilation in Singapore reduction strategy 3 Demand-Based Algorithmic Chiller Optimization Uses automatic control via algorithms based on operational temperature and pressure readings to reduce chance of error. Proven in temperate climates, not tested in tropical climates. In Progress 2016 4 Campus-WideConnected Monitoring and Analysing System A Wireless/PLC based integrated information and energy management platform for remote and intelligent control of devices In Progress 2016 5 Smart AC and DC Management Systems Highly efficient SEMS, Seamless integration of AC/DC building grid In Progress 2016 6 Development of a VRB-ESS Based Clean Energy System Redox flow battery based Energy Management System integrated with renewable energy sources such as Solar PV In Progress 2016 7 Sustainable Treatment for Solid Organic and Liquid Wastes from NTU campus 1) Low carbon footprint used water reclamation 2) Technologies enabling alternative, low-energy water supply 3) Closed loop energy from waste system In Progress 2016 Improve chiller plant operational efficiency, which is important because chiller plants typically consume 50 – 60% of building’s total electricity Enable deep insights into energy consumption of facilities to be able to take control actions to reduce energy use by 20% or more Achieve energy efficiency (EE) and energy conversation (EC) > 30 % by novel Smart Energy Management System (SEMS) Enhancing impact of renewable energy through load levelling, and grid stabilization of power derived from renewable energy sources. 1) First pilotscale mainstream Anammox process in Asia 2) Completely original bioprocess CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 20 enabling coupling of saline waters to nutrient 8 Self-Aligning Wireless Charging and Infrastructure for buses Self-aligning wireless power transfer In Progress 2016 On road CO2 reduction by replacing traditional diesel powered buses with clean electric vehicles 9 Electric Public Transportation based on Super capacitors 24/7 sustainable transportation utilizing ultra-fast flash charging at bus stops In Progress 2016 10 Interactive Solution to Improve the Energy Efficiency at EcoCampus Application of a complete technical and sociological approach in order to match with resident/occupant’s expectations and uses In Progress 2016 11 High Energy Performance Façade Testbed Energy saving through eco-friendly construction material for building envelopes. In Progress 2016 On road CO2 reduction by replacing traditional diesel powered buses with clean electric vehicles Energy, carbon, water, and waste savings through changing and improving user behaviour and coordination First test bedding project of reducing the thermal conductivity of construction material on building envelope in Singapore (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names 1 Nilesh Jadhav 2 Marla Goodman Email Address [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 21 (TOP) 9. Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda NERI was established in 2007 with a vision to establish NUS as a leading global center of interdisciplinary research, education, and expertise in the Environment field, particularly in issues affecting Singapore and Asia. NERI's mission is to coordinate, integrate, and facilitate research and educational initiatives across NUS. Building on the strengths of NUS Faculties, Schools and Research Centers and Institutes, initiatives are formulated to address critical environmental topics. NERI coordinates focused recruitment of eminent scholars, faculty, fellows, and graduate students to expand NUS' capabilities in key environmental areas. Through interactive pursuit of excellence in initiatives across the University, NERI conducts cutting-edge research in a range of high impact areas, from fundamental to applied levels. NERI engages strategic partners within NUS' global networks, with government agencies, and industry. NERI is actively engaging in research contributing towards sustainable environment and approaches. The current key research tracks are: • Environmental Surveillance and Treatment • Environmental and Human Health • Green Chemistry and Sustainable Energy • Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment Strategic Research Programmes and Centres (A) SINGAPORE PEKING OXFORD RESEARCH ENTERPRISE (SPORE) PROGRAMME - Feb 2015 SPORE is an initiative to promote research, education, and commercialisation of environmental and water technologies. Established in 2010, the initiative is supported by Singapore’s National Research Foundation through the Environment and Water Industry Programme Office (EWI), National University of Singapore, Peking University, University of Oxford, competitive research grants and industry partnerships. The four research clusters under SPORE are as follows: • Development of advanced drinking water purification methods and analytical techniques for water quality monitoring; • Development of integrated technologies based on “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3Rs)”; • Development of enhanced biological-based technology; • Development of river ecological rehabilitation technologies. The practical outcomes of the programme are achieved through three integrated thrusts: 1. Disciplinary development (SPO‐D): Training of manpower through postgraduate degree programs and executive programs. 2. Technology transfer (SPO‐T): Research programs on developing technologies for the environmental and water industry. 3. Market‐oriented technology exploitation (SPO‐M). CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 22 (TOP) (B) Shanghai Jiaotong University and National University of Singapore Joint Programme on Energy and Environmental and Sustainability Solutions for Megacities (E2S2) – July 2017 Singapore Peking Oxford Research Enterprise (SPORE) Programme This Programme, hosted by NERI and supported by the Singapore National Research Foundation under the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) scheme, focuses on the challenges facing megacities. This programme aims to develop a platform to facilitate the understanding, design and implementation of sustainable solutions for coupled problems in future cities, starting with megacity Shanghai and land scarce Singapore. (C) CENTRE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE STUDIES, C3S AT NUS C3S also coordinates activities such as seminars, trainings and workshops to increase awareness and NUS, through NERI, is currently establishing the Centre for Climate Change Studies (C3S), aiming to undertake multidisciplinary research on vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change in Singapore and the region, with emphasis on land-air-climate relationships. The Centre is envisioned to work closely with relevant faculties and research institutes within NUS, as well as regional and international agencies, institutions, and industries. C3S focuses on understanding the relationships of land-air-climate interactions in the region. Specifically, this initiative will support research undertakings to address the following: 1. Identification of fingerprints of peatland emissions, in particular biomass burning during smoke, to apportion the impacts of trans-boundary aerosols on Singapore urban environment; 2. Estimation of impacts of aerosols on the atmosphere over the SE Asian region, including Singapore; 3. Biogeochemical basis of peat oxidation using modern life sciences and computational approaches; 4. Computation modelling of regional and global radiative forcing, atmospheric burden imposed by these emissions, and effective impacts on associated global climate response; 5. Estimation of how carbon credits (for carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O)) can be harvested, as well as how actual climate impacts (next generation carbon credits) can be harvested from mitigating peatland emissions. Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 Prof Ong Choon Nam [email protected] 2 Dr Peter Kew [email protected] Other Contact details Director Senior Associate Director (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 23 (TOP) 10. EXQUISITUS Centre for E-City, Nanyang Technological University Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The EXQUISITUS (Latin for Superb) is a Centre of Excellence to advance research and development (R&D) in electrical systems for future cities. It was established in June 2011 through the merging of Smart Energy Research Centre, Centre for Intelligent Machines and Centre for Modelling and Control of Complex Systems. It aims to develop key technologies in power electronic devices, intelligent control and optimization, and autonomy for applications in environmental monitoring, sustainability, renewable energy systems, transportation systems, aerospace engineering, maritime engineering, and defence. The centre’s research activities are organized into three research programmes: E-Sensing, E-Sustainability and E-Mobility and can be broadly divided into the following major areas, energy conversion devices, clean and renewable energy systems, energy storage, smart grids, energy efficient buildings, control system technologies, mobile robotics, and intelligent transportations. EXQUISITUS, Centre for E-City harnesses and synergises the research expertise of the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the areas of power electronics, energy systems, sensing and information processing, modelling and control, and robotics and transportation systems. The centre also explores collaborations with other schools and research centres within NTU such as School of Computer Engineering, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Energy Research Institute @NTU (ERIAN) and Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (EWRI). The centre has established close collaborations with Defence Science Organization of Singapore and research institutes under A*STAR such as Singapore Institute of Manufacturing (SIMTech), Data Storage Institute (DSI) and Institute for Info-Comm Research (I2R). We have also collaborated with SingaporeMIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) through the SMART programmes on environmental sensing and modelling and future mobility. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 The SingaporeBerkeley Building Efficiency and Sustainability for The Tropics The Singapore-Berkeley Building Efficiency and Sustainability for the Tropics (SinBerBEST) is an NRF-funded CREATE program which is hosted by University of California Berkeley with Nanyang Technological University as its main partner. The holistic research methodology is driven by six major research thrusts (1) Sensing, data mining and modeling; (2) Multi-level optimal control; (3) High confidence building operating Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project In Progress: theory, data analysis and Prototype development March 2017 Practical Outcomes Technologies for intelligent building and air-conditioning CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 24 system; (4)Human-building interaction and emissions; (5)Material, design and life cycle; and (6) Integration and test bedding. 2 3 4 5 Optimization And Control Of Vapor Compression Cycle Development of a systematic methodology for optimizing and controlling vapor compression air conditioning systems. The vapor compression refrigeration cycle is used to remove heat from a space of lower temperature (cold reservoir) to an environment of high temperature (hot reservoir). In Progress: theory, data analysis and Prototype development July 2017 (led by Assoc. Prof. The team will use hybrid modeling Wenjian Cai, approach to model cooling coils, with a grant condensers, evaporators. In addition, they from NRF) will extend the component hybrid modelling approach to active devices such as compressors. Development of new identifier-based In progress Identifier-Based consensus algorithms and convergence August 2014 Consensus for analysis methods that can be applied to Multicooperative control of autonomous robot Agent Systems with Applications networks. This is to bridge the lacuna between existing multi-agent system to theory (e.g., consensus) and the application Cooperative requirements of real-world autonomous Control of robot networks, this project investigates Autonomous the constraints and uncertainties Robot Networks associated with these systems and their corresponding dynamic system behaviours Fusion and Sense Sense making is the process of working In progress: Making of with a collection of data to create a prototyping Heterogeneous deeper understanding of the scenario and Sensor Network that generates the data. A sense-making implementat and system can be used to make sense of ion Other Sources situations such as terrorist attacks and August 2014 riots, and identifies changes of situations, which helps to speed up decision process and actions. Autonomous The development of such a fleet of Completed Mobile Robots autonomous robots includes the Oct 2013 For following main work packages: Outdoor and (1) design and building of two platforms: one track robot and three wheel robots; Urban (2) sensor selections Environments and sensor-suit designs; (3) communication system and protocol designs; (4) GPS data processing and waypoint navigation; Technologies for intelligent building and air-conditioning Robotics technologies Sensor networks and distributed systems Urban robotic automation and defence industry CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 25 (5) Operation Control Unit; (6) Safety system and tele-operation; (7) Static and dynamic obstacle avoidance; (8) G-mapping and localization; (9) Target searching; (10) Door entry and exit; (11) Stair climbing and descending; (12) Vision-based target identification; (13) Vision-based odometry; (13) Mission control and integrated testing. 6 7 PV/Battery Hybrid Power Supply with Discrete Ripple Correlation Control and Advanced Time-Sharing Switching Technique In solar power applications, it is often desirable to track the maximum power point (MPP) of the photovoltaic (PV) array. When the load demand is higher than the power capability of PV, a hybrid power supply (HPS) system is required to realize output voltage regulation and MPP tracking (MPPT). The second source besides the PV array may be an AC-line supply or an energy source device such as battery. In progress: Renewable analysis and energy prototyping July 2017 In this project uses a double-input buck converter (DIBC) topology with interleaved dual-edge modulation and advanced time-sharing switching (ATSS) strategy to complete this control target. Indoor To develop the capabilities of Completed Quadrotors quadrator formation flight with the Vicon March 2014 Formation Flight Bonita system in the Internet of Things with Lab. The superior accuracy of the system Vicon Motion will also provide a good benchmark for algorithm testing or to evaluate other Capture System technologies such as vision-based navigation. Logistics defence and The main technical challenge in this research is the real-time control of the quadrators. As the latency of the Bonita system is minimal at 2ms, the bottleneck is the computing power of the workstation to post-process the optical data, and to execute the Simulink at near real-time. Telemetry is another main challenge. 8 Investigation on Vanadium-Redox In this project, the feasibility and Completed operational characteristics of VRB-ESS for May 2014 Energy storage CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 26 Flow Battery Energy Storage System (VRB-ESS) tropical applications will be evaluated. The temperature control strategies will be investigated. Both the experimental tests and the mathematical modelling and simulations will make significant contributions to the VRB-ESS implementation in the tropical weather conditions. 9 Traffic signal This project aims to develop a new set of control for urban traffic signal control algorithms to improve the efficiency of the urban road road networks networks. In progress, data collection, analysis and testing Current traffic signal control technologies Dec 2015 were matured in 1980s and they are mostly junction based. Sensing, networks and communication technology development in the past few decades have readied a new generation of traffic signal control systems with new ideas and using new technologies for new traffic demands. New generation of traffic signal control for megacities with heavy traffic demands 10 Smart Phone App The goal of this project is to provide best – predictive route routes to drivers by taking future (predicted) traffic conditions into guidance consideration. In Progress: A mobile app Prototype for drivers and development commuters in Sep 2015 Singapore. 11 Modelling road We are currently modelling traffic networks as parameters as signals residing on a graph signals on graphs (spatial variable) instead of time series. Such analysis can potentially provide us with better mechanisms to model and limit traffic congestion in road networks in comparison to typical studies which analyse traffic parameters like speed and flow as time series. These models lack the ability to provide inference about spatial interactions. In Progress: Data analysis and model development Sep 2016 Visualization tool for transportation and logistics companies. 12 Commuter patterns in public transport systems In Progress: Data analysis and model development Sep 2016 An advisory system for public transit companies. Smart card data (such as EZ-link in Singapore) contain wealth of information about the mobility patterns of commuters. We are developing systems that utilize this information for adaptive allocation of transportation resources (buses and trains). (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 27 Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names 1 Wang Danwei/Professor 2 Xie Lihua/Professor 3 Justin Dauwels /Asst Prof Email Address [email protected] Other Contact details 67905376 [email protected] [email protected] 67904524 (TOP) 11. Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) (A) FUTURE CITIES LABORATORY (FCL) Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda Challenge addressed - How cities can be designed, produced, managed, maintained, and inhabited in a way that supports global sustainability Urban Metabolism - In order to address this challenge, the idea of ‘urban metabolism’ is adopted as a conceptual framework. This framework helps consider the city as a complex system that calibrates, manages and configures various stocks and flows of resources, such as energy, water, capital, people, space and information. Multiple Scales - Urban sustainability is examined at the level of the city as an entity, at the level of urban ensemble or neighbourhood, and at the level of architectural fabric. Communication between the various scaled projects and how urban design is the intermediate bridge between regional planning and architecture is explored. Approaches to make Singapore future-ready Develop guidelines for sustainable development of buildings, districts, and regions Generate concrete projects, technologies and instruments Design and develop a new curriculum of urban science Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 Rochor+ A multidisciplinary research platform that brings together researchers with expertise in the fields of Urban Planning, Transport Planning, Historical Analysis, Building Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project In progress, on-going research Practical Outcomes 1. FCL and SUTD are jointly holding a public exhibition on Rochor+ at the URA Gallery (URA Centre), starting in CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 28 Technology and Simulation based research. Aug 2015 2. FCL is in contact with Singapore River One to study the feasibility and energy-saving and financial benefits of implementing the Heat Bus System, developed as part of the Rochor+ project, in shop houses along Boat Quay. Together, the team displays how different focal points have analysed, interpreted and emphasised selected crucial elements of city life in different scales. 2 On-site Robotic Tiling Machine FCL is developing a robotic tiling machine in collaboration with industry partner ROB Technologies. In progress, prototype development The current prototype is able to lay tiles two to three times faster than a human worker while maintaining high precision and consistent quality. Dec 2016 The next stage of the project involves working with contractors on small tiling projects to prove the value of the robotic tiling machine and incorporate user feedback on features that can be enhanced. 3 4 3for2 – Beyond Efficiency Advanced Fibre September 2014. The FCL Low Exergy module has begun implementing its low emissions building concepts in an actual building project - a new office building of the United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA). Office space in an otherwise conventionally designed and operated multipurpose building will be equipped with Low Exergy technology, consisting of radiant cooling panels, distributed ventilation units combined with under floor air distribution networks and new control systems. In progress, implementatio n of research in an actual building project This research project taps bamboo’s potential by exploring new types of In progress, material With over 40 million tiles laid in new construction projects each year, the FCL robotic tiling machine could help address capacity and quality bottlenecks. This project brings together interested industry partners and will help to identify costs and economic benefits of the Low Exergy approach. After completion, the office space will serve as test environment and act as a showcase of high performance building systems in Singapore. Alternative building material to steel and timber. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 29 Composite Materials composite bamboo material, transforming organic material into a manageable industrial product and introducing it as a viable building material, an alternative to steel and timber. testing Bamboo is found naturally in many developing countries, and production of the composite material could strengthen local value chains, bring jobs and trade, and lower dependency on international markets. Bamboo is also a highly renewable and ecofriendly material. It grows much faster than wood and has unrivalled capacity to capture carbon. Multi-Agent Transport Simulation (MATSim) Singapore 5 MATsim is a large-scale, agent-and-activity based transport demand simulation for Singapore. In progress, on-going research The range of application stretches from predicting the ridership and reliability of new public transport services to various effects that an alternative road-pricing scheme might evoke. Enables researchers to address various transport and urban planning related questions. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names 1 Prof. Dr. Kees Christiaanse 2 Prof. Dr Stephen Cairns Email Address [email protected] Other Contact details [email protected] (TOP) (B) FUTURE RESILIENT SYSTEMS (FRS) Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda Both Singapore and Switzerland are small, well-organized, prosperous (SWOP) countries that are densely populated, and whose well-being and development depend upon critical infrastructure systems. This type of "backbone" provides a reliable energy supply, plus transportation, communication, banking and finance, emergency, and other services that are essential for maintaining the "metabolism" of urbanized societies, the disruption of which would have far-reaching consequences. The FRS establishes a research platform based on cutting-edge expertise from the Swiss ETH Zürich and PSI (Paul Scherer Institute), and from Singapore's NUS, NTU, and SMU. Its main objectives include: • increasing our understanding of the behaviour of complex systems; CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 30 • devising levers that concurrently improve the robustness and resilience of socio-technical systems; • designing institutions ("rules of the game") and approaches that purposefully influence and shape decision-making; and • educating a cohort of approximately 40 PhD students and 25 postdoctoral fellows. Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names 1 Prof. Hans-Rudolf Heinimann Email Address [email protected] Other Contact details (TOP) 12. iCity Lab, Singapore Management University –Tata Consultancy Services Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The SMU-TCS iCity Lab is a joint research facility set up through a partnership between Singapore Management University (SMU) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to develop industry standards and IT frameworks for the emerging intelligent city (“iCity”) model of urban development. The partnership combines TCS’ industry leading IT services expertise and culture of innovation with SMU’s globally recognized excellence in research and education and for the world of business and management in both the public and private sectors. The iCity Lab takes a very people centric approach in designing solutions for future city; we put the residents as the central focus. We believe that their behaviour, knowledge and needs determine the priority that the city leaders, government agencies and service providers need to consider while allocating urban resources toward the needs of residents. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 CommunityBased Case Management System for the Neighbourhoo d for Active Living (NodAL) Project A community care project which aims to provide a community-based case management system for the Neighbourhood for Active Living (NodAL) project of the Eastern Health Alliance that focuses on providing social and medical care for the elderly in the eastern part of Singapore. Collaborative Care Project for the National A collaborative disease monitoring system for kidney patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis at the National University Hospital System (NUHS) Renal Center. This system allows 2 Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Deployed in May 2015 March 2015 Ready to deploy since March 2014 Practical Outcomes 10 Community Patient Coordinators are using the tools to conduct their operation in the field. NKF and NUHS are considering pilot or full scale clinical CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 31 University Hospital System (NUHS) Renal Center patients to record health indicators, such as blood pressure, through a mobile phone while doctors and nurses are able to view patients’ health status in real time. October 2014 trial for the solution (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names 1 Alfred Wu 2 Elina Yu Email Address [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details 92239814 68085265 (TOP) 13. Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, University of Singapore Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) was established in 1988 as an independent think-tank to study and generate public policy ideas in Singapore. IPS became an autonomous research centre of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore in 2008. Today, IPS continues to analyse public policy, connect key thought leaders, and communicate its findings to a wide audience. The Institute examines issues of critical national interest across a variety of fields, and studies the attitudes and aspirations of Singaporeans through surveys of public perception. It adopts a multi-disciplinary approach in its analysis and takes the long-term view in its strategic deliberation and research. For more information about IPS, visit www.lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/ips/ IPS research focuses on: Arts, Culture and New Media; Demography and Family; Economics and Business; Politics and Governance; and, Society and Identity. In addition, the Institute also has the IPS Social Lab which is launching a panel study of 5,000 households to track the impact that changes in their lives have on family dynamics and their attitudes and values. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Practical Outcomes <Arts, Culture and New Media Cluster> 1 Civility in Cyberspace The cyberspace has become a challenge to all users -- from children to adults -- in terms of norms of civil and civic behaviour. The central question of this research project is “How do we establish and sustain civility norms in a space that doesn’t easily lend itself to government regulation nor Ongoing. Several projects address the same theme. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 32 collective moderation?” 2 New Developments in the Arts Government’s new initiatives in Ongoing community arts and new emphasis in traditional arts pose several developmental questions to both practitioners and Government. This project explores those questions. 3 Singapore as a Digital Village A research project on how everyone, especially policymakers, can rethink not only technology’s role but more importantly, individuals’ capacity to organize themselves and solve problems on a nation-wide scale. <Demography and Family Cluster> 4 Population Outcomes: Singapore 2050 Multi-disciplinary study on the implications of Singapore’s demographic trajectory through to 2050. Completed. 5 Changing Nature of Longevity in Singapore How trends in ageing, morbidity and disability may affect labour force participation, retirement and healthcare funding, and the quality of life of senior citizens in Singapore. In progress – expected completion in end-2015 <Economics and Business Cluster> 6 SMEs Several closed-door discussions will be held Ongoing through 2014 to analyse the constraints SMEs face and examine what is needed to help them. Discussion topics include financing and human capital development for the SME sector. 6 Singapore Economic Roundtable (SER) The 21st SER was held in May 2014 and Ongoing focused on innovation policy in Singapore. The 22nd SER will be held in November 2014 <Politics and Governance Cluster> 7 Civil Society in Singapore A national conference will be held on 11 November 2013 to discuss the trends in and suggestions for the development of civil society. The papers from the conference will be published. Completed. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 33 8 The Politics of Sustaining Inclusive Growth and Social Inclusion This research seeks to understand the Publication reforms that are taking place in the Danish in 2014. and Finnish welfare state to understand the political support for the systems and make comparisons to the Singapore where policymakers and the public seeks to strengthen social safety nets and create a more inclusive society here. <Society and Identity Cluster> 9 IPSOnePeople.sg Indicators of Racial Harmony project IPS is collaborating with OnePeople.sg to hold dialogues with educators, employers, unionists, students and community leaders to provide insight into issues that surfaced from the project Ongoing 10 IPS Community Leaders Integration Conference The conference brings together immigrant association leaders and local community leaders to discuss issues surrounding integration in Singapore and how immigrant associations play a part in this. Completed 11 NCSS-IPS Social Service Research Network This forum consolidates discussion on the appropriate forms and strategy for research in the social service sector. First SSRN Forum held in March 2014 12 Perceptions and Attitudes towards Ageing Survey 2012 This survey commissioned by Council for the Third Age examines perceptions and attitudes towards ageing including quality of life, attitudes towards lifelong learning, employability and social gerontology. Completed in third quarter of 2014 13 The Education Study Team Report This study examines the formulation of the Goh report which had major implications to Singaporean educational policy. Ongoing 14 Integration IPS-Konrad Adenauer Stiftung public lecture on integration November 2014 <IPS Social Lab> 15 Singapore Panel Study on Social Dynamics (SPSSD) Family structure, background, relationships, and resilience; aspirations and social mobility; social capital; and perception of governance. November 2014 16 Changing Values Tracking social, cultural, and political Jul 2015 CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 34 values in Singapore 17 National Service Attitudes to National Service Dec 2015 (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 Mr Tan Tarn How [email protected] 2 Dr Yap Mui Teng [email protected] 3 Mr Manu Bhaskaran [email protected] 4 Dr Gillian Koh [email protected] 5 Dr Mathew Mathews [email protected] 6 A/P Tan Ern Ser [email protected] 7 Dr Leong Chan Hoong [email protected] Other Contact details Arts, Culture and Media Demography and Family Economics and Business Politics and Governance Society and Identity IPS Social Lab IPS Social Lab (TOP) 14. Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (CIC), Singapore University of Technology and Design Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKY CIC)’s mission is to Become a thought leader on these critical issues of cities and urbanisation; Provide breakthrough urban solutions; and Better understand the necessary accompanying governance and social frameworks. Officially established in September 2012, the research strength of LKY CIC is drawn from the multidisciplinary faculty in the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) who collaborate and partner with a core team at the Centre. The Centre’s research areas include: Design for Demographics; Design for Density; Design for Connectivity; Design for Resource Scarcity; Design for Resilience; Design for Social Capital. These areas will be examined together with the leadership and governance of cities. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Practical Outcomes CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 35 1 Asian Port Cities Aims to provide a more complete In progress picture of the broad interlinking structures, governance, networks and 2015/2016 technological innovations of Asian port cities. It will contribute to a critical field, and is of relevance to Singapore, the region, and globally. 2 Ageing Urbanism Aims to enhance the current understanding of older people’s appropriation and needs, to develop innovative designs to meet those needs, and to disseminate frameworks for action. Data collection started Provide insights into how port operations, administration and governance impact the successful development of a port-city and how these inform port-city linkages. Lessons will be drawn from the seven cases to provide recommendations for Singapore’s future development as a portcity. Contribute findings for rethinking urban planning and design for a age-friendly city 2016 3 Dense + Green Explores the integration of green In progress spaces in buildings that could potentially lead to entirely new 2015 building typologies for future cities, especially for high-density ones like Singapore. 4 Future of Cities This project examines what Singapore Finalizing will be like in 25-50 years along the scope dimensions of Economy, Managing Diversity, Big Data Governance – 2014-2016 Realizing the Data Economy, Sustainable Futures, Transportation, Urban Form and Redesign, and Living with Technology 1. Contribute knowledge about how dense and green building typologies can improve Singapore’s environment by mitigating negative effects of high density. 2. Capture environmental, social, urban/architectural, economic and aesthetic benefits of dense and green building typologies systematically. 3. Help formulate strategies in that the integration of green spaces is integral to the design and form of buildings. Findings will point to implications for the future and possible policy directions. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 36 (TOP) (A) SUTD-JTC I 3 CENTRE Multi-disciplinary centre co-located with and managed by the LKY CIC. It will develop sustainable hard and soft infrastructure innovations that are also relevant for the urban context. Research projects will contribute to the long-term sustainable development and transformation of integrated work-live-playlearn developments. Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 Prof Chan Heng Chee [email protected] 2 Dr Lim Wee Kiat [email protected] 3 Debbie Loo [email protected] 4 Poon King Wang [email protected] 5 Assoc Prof Thomas [email protected] Schroepfer 6 Dr Sharon Siddique [email protected] 7 Dr Belinda Yuen [email protected] 8 Dr Woo Jun Jie [email protected] Other Contact details 6499 4581 64994905 64994053 6303 6615 6303 6675 6303 6882 6499 4769 64994053 (TOP) 15. Living Analytics Research Centre, Singapore Management UniversityCarnegie Mellon University Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The Living Analytics Research Centre (LARC) is a joint research initiative between the Singapore Management University (SMU) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). It is a pioneering effort to create ways of understanding consumer and social behaviour by combining advances in computing, social science and management. LARC combines the key technologies of Big Data (large-scale data mining, statistical machine learning, and computational tools for the analysis of dynamic social networks) with analytics focused on consumer behaviour and social media, with an emphasis on near real-time analysis of streams of information that are continuously evolving. LARC seeks to make Singapore one of the world’s premier locations for the development and applied use of real-time consumer and social analytics, as well as one of the world’s leading centres for computational social science related R&D and education. The setting up of the centre will rapidly establish Singapore as one of the world’s pre-eminent centres of excellence in computational social science. The LARC’s unique ability to create and manage its own Living Analytics testbed at SMU and to team with private and public sector organizations in Singapore to obtain access to real-time digital traces of individual, organizational and societal data in acceptable, legal and privacy preserving ways will give Singapore a substantial advantage in the global race to define and extend the frontiers of computational social science. This will enable Singapore to reap the commercial and economic benefits that will be CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 37 associated with having the superior methods, tools and insights that will be the natural by-products of the research effort and demonstration projects. LARC aims to bring together i) data mining and machine learning, ii) statistics, iii) social and behaviour science, iv) management science, and v) the science of social and behavioural networks, in ways that can transform and expand computational social science so as to develop new applications that benefit individual consumers, private sector organizations, and the public sector. LARC is working towards realizing a Closed Loop Living Analytics paradigm which involves two closely related key contributions: (a) Development and validation of novel analytics models and algorithms for large scale user behaviour and social data so as to gain insights into consumer/user interests and to improve user experience with businesses and applications. This requires access to real-world users and their behavioural data observable through digital traces, either using data sets accessible through our collaborating external partners, or through data from our own testbed of users. (b) Design of experiments, and realization of systems, tools and applications for analysing consumer and social behaviour when individuals are connected through various types of interaction networks, with vastly improved ability to observe and quantify various types of interaction effects. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects 1 Social Media Analytics on Microblogging Data Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project This project focuses on sensing and analytics Ongoing of social media data traces, particularly in Dec 2015 Twitter, to derive useful consumer and social insights about users. To achieve the objective of performing societal-scale social and consumer analytics, we gather social media data both in depth and breadth so as to support data analytics research at user, tie and community levels. Practical Outcomes Suite of Social Media Analytics Software Systems, and Publications Some of types of analytics performed include modelling user behaviours; relationship mining to discover offline relationships or predict missing or future relationships; gathering user sentiments and opinions; and event mining to detect social media events at early stages for real time response. 2 Mobile The Mobile Analytics research in LARC Ongoing focuses on developing analytics-based Dec 2015 Software and Publications CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 38 Analytics 3 Online Experimentati on insights (and using such insights in compelling new applications) based on usage and sensor data from personal mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.). The research group works synergistically with the LiveLabs research center at SMU (which provides a real-life experimentation platform involving thousands of opt-in participants) to: a) Provide enhanced and novel analyticsbased contextual insights for LiveLabs applications; b) Provide advanced analytics-based advanced wireless network and indoor location capabilities on the SMU campus; and c) Enable closed-loop experimentation and services that utilize the LiveLabs tested. LARC spearheads a new Living Analytics Ongoing Experimentation (LASER) project which aims Dec 2015 to realize a system platform for designing, conducting, tracking and evaluating online experiments. The research highlights to be demonstrated in this project are the capabilities of network experiment design, minimal intrusive user treatments, user response tracking, and analysis of experiment results. Software and publications This project will enable LARC to conduct evaluation of user behaviours in online recommendati ons, target marketing and other applications. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N 1 2 3 4 Researchers Names Prof Lim Ee-Peng A/Prof Archan Misra Asst Prof Jiang Jing Asst Prof Zhu Feida Email Address [email protected] Other Contact details [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 39 (TOP) 16. Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (A) FUTURE URBAN MOBILITY IRG Synopsis of Department’s Work and Agenda Future Urban Mobility (FM) IRG is one of the five IRGs in the Singapore- MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre. FM IRG started in July 2010 and is a research programme funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programme. Mission Develop, in and beyond Singapore, new paradigms for the planning, design and operation of future urban mobility systems. Innovative urban mobility systems, aimed at both passengers and freight, will materially enhance sustainability and societal well-being on a global scale. The FM IRG will: harness and enhance promising networked computing and control (NCC) technology-enabled innovations that may contribute to improved future urban mobility; develop decision models that can be applied to support various novel mobility concepts, such as the pervasive use of real-time information, mobility-on-demand services and green logistics; investigate the potential and impacts of these innovations and decision models; and assess their implications for urban development and urban planning organisations and institutions. FM IRG will adopt approaches that integrate information on human and commercial activities, land use, transportation, environmental impacts, and energy use. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 2 Autonomy in Mobility-onDemand Assess and demonstrate the role of autonomy in mobility-on-demand and its impact in terms of feasibility, safety, and (TOP) Estimated Date Practical of Completion Outcomes & Status of Project Pillar 1: Networked Computing and Control (NCC) will seek to develop a framework of common, reusable services and algorithms, packaged as software libraries and run-time software infrastructure for urban mobility systems. 1 ApplicationDesign new programming models and Guided middleware, along with novel applications, Network that can harness many phones as a collaborative computing platform for directly Design hosting transportation services. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 40 Systems efficiency through modelling and simulation, algorithm development and experimental demonstration. 3 Real-Time Control and Learning for Urban Transportatio n Systems 4 CarSpeak: A Communicatio n System Customized for Autonomous Driving Development of new tools, combining realtime, distributed control techniques, systems and control theory, and machine learning to develop new approaches to the design of urban transportation systems. Examples include traffic signal control and scheduling, road pricing, and resilience analysis under disruption. Enable a car to query and access sensory information captured by other cars in a manner similar to how it accesses information from its local sensors. 5 CongestionAware Routing for Urban Mobility Develop, implement, and evaluate novel decentralised control algorithms for individual participants in urban traffic; algorithms should provide stability and global behaviour guarantees under different types of traffic scenarios, by combining machine learning and control techniques. 6 Data Collider A platform for the collection, fusion, and LIVE distribution and visualization of real-time data from different sources in Singapore that Singapore! can serve as the active application of a semantic web platform to the management of the city, and form the basis for crowd sourced open application development. Pillar 2: Integrated modelling of mobility, land-use, environmental, and energy-use impacts will develop a suite of powerful demand estimation, performance prediction, and operation optimization tools, drawing on the availability of NCC-enabled information. 7 Integrated Integrate and link together various mobilitySimulation sensitive behavioural models with state-ofPlatform: the-art simulators to predict impacts of mobility demands on transportation SimMobility networks, services and vehicular emissions. Integration will make it possible to simulate the effects of a portfolio of technology, policy and investment options under alternative future scenarios. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 41 8 Real-Time Model System for Network Management and Emergency Response Develop an Integrated suite of models to estimate the impact of alternative interventions and support the real-time deployment of such interventions to mitigate urban mobility problems as they occur on a daily basis. 9 Real-time Path Tracking/ Predictions and OnDemand Route Guidance Under Uncertainty Algorithms that use real-time data from many heterogeneous sources in order to (i) track and predict paths in dynamic transportation networks, and (ii) provide on-demand route guidance under uncertainty, based on a combination of optimization, data-fusion, machine learning, and novel behavioural techniques. 10 Mobility on Demand: Dynamic, DemandResponsive Transportatio n Service Network Design Design of models and algorithms to configure dynamically portions of the public transportation service network to meet mobility demands in real-time; the objective is to provide passenger-centric, timely service while minimizing costs and maximizing system efficiency. (b) The Last Mile Problem: Explore innovative ways for transporting travellers between home or work and a preferred node of the public transportation system, taking advantage of information and communications technologies, real-time route planning, and light (possibly semi-autonomous) urban vehicles. (c) Examine impact on MRT users of disruptions at different parts of the network. Design recovery from MRT disruptions that minimize inconvenience to MRT users. Pillar 3: Performance assessment and implementation will enable more meaningful evaluation of alternative sustainability mobility systems and the development of institutional, regulatory, and pricing mechanisms to support them. 11 Behavioural To plan sustainable future urban mobility Models for systems, we need a set of forecasting tools Land Use, to help make well-informed, consistent Mobility and assessments of future conditions under Energy and various scenarios. Behavioural models are at the heart of the approach. The objective CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 42 Resource Use 12 Development and Testing of NetworkEnabled Data Collection Techniques 13 Real-Time Regulation of Mobility Services is to develop state-of-the-art models to understand and forecast different behavioural rationales of households and firms. The ubiquity technologies related to Networked Computing and Control (NCC) provides a range of new close-to-real-time data for urban mobility planning and management. The challenge rests in capturing and deploying the relevant information, using it for real-time control, improved user service, and longer-term strategic planning. The objective here is to implement a broad data collection effort using smart phones matched with webbased surveying tools to infer (through machine learning) household and firm activities, including mobility and location choices. Cheap and abundant data streams generated by modern mobility systems hold the promise of changing regulatory and policy making frameworks to enable more efficient, effective, intermodal mobility services, with greater transparency and accountability. The potential uses of ITS automated data in regulators, transport operators, planners, and the public raise a number of questions related to: data access and ownership, new types of performance measures, contractual relationships, appropriate regulatory structures, and structuring incentives for mobility innovations. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 Emilio FRAZZOLI [email protected] Lead Investigator 2 Bingran ZUO [email protected] Programme Manager Other Contact details (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 43 (TOP) 17. Sustainable Earth Office (SEO), Nanyang Technological University Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The Sustainable Earth Office shapes leaders and support solutions to address some of the major sustainability challenges facing Singapore and the entire world. The SEO aspires to make sustainability sustainable at NTU. And sustainability in research, education, collaborative projects, commercialization, and outreach will thrive and endure if undertaken voluntarily by coalitions of the willing, enthusiastic, and most capable within a supportive administrative and departmental environment. The moral authority for our sustainability programming and efforts comes through the creation of cooperation, consensus, and a sense of shared mission among out departments, divisions, administrative offices, students, and residents. As such, the SEO is not building a new centre, and not trying to replace or duplicate NTU’s substantial multidisciplinary and administrative capacities. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project 1 Assessment Of Urban Flood Resiliency Under Present And Future Scenarios (Lo Yat-Man, Edmond), NTU 2 Rainfall, Mesoscale Weather, Climate Change And Urban Boundary Layer (Koh Tieh Yong), NTU 3 Towards Green Datacenters As An Interruptible Load For GridStabilization In Singapore (Wen Yonggang), NTU 4 Innovative Use Of Underground Space In Port (Soh Chee Kiong), NTU 5 The Missing Ecosystem – Sources, Function and Ecology of Urban, Airborne Microbes (Stephan Schuster), NTU Practical Outcomes (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names 1 Professor Alexander Zehnder Chairman, Sustainable Earth Office 2 William Clune Asst Dir, Sustainable Earth Office Email Address [email protected] Other Contact details [email protected] CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 44 SECTION 2: RESEARCH DEPARTMENTS IN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 45 (TOP) 18. Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) (A) INSTITUTE FOR INFOCO MM RESEARCH (I2R) Synopsis of Department’s Work and Agenda The institute hosts A*STAR’s Urban Systems Initiative, which seeks to develop technologies and capabilities to: a) address the technological needs of the rapidly urbanising world; and to b) enable the development of solutions for complex urban challenges to enhance Singapore’s competitiveness The Initiative aims to address real-life urban challenges, through active partnerships with various public developmental agencies and private sector players. We leverage on our infocomm and engineering capabilities to address challenges under the prevailing themes of big data, complexity and intelligence. Started in 2012, the 5-year initiative currently consists of five R&D programs led by various research institutes and IHLs: 1) A*DAX – A*STAR Data and Analytics Exchange Platform (Lead RI: I2R) 2) S&S – Sense and Sense-abilities Program (Lead RI: I2R) 3) Complex Systems Program (Lead RI: IHPC) 4) Integrated City Planning (Lead RIs: I2R & IHPC) 5) City Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Lead IHL: NUS-TLIAP) In addition to the A*STAR Urban Systems Initiative, the institute has the following research programmes that are relevant to smart city research: 6) Demand Side Management - Smart Grid Programme (SGP) 7) Intelligent Transport Systems – Smart Junction (ITS) Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Practical Outcomes 1 A scalable platform for urban systems innovations via the availability and integration of static and live public and commercial data that: Stores and exchanges data in standardised formats with privacy and security considerations Translates city data into actionable information using data analytics and visualization A unified and sustainable sensing and transport 31 Oct 2014 (phase 1) A Whole-of-City dashboard with which public agencies, businesses, and people are able to make informed decisions and respond to dynamic conditions in the city through real-time sensing and data analytics. 2 A*STAR Data and Analytics Exchange Platform (A*DAX) Sense and Sense-abilities In Progress. Preparing for production and deployment at the Smart and Connected Jurong Lake District (JLD) Test-Bed 21 May 2015 Hardware and software components that will CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 46 3 4 Program Unisense architecture for large scale and heterogeneous sensor networks. The project uses a modular approach to realize the architecture and is driven by the actual sensing needs from several targeted government agencies for urban sustainability. In Progress. An end-to-end heterogeneous architecture comprising three main components namely, sensing, sense-making and network management has been completed. Prototypes have been developed and deployed in real testbeds and are currently being enhanced and evaluated. Sense and Sense-abilities Program SPARK A Security, Privacy and Trust Framework for Large-scale and Heterogeneous WSNs 14 November 2015 Sense and Sense-abilities Program - gPS Citizen-centric sensing: collect sensor data and humangenerated data (observations, opinions, ideas) through personal devices such as smartphones. Main focus of the project is incentive mechanism design. In Progress. Security needs derived from IDAJLD pilot testbed and the following components have been completed: - Node and gateway registration - Key management/upd ate with forward and backward secrecy - Dynamic key request protocol - 2FA for OTA update -Secured OTA firmware update 14 Aug 2016 In Progress. Blueprint design has been completed; currently at model improvement and facilitate the sharing of sensor networks at the node level, network level and data level. Such sharing will reduce waste due to deployment of redundant resources. The data gathered by the sensing architecture and the deep insights provided by the sensemaking architecture can help government agencies and policy makers to make more informed decisions on how to improve the quality of life of its citizens. An urban large-scale and heterogeneous wireless sensor network that is Secure: tamper/corruption/eave s-drop-proof Trustworthy: dependable data, for which knowledge and wisdom can be built Privacy-preserving: protection of individual identity and location A generally applicable incentive mechanism to promote large-scale citizen-participated sensing campaigns which collect useful data (e.g., environmental, transport, ICT infrastructure, HDB CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 47 5 6 7 Sense and Sense-abilities Program Reliable Information Delivery in Heterogeneous Sensor Networks (RID) Sense and Sense-abilities Program Heterogeneous Sense-making and Learning Networks (HELEN) Sense and Sense-abilities Program WSNoise Explore various coding techniques (e.g., network coding, distributed storage) to improve the reliability of information delivery in sensor networks (e.g., sensor data collection, code update dissemination, data storage at gateway nodes). The vision of this project is to design heterogeneous sensor networks that adapt intelligently to environmental factors and to demands and constraints in high quality urban living. We investigate how enormous amounts of sensor data can be processed and analysed in a timely adaptive manner using deep learning, and we study several critical issues like the coexistence of heterogeneous sensor and communication devices sharing finite spectrum resources and the scalability of backhauling networks in efficient data delivery. Resulting design insights will be transferred to commercial and public sectors. Real-time and Continuous 2-D Ambient Noise Mapping using wireless sensor networks prototype development. facilities) for government and companies A high-utility prototype that incorporates the incentive engine and demonstrates the usefulness of participatory sensing. 14 Aug 2015 Protocols and algorithms to be implemented in real-world sensor networks to improve their reliability. In Progress. Protocol and algorithm design 14 Aug 2016 In Progress. The following tasks were completed: literature review; simulations and early prototyping for basic tasks; problem statement and algorithm design for advance ed tasks. 3 Jun 2014 Completed. Preparing final report and project review. Exploring Fast, low-complexity, accurate algorithms for: data compression, missing data imputation, outlier detection, multimodal data fusion, smart sensors, predictive maintenance, intruder detection. Practical urban testbed of 150 solar-powered noise sensors in 3 separate test sites. Plug and playable hierarchical network and management architecture CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 48 8 Sense and Sense-abilities Program Smartbin Real-time monitoring of bin fullness and location using wireless sensor networks extensions with IDA, NEA, HDB 31 July 2014 Towards the end of the project (closing). Test-bedded with 11 Smartbins prototype in Geylang. Data of bins' fullness has been collected and analyzed. 9 10 11 Sense and Sense-abilities Program Skysense Perform sense-making for vertical farming greenhouse prototype Sense and Sense-abilities Program IDAJurong Lake District (JLD) test bedding Realization and validation of S&S Unisense architecture for multi-modal shared sensor network at JLD Integrated City Planning (ICP) Harness capabilities in BigData & Geospatial Analytics as well as Complex System Modelling, to enhance the key tasks needed to formulate the Concept Plan – Singapore’s long-term land use and infrastructure plan. The ICP phase-1 involves work in collaboration with URA, HDB and LTA, and focuses on 4 key components of the Concept Plan process, namely: 1) Projecting Land Use to support housing demand, 2) Developing land use staging plans, 3) Translating land use 30 Sep 2014 In Progress. Final round of data collection for greenhouse profiling. 29 July 2015 In Progress. 31 Jul 2015 Data collection & analysis, Model design A back-end learning and map generation suite. Identify daily seasonality of bins' fullness as guidance for city planners in making decisions for optimal placement of bins. Cleaning operators can be alerted when the bins should be cleared/emptied, resulting in more effective planning of cleaning route, thus achieving better productivity and reduced carbon footprint. Achieved higher crop yield from improvements to greenhouse design. Ultimately, project will contribute to Singapore's food resilience efforts. Realization and validation of S&S Unisense architecture for multi-modal shared sensor network at JLD Contribute to the planning analysis needed to formulate plans for land uses, facilities and infrastructure provision, as well as evaluate resilience and interdependencies of urban systems. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 49 12 13 14 City Logistics and Supply Chain Management (SCM, part of the Urban Systems Initiative, led by NUS-TLIAP) Demand Side Management (DSM, I2R’s Smart Grid Programme) Smart Junctions (ITS, I2R’s Intelligent Transport Systems Programme) distribution into travel demand, and 4) Projecting transport flows and network performance. Develop computational platforms based on complex systems approach and data analytics for city logistics and supply chain management for: Coordinating multiple parties for overall system efficiency and cost effectiveness Mitigating supply chain risk for business continuity Intelligent platform to manage and control time pattern and magnitude of the electricity demand. 2 types of algorithms will be developed namely: 1. Price-driven DSM 2. Welfare-driven DSM Capabilities - Intelligent control of interruptible and deferrable loads - Optimisation on real-time load scheduling - Intelligent management of renewable energy and storage Intelligent platform to manage safety and navigation at intersections. The system fuses data from a multitude of sensors such as infrastructure laser scanners, GPS, traffic light phasing, etc. and analyses the trajectory of vehicles and predicts impending accident. The system also provides other traffic data such as speed and flow which can be used to traffic control and enforcement. 30 Jun 2015 In Progress 31 Jun 2016 Improve energy efficiency In Progress High energy and cost savings potential Reduce greenhouse gas emissions Dec 2015 Provide safety to drivers and vulnerable users. In Progress Optimize Traffic control Enforcement for illegal uturns and speeding. (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 50 Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 2 Dr Ng See Siong (Urban Systems Initiative) Dr Ng Wee Siong (A*DAX) Dr Tan Hwee Pink (S&S) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details 6402118 64082149 64082238 3 Dr Goh Shen Tat (ICP) [email protected] 64082037 4 [email protected] 65165179 5 Dr Bob De Souza (SCM, based at the Logistic Institute, NUS) Dr Henry Wong (DSM) 64082402 6 Dr Jaya Shankar (ITS) [email protected] [email protected] 64082239 (TOP) (B) INSTITUTE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING (IHPC) Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda IHPC is a Research Institute under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). The institute promotes and spearheads scientific advances and technological innovations through computational modelling, simulation and visualization methodologies and tools. Research foci are in the realm of large and complex-coupled systems, mechanics and fluid dynamics, computational electronics and electromagnetics, computational material and chemistry, scientific computing and software development, high performance and distributed computing, large-scale data mining and analyses, digital modelling and knowledge based tool designs. Current Research Projects S/N Research Brief description Projects 1 Complex Systems Program [IHPC-LTA collaboration] Creation of an interactive platform for evaluating train schedules and their impacts on passenger experiences is being pursued with LTA. Previously we have developed and deployed platforms and models for LTA that allows them to probe/understand route choices of commuters and the crowdedness of train stations/carts. Estimated Date of Completion October 2015 Practical Outcomes Our transport works are useful in studying overloading, overcrowding, and travel delays resulting from disruptions, train or bus deployment frequencies, and/or various other population growth dynamics. With all the data combined into a single model transport planners can now more accurately enhance their responses to disruptions as well as plan for future frameworks to cater to a growing rapid transit system. The team has been involved in the CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 51 2 Complex Systems Program Scoping of areas for collaboration with SMRT has been completed with NDA and MOU now in the final stages. October 2015 A mutual NDA has been signed with Baseride Technologies, Inc., an international company that provides transport solutions with clients from New York, Russia, Netherlands, among others. CPF Board has approached us to explore the use of complexity science to study atrisk CPF members with respect to economic conditions, CPF policies etc. October 2015 [IHPC-SMRT collaboration] 3 4 Complex Systems Program Complex Systems Program Specific scope of the collaboration is still under discussion. October 2015 Project signed and has started. roadmapping activities of LTA. The collaboration will initially focus on quantifying and creating a visualization of the spatiotemporal variations in speed and capacity of Singapore buses using the ticketing data and other bus transition data. The results will then be leveraged in building efficient, adaptive, and optimal bus route strategies. We agreed to share expertise in the development of transport optimization solution by looking at human mobility data. Work will impact in the long term planning of CPF on how to deal with its members. 5 Complex Systems Program The team has been working/exploring with the College of Civil Service to create a web-based platform to serve the Complexity Interest Group in Singapore. October 2015 The platform is aimed at bringing the community together and to share knowledge and applications of complexity science. 6 Complex Systems Program The collaboration will build a strong community of world class researchers in Singapore on urban complexity. Such reputation will allow Singapore to fully realize its goal of becoming at the forefront and the hub of innovation in smart cities initiatives. 7 Complex Systems Program Collaborations with Complexity October 2015 Institute under Professor Peter Sloot to create an international pool of collaborators in our urban complex modeling efforts. Among the activities include: 1) co-organise ECCS conference: Transitions in Discrete Choice (Sept 2014, Lucca Italy); 2) NRF proposal on understanding hidden connections of criminal networks (8 universities) Development of a network October 2015 science based model that can assist humanitarian The work will result to fast assessment of the flow dynamics of goods and CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 52 organisations in devising strategies for various response and relief operations. Based on OpenStreetMap (OSM)— a collaborative project that provides open geodata, we developed an algorithm that automatically converts an OSM system of roads and amenities into a road network of nodes and edges. The work is in collaboration with other groups from IHPC and the logistic Institute, Asia. other relief efforts. The proposed system also allows users to quantify the reachability of critical loci within a disaster-struck area. The procedure is highly-flexible— allowing further inclusion of additional geographic information in the analyses. The paradigm developed also has a predictive nature as it allows stakeholders to assess a range of possible destruction scenarios predisaster, and subsequently evaluate the impact of these scenarios to humanitarian relief operations. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 [email protected] Dr Christopher Monterola (Complex Systems) Other Contact details 64191554 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 53 (TOP) 19. Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) (A) AQUACULTURE TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Synopsis of Department’s Work and Agenda The ATD Carries out R&D, including collaborations with external partners; Provides training, extension services/technology transfer and other aspects of development in area of expertise; Auditor for voluntary quality assurance schemes Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects 1 To enhance selfsufficiency of safe seafood supply for Singapore through the development of aquaculture genomic tools for markerassisted selective breeding of tropical marine foodfish [Joint Project with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory] Brief description This Project aims to enhance self-sufficiency, food safety and affordable tropical marine foodfish supply for Singapore by developing and applying cutting edge selective breeding tools (molecular biotechnology) to develop fastgrowing species to overcome a very critical bottleneck in enabling intensive aquaculture farming of tropical marine food fish viz., a sustainable and adequate supply of good quality faster growing frys. The projects will fast track the selection programme for Asian seabass and Mozambique tilapia (a sustainable omnivorous species). The project aims to generate Asian seabass with growth rates of 30% higher and Mozambique tilapia with growth rates of 15% higher. Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project 31 December 2014 In Progress (Superior F2 Asian seabass and F3 Mozambique tilapia have been generated and are undergoing field trials.) Practical Outcomes Increased productivity of local farms with availability of faster growing frys. Under the project, marker-assisted selection (MAS) will be employed in conjunction with classical selective breeding methods to select for faster growing brooders. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N 1 2 3 Researchers Names Mr Lim Huan Sein (AVA) Prof Laszlo Orban (TLL) Dr Yue Gen Hua (TLL) Email Address [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details 6325 7323 6872 7413 6872 7407 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 54 (TOP) (B) HARVEST TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Synopsis of Department’s Work and Agenda The Horticulture Technology Department facilitates the development of horticulture industry through technology development, promotion and transfer as well as through collaborations with relevant external partners. Research focus on developing farming systems for both outdoor and indoor farming as well as mechanisation and best agronomy practices to boost productivity and sustainability of local vegetable farms in order to meet Singapore’s self-sufficiency targets. S/N Research Projects 1 Increased Productivity with Sustainable and Intensive Farming System and Mechanisation Brief description Singapore imports most of its food and is vulnerable to food supply and price disruptions. AVA has identified leafy vegetables to be a key food item where local production can be supported to provide some mitigation of supply shocks and as psychological buffer in times of crisis. AVA has set internal targets to raise the self-sufficiency level of vegetables from the current 12% to i) 20% by year 2020 and ii) 30% by 2030, so that these can be ramped up further in times of crisis. As land for farming is limited, one way to meet the new self-sufficiency targets is to develop novel, innovative, economically, highly productive and sustainable outdoor and indoor farming systems to produce leafy vegetables. Estimate d Date of Completi on & Status of Project Dec 2017 In progress Practical Outcomes Develop and promote highly productive and sustainable outdoor and indoor farming systems as well as mechanisation solution to the local vegetable farming industry. Labour shortage is one of the biggest challenges faced by local farms. It is foreseen that labour shortage problems will get more serious with time. Furthermore, demands for labour will also rise with increased production. Most of commercial machines for farm field processes are not suitable for local use largely due to fragile characteristics of leafy vegetables grown locally, agronomy practices and environment conditions. Due to the economics and size of our local farming industry, it is unlikely that the solution will be developed by the private sector. Hence, it is essential to develop mechanisation solutions CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 55 2 to improve productivity (manpower hours) within the vegetable farming industry to ensure that farms remain sustainable in face of future challenges. Sustainable Vegetables are grown in an intensive cropping Farming system to maximise vegetable yields. High through fertiliser application rates are used to boost Integrated and early growth and yields. Continuous intensive Balanced applications of fertilisers will lead to salt buildFertilisation up in the soil affecting soil health and fertility, and consequently vegetable yields in the long term. Good nutrient management practices are important for long term sustainability of the soil for growing vegetables, and to increase fertiliser use efficiency and reduce nutrient leaching. Furthermore, balanced fertilisation ensures optimum plant nutrient uptake thereby reducing accumulation on plant tissues at levels that may be harmful for human consumption. Sept 2015 In progress Develop balanced and sustainable fertilisation practices and promote to farmers for sustaining high productivity with reduced inputs and sustainable good soil quality. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N 1 2 Researchers Names Fadhlina Suhaimi Fong Siew Lee Email Address [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details 67519821 67519821 (TOP) (C) LABORATORIES GROUP Synopsis of Department’s Work and Agenda The Laboratories Group encompasses all laboratory functions in AVA and are located within the Animal and Plant Health Centre (APHC) and Veterinary Public Health Centre (VPHC). The APHC carries out laboratory diagnostic support for national surveillance and monitoring programmes to prevent the establishment of important animal and plant diseases in Singapore. The Centre also provides animal and plant health diagnostic services to the public. The VPHC houses all the food safety testing laboratories which offers a comprehensive range of analytical services covering a wide spectrum of chemical and microbiological hazards. Its capabilities cover tests for disease, food poisoning and spoilage organisms, harmful chemicals, toxins and economic fraudulence. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 56 (TOP) Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects 1 2 3 4 Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project 2014 Avian flu vaccine and diagnostic test kits The project intends to develop (1) a multicomponent H5N1 vaccine and (2) a universal detection method for the various strains of H5N1 as well as other significant avian influenza subtypes such as H6, H7 and H9 viruses circulating in the SE Asia and East Asia region. Such types of vaccines and diagnostic kits are currently not commercially available. Animal Disease Chip This project intends to develop an “Animal Disease Chip”, with the capability of detecting 10-15 targets of significant animal diseases from one sample, on one test. 2014 Development of Multiplex high resolution melting (HRM) assay for Shrimp Pathogens The project intends to develop a rapid, specific, sensitive and cost-effective assay for simultaneous detection of multiple shrimp pathogens (WSSV, IHHNV, MBV and NHPB) and has a great potential for high throughput screening assay for shrimp aquaculture industry. 2014 Study on behaviour of nanoparticles in various food matrices and conditions To better understand the dynamic interaction between the nanoparticles and other common food ingredients, with the aim of allowing AVA to build up expertise in applicable sample preparation procedures and develop suitable detection methodologies of nanoparticle presented in food matrices. 2016 In progress In progress In progress In progress Practical Outcomes This project is intended to provide more effective tools to help keep Singapore free from bird flu to safeguard Singapore’s public and poultry farms from the disease. The “Animal Disease Chip” provides rapid detection for many target diseases at the same time, thus providing substantial savings on time, manpower and material costs. To build up resiliency in local shrimp aquaculture industry To safeguard Singapore’s food supply from potential risks associated with nanoparticles in food technology CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 57 5 Non-targeted food safety testing The traditional approach for food safety testing and assessment is limited to testing for specific food contaminants and pathogens known to regulatory bodies and potentially missing out unanticipated contaminants. A ‘non-targeted’ analytical approach is explored for its feasibility in identifying uncommon/unanticipated contaminants in agricultural commodities and foodstuffs. 2015 In progress To safeguard Singapore’s food supply from unanticipated risks (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N 1 Researchers Names Dr Chua Tze Hoong Email Address [email protected] Other Contact details 67952832 2 Dr Chng Ai Lee [email protected] 67952813 3 Dr Foo Chin Lui [email protected] 6659 6700 (TOP) (D) POST-HARVEST TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Synopsis of Department’s Work and Agenda AVA’s Post-Harvest Technology Centre (PHTC) embraces technology innovations to reduce and reuse food waste along the food supply chain. This is in line with AVA’s aim to ensure food security under the food waste reduction R&D strategy. Tapping on emerging technology and through collaborative applied research and extension services, PHTC focuses on improving the food supply chain efficiency, reducing waste in farm post-harvest, food manufacturing and distribution, and developing value added products to ensure an innovative, integrated and sustainable food supply chain. These technology development and transfer programmes is aimed at assisting stakeholders of the food supply chain to remain costeffective and sustainable in maximizing their resources and profits, and enhancing their competitiveness. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects 1 Okara and Fish Trimmings as Alternate Feed for Food Fish Brief description In FY 2012, AVA embarked on a project to develop an optimal processing protocol for the production of cost effective and high quality fish feed from fish trimmings and okara (Soy Milk by-products), in collaboration with Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP)’s Environmental and Water Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project June 2013 Completed Practical Outcomes The project concluded with a fish feed that can be produced economically as an alternative to commercial fish feed as the key research outcome. One participating fish farm CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 58 Technology Centre of Innovation (EWTCOI) and the aquaculture industry. The fish feed formulation was jointly developed on AVA pilot scale processing facility. The feed performance was evaluated through the feeding trials in the three participating farms over the nine-week test period. 2 3 Development of semi-moist fish feed partially derived from fish trimmings AVA collaborated with Apollo Aquarium Pte Ltd to develop a nutritional, semi-moist fish feed that is partially derived from fish trimming as an alternative to existing formulated dry pellet fish feed. The project aims to improve the quality of aquaculture feed for marine food fishes, which in turn can increase fish survival rates and farm productivity, thus reducing the production costs. April 2014 Biofermentation of okara AVA collaborated with Wageningen University (WUR), Netherlands, and NTU on the research project which aims to bioferment okara into a valuable ingredient for poultry feed. November 2013 AVA is currently collaborating with NTU further to optimise the biofermentation system and testbed the end products with the layer farms. 4 has continued to test out this novel fish feed concept, which comprised okara and fish trimmings, in his fish farm. Utilisation of byproducts from food and AVA explored the utilisation of other food by-products by engaging Massey University, New Completed Completed The fish fed with the formulated semi-moist fish feed was found to have comparable weight gain in comparison to fish fed with commercial dry pellet feed. An industry seminar was conducted at the end of the project to share the output of the research i.e. The encasing technique minimises nutrient loss in the feed and enables the addition of growth promoting additives to be added to the fish feed. The results have demonstrated the potential of biofermentation in increasing the bioavailability of free amino acids and improving protein digestibility of okara. December 2015 In progress (laboratory trials) August 2013 Completed Both research projects showed that there is potential for these byCITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 59 5 6 beverage companies Zealand, on two research collaborative projects: 1) To evaluate the functional properties of brewery spent grains from the local food and beverage processing industries were also 2) To recover functional ingredients from fruit wastes such as durian husks generated by fruit processors. products to be converted into food ingredients as well as biodegradable packaging. In the coming years, AVA will engage the food companies to test-bed these novel recycling concepts. Value adding to Soy Milk byproducts into Okara Floss A two-year research project aimed to develop a high-value novel product from low value okara which is a high fibre byproduct from soya bean milk processors November 2013 Development of high value food from fish trimmings (mullet fat) The mullet production in Singapore was approximately 6% of the total local food fish produced in 2012. The aquaculture industry faced challenges of high production cost in the mullet filleting process, which is attributed to the low production yield (approximately 70% loss by weight). The edible mullet fats with potential health benefits contribute 10% of the fish mass and it is currently discarded as part of the mullet trimmings. Metropolitan Fishery Group, a local fish farm, has requested research collaboration with AVA to recycle the mullet fats derived from its filleting process. March 2015 Completed In Progress The project raised awareness of food waste reduction amongst the local food processing industry and end-users. The commercialised product enables soybean processors to maximise returns on their byproducts. A local company, Cecilia Minced & Dried Pork Food Trading, adopted AVA’s food waste recycling concept and has commercialised the okara floss formula and process. The development of food products with health benefits from the mullet fat would create another source of revenue in the production of mullet fillets. This enables the local aquaculture industry to remain costefficient and competitive in the market. It also promotes the consumption of local food fish and fish products, which in return, improves farm productivity and strengthens resilient food supply to meet CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 60 today’s changing consumer trend. 7 Development of a novel energyefficient drying system for food by-products The project aims to resolve the key challenge for recycling byproducts (i.e. stabilising the food by-products for further product innovation). AVA will embark on a collaborative research project with NUS to develop a dryer that can dry food by-products in an energy-efficient manner. January 2016 In progress for grant application Through this project, industry players will be encouraged to install energy-efficient drying systems that can stabilise and value-add the by-products of food processing, thus reducing waste and opening up more possibilities for their byproducts to be returned into the food chain. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 2 Khoo Gek Hoon Alice Tan Swee Chuan [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details 67907968 67907973 3 Felicia Loh [email protected] 67907973 4 Teng Yi Sin [email protected] 67907973 5 Ong Yihang [email protected] 67907973 6 Liu Yankai [email protected] 67907973 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 61 (TOP) 20. Building & Construction Authority (BCA) Research Group Synopsis of Department’s Work and Agenda The Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Research Group’s key function is to drive research and development initiatives through local and international collaborations in support of BCA’s strategic policies and directions on green building and sustainable construction. BCA’s Research Group has 3 setups as follows: Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 Joint study with Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore as part of international effort to develop a standard metric and protocol to analyse and compare such buildings in different climates. Performance Metrics of Plus/Zero/Low Energy Buildings in Singapore through Advanced Energy Audit [Joint study with ERI on page 19] Officer in charge: Alice Goh Completion Date & Status of Project Jan 2015 In progress Practical Outcomes To develop methods and tools to enable standardised holistic audits to evaluate the performance of energy efficient buildings in the tropics. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 62 2 3 4 Development of BCA User Test Bed Facility (UTBF) Alternative to Hardcore Aggregates for Construction of Temporary Site Access or Ground Preparation Works (BCA-HDB CIPF Project) Use of Sedimentary Rock for Concrete Production [JTC-BCA CIPF Project] The BCA UTBF is a rotatable test facility for building technologies and research, modelled after the US Lawrence Berkley National Lab’s FLEXLAB. It will be located at the rooftop of the new BCA Academy building that is under construction. The UTBF allows building systems and components to be tested in real world conditions, enabling researchers to study the actual performance through a configurable test setup and at difference orientations relative to the sun. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed in the 2nd half of 2015. The first tests will begin shortly after commissioning and calibration works. Officer in charge: Alice Goh; Kelvin Han To develop an environmentally friendly and non-toxic soil hardener/ stabiliser yet commercially viable to replace hardcore for construction of temporary site access or for ground preparation works. Sep 2015 In progress Q2 2015 In progress Current stage: Proof of concept stage. Officer in charge: Low Giau Leong; June Bek To develop a cost effective and productive solution to enable sedimentary rocks excavated from the Jurong Rock Caverns (JRC) to be used in the production of concrete that satisfies both short-term and long-term strength and serviceability requirements. Officer in charge: Jeffery Neng; June Bek Q4 2015 In progress Current stage: Evaluation stage. UTBF is an avenue for industry and researchers to test-bed building systems and components in the actual office environment. Cost-effective solutions for construction of temporary site access to reduce usage of hardcore / crushed concrete used at construction sites. Cost-effective solutions to offer higher value application for JRC sedimentary rocks and reduce the reliance on imported granite aggregates. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 63 5 A Novel Approach to Reutilize Incineration Bottom Ash (IBA) for Civil Engineering Applications: IBA Aerated Concrete The proposed project utilizes the metallic aluminium in IBA as the gas foaming agent to replace costly aluminium powder in the production of aerated concrete. The pozzolanic properties of IBA make it a potential supplementary cementitious material to partially replace cement in the production of aerated concrete to further reduce the cost. It is estimated the resulting IBA aerated concrete has a cost advantage over the existing aerated concrete by at least 20%. 2016 Q4 In progress Alternative material for aluminium powder Current stage: Literature review & characterisation of the nature of metallic aluminium in IBA. Officer in charge: June Bek (TOP) Contact Details S/N 1 2 3 4 5 6 Researchers Names Ang Kian Seng Jeffery Neng Low Giau Leong Kelvin Han Alice Goh June Bek Email Address [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details 62489988 62489910 62489898 67304461 67304450 67304441 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 64 (TOP) 21. Civil Service College (A) INSTITUTE FOR GOVERNANCE AND POLICY (IGP) Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda IGP aims to develop thought leadership, enhance the understanding and advance the practice of public policy in Singapore. Through its programmes and courses, IGP connects and facilitates the exchange of ideas between thought leaders and public officers. IGP codifies, articulates and provides fresh insights on the principles and practice of governance and public policy with its research and publications. Through these channels, IGP hopes to enhance the level of inquiry, foster critical thinking and inspire innovations in areas including but not limited to governance, public economics, public communications and engagement, international relations, and social policy. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects 1 2 Brief description A Framework for This is a book project in collaboration Liveable and with CLC to document Singapore’s Sustainable Cities experience in urban planning and development over the last 50 years. [CSC-CLC The book has identified 10 principles collaboration] that form a framework for liveable and sustainable cities. SG50 Book on the Public Service To commemorate SG50, CSC will be publishing a book on the Public Service’s achievements over the last 50 years. A chapter, “Building a City, Housing a Nation” will be written to summarise Singapore’s urban planning and development experience. Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project 1 June 2014 Completed Practical Outcomes Book has been published and used in CSC training programmes. May 2015 Drafting of chapter is In progress (TOP) Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address Other Contact details 1 Toh Boon Kwan [email protected] 68747524 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 65 (TOP) 22. Economic Development Board (EDB) (A) SAFE AND SECURITY INDUSTRY PROGRAMME OFFICE Synopsis of Division’s Work and Agenda The Safety and Security Industry Programme Office (SSIPO) is a strategic alliance between the Economic Development Board and the Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) formed to promote the industry in Singapore. MHA, as a lead demand driver, will identify challenges to homeland security and urbanization, and work with the safety and security industry to co-develop solutions. Through our partnership with MHA, EDB will create platforms whereby companies can work with the public sector through Public-Private partnerships to testbed companies' innovative solutions in a live operational environment in Singapore. Companies will have access to a diverse Asian environment to develop solutions, customise and calibrate for unique Asian needs. At the same time, Singapore can also benefit from the innovations in safety & security technologies to make our home safer to live and conduct business. Current Research Projects S/N Research Brief description Projects 1 Safe City Test Bed The Safe City Test Bed aims to enhance innovation capacity in industry to create new solutions which enable government agencies to integrate information and sensors in an automated manner, and derive analytical insights all in real-time. These capabilities, built on top of existing operating systems, are expected to improve situational awareness, inter-agency coordination and anticipation of security threats while optimising the use of manpower. Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project July 2014 Completed Practical Outcomes The Test Bed brought together 6 government agencies and 4 industry consortia to develop and validate new safe city solutions in a live environment. Solutions developed include crowd modelling technology, analytics tools to detect anomalies and behaviour and information governance and sharing platform to allow agencies to share information and better visualise the situation. (TOP) Contact Details S/N Contact Person 1 Mak Kien Hui Email Address [email protected] Other Contact details 6832 6312 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 66 (TOP) (B) SMART-SUSTAINABLE CITIES (SSC) The Smart-Sustainable Cities (SSC) is a strategic horizontal growth theme within EDB. The SSC team in EDB seeks to position Singapore as a “Living Laboratory,” where urban challenges are transformed into valuable business opportunities through the cross-sharing of best practices and identification of synergies across different stakeholders. EDB has established innovative platforms in partnership with public agencies, such as NTU’s EcoCampus & HDB EcoTowns, where companies can partner with agencies and research institutions to develop, test, and deploy smart and sustainable urban solutions in Singapore, before scaling up for the region and beyond. Companies will have access to not only the Asian setting, but also the tropics as context. This provides industries with the framework to develop customised solutions to meet the specific needs of the region. As the country develops to be the global leader in innovating and commercializing solutions for the region, Singapore will evolve to become the leading, smart, sustainable, and liveable city in Asia. (TOP) 23.Housing Development Board (HDB) (A) HDB BUILDING RESEARCH INSTITUTE Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The Centre of Building Research (CBR) is HDB’s master laboratory. Set up in 2009, it spearheads research and development (R&D) efforts in building and environmental sustainability, as well as nurtures new technologies for future generations of public housing. The CBR focuses its R&D initiatives in 5 areas – Energy, Urban Greenery, Living Environment, Waste & Water, and Building Technology. CBR drives R&D on Sustainability, Biophilic and Smart Towns to help make our towns more Liveable, Efficient, Sustainable and Safe and this is aligned with HDB’s Roadmap to Better Living in HDB Towns. Prototypes of new technologies are developed and test-bedded at the CBR before implementation in HDB estates. The CBR brings to fruition, HDB’s vision to be a leader in research, innovations and solutions in developing quality homes, and creating a sustainable, liveable and smart living environment for its residents. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 Development of Punggol Eco-Town“The Sustainable Waterfront HDB is developing Punggol Town into Singapore’s first Eco-Town - ‘The Sustainable Waterfront Town in the Tropics’. A holistic and comprehensive framework Estimated Practical Outcomes Date of Completio n & Status of Project To progress a) Clean, Healthy and with HDB Comfortable Living building Environment programme b) Enhanced Greenery and CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 67 Town the Tropics” 2 Greenprint that covers social, economic and environmental considerations was developed to steer the development of Punggol Eco-Town. Punggol Eco-Town is positioned as a 'living laboratory' to test-bed urban planning, sustainable design and green building solutions. It is an excellent platform to build capabilities and develop new solutions while providing a quality living environment. In progress As part of the 'Roadmap to Better Living in HDB Towns, HDB’s Greenprint aims to bring sustainable living into existing HDB estates.HDB's Greenprint is a comprehensive and integrated framework of goals and strategies to guide greener HDB town development and create sustainable homes. In the Greenprint framework, HDB is extending the concept of green and sustainable lifestyles beyond Punggol, so as to build Green Neighbourhoods, Green Flats and Green Communities. 2015 Biodiversity c) Greener Transportation d) Adequacy of Water e) Reduced Waste f) Low Carbon Development In Progress The findings from this pilot project will be used to refine the Greenprint model, before it is rolled out to other HDB towns. Residents can look forward to sustainable and green initiatives such as solar panels, sensor-controlled LED lightings, pneumatic waste collection system, enhanced pedestrian networks, and extended cycling networks. Bicycle and car sharing schemes will also be introduced as part of the Greenprint. HDB will pilot the Greenprint at Yuhua estate in Jurong. Thirtyeight blocks of flats in Yuhua will be the first to be transformed into a “Green Neighbourhood”. 3 Solar Capability Building Programme 4 Energy Efficient Under the IMCSD Sustainable March a) To determine the Development Blueprint, the efficiency of solar power 2017 key strategies on energy generation with respect to In-progress conservation focus on energy location, block type and efficiency and test-bedding of technology renewable energy. Solar PV b) Reducing costs for has the greatest potential and implementation of solar PV HDB has been identified as a systems key agency to building up solar capabilities. Lighting contributes to 50% of Completed a) Reduce energy the energy consumption of a consumption of lighting HDB block. Energy efficient needed for common CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 68 Lighting 5 6 Centralized Remote Monitoring of Building Systems (CRMS) for Public Housing District level Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System(PWCS) test bed solutions and technology are being studied for implementation and its applications in public housing. HDB Residential blocks have many buildings systems such as lifts, pumps, common lightings, and structural health monitoring and slope stability. These systems would need to be remotely monitored on a real-time basis through the CRMS. The PWCS is an automated waste collection system. It conveys waste by air suction from individual buildings through a network of pipes to a central location for collection. HDB will carry out district level PWCS test bed at HDB GreenPrint project at Jurong East Street 21 and upcoming new towns such as Tampines North, Bidadari and Punggol North Shore will also involve PWCS. services b) Reduce cost of electricity required to power lighting March 2015 In progress 2022 In progress a) Productivity improvement in building systems management and response b) Reduce data transmission and remote monitoring costs c) Implement a robust and reliable remote monitoring system a) Enhance the living environment of the residents through eliminates the need for waste collection truck to travel to every block to collect waste, thus allowing for more efficient use of land b) Hygienic and enclosed waste collection system helps to reduce vector problem and the odour from waste collection c) Ease labour shortage. 7 Automated precast production system(APPS) To enhance efficiency of precast production, an automated precast production system at our Centre of Building Research to carry out R&D in automated precast production. Completed APPS setup at CBR. a) Increase existing factory production capacity by 45% b) Improve production productivity by 35% Production in progress 9 Township Climatic Modelling Wind flow and temperature are two key factors affecting human comfort in a built environment. Modelling studies were conducted at Punggol to study the effects of wind, greenery, and building forms and their impact on the thermal comfort of residents. Completed A baseline wind and temperature map was developed to guide planning and urban design of Punggol town 10 Urban Systems Model(USM) USM is a set of software tools that captures the complex interdependencies between the various systems in an urban environment. The tool End 2014 A detailed and holistic sustainability assessment of the urban design plans for Punggol In progress. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 69 11 GeoBarrier System for Use in Underground Structure (Funded by MND SUL) aims to help quantify the sustainability performance, indentify the trade-off involved in planning and design of town The GeoBarrier System (GBS) utilizes hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials, to minimize rain water infiltration and hence maintain existing level of soil suction which contributes to the stability of slopes. 2017 In progress. a) Provide viable alternatives to Reinforced Concrete wall, b) Temporarily detain stormwater to reduced peak flow rates and contribute to mitigating against flash flood and c) Enhance greenery and improve ventilation/ acoustics within basement car parks (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 Alan Tan Hock Seng [email protected] 2 Teh Poh Suan [email protected] 3 Larry Cheng [email protected] Other Contact details 64902680 64902601 64902600 (TOP) (B) HDB STRATEGIC FUTURES OFFICE Synopsis of Institute’s Work and Agenda The Strategic Futures Office (SFO) is a foresight outfit set up in 2011 within HDB to strengthen capabilities in the anticipation of future issues to strengthen long-term and medium term planning for public housing programme. The SFO’s focus is conducting international scan to pick up public housing related trends and examine the impact of these developments. The whole intent is to better sense-make complex issues – in particular HDB’s policy dilemma and dichotomy – with a deeper appreciation of ground sentiments and how public perceive public housing policies and programmes. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 70 Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 In Part 1 of the Post-Bureaucratic Age, we had explored the key ideas and principles of a Post-Bureaucratic Age through Don Tapscott’s concept of Government 2.0. Central to this concept is openness and transparency. Democratic governments who subscribe to Government 2.0 believe that openness enables transparency which then fosters trust between the state and the society. Post Bureaucratic Age Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Completed Today, our society is more democratic and open than before but that has not translated into greater trust as a whole. Paradoxically, the democratization of society has led to an erosion of trust in democratic governments. Why? Practical Outcomes The insights drawn provide a better understanding of the relationship between government and society by focusing attention on the complex interplay between transparency, trust and technology. In Part 2 of the Post-Bureaucratic Age, we examine the risks and implications of openness and transparency, drawing insights from Ivan Krastev’s critique “The Transparency Delusion”. 2 The Long Tail of Quantitative Easing After 5 years of accommodative Completed monetary conditions, the Federal Reserve has recently announced its intention to end QE in October 2014, which brings the important questions looming near – how will the Fed off-load an unprecedented expansive balance sheet and how will financial markets react after a prolonged period of binging on abundant liquidity? This paper seeks to inform HDB’s Senior Management on the shift in operating landscape, in particular, the transition from an accommodative monetary environment to the United State’s planned exit from their Quantitative Easing program this October. In anticipation of CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 71 the Federal Reserve’s exit from its most aggressive stimulus programme known, The Long Tail of QE traces the developments that have occurred since the start of the tapering journey and examine its implications to HDB going forth. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N 1 2 3 Researchers Names Mark Chen Tay An Li Hwang Wei Ting Email Address [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details 64901174 64901173 64901172 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 72 (TOP) 24. Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) (A) TECHNOLOGY AND PLANNING Synopsis of Department’s Work and Agenda As the ICT master-planner for the nation, IDA aims to provide foresight on the state of ICT developments from within and outsides of Singapore, propose strategic directions for way ahead and to conduct pilot trials and deployments of emerging technologies that have strategic impact to Singapore's development. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 Green Data Centre Research to seek innovative and pioneering solutions that will significantly improve the energy efficiency of data centres. Energy Nation Innovation Challenge Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project 2020 Practical Outcomes The first call for research proposals is expected to be made during 3QFY2014. The Green Data Centre Research Hub Programme will support multidisciplinary research to develop and demonstrate green data centre technologies and solutions. The research program will drive improvements in cooling systems, IT systems and data centre as a whole system. The programme would be run in collaboration with industry to ensure effective downstream translation. (TOP) Contact Details S/N 1 Names Ronnie Lee Email Address [email protected] Other Contact details 6211 0616 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 73 (TOP) 3 25. JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation (I ) Centre (A) NTU-JTC INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION CENTRE Synopsis of Project’s Work and Agenda With the objective to promote growth and development of economically viable and sustainable industrial infrastructure solutions in Singapore, the NTU-JTC I3 Centre is set out to expand Singapore’s research and development scope in diverse fields such as land reclamation and specialized marine infrastructure, energy and water recycling, underground infrastructure design and construction, and novel construction methods and systems. The Centre’s research thrusts are focus in four areas, namely reclamation & marine infrastructure, sustainable infrastructure, underground infrastructure, and infrastructure systems & materials. It also aims to build new capabilities and to scale up technical leadership competencies in the area of industrial infrastructure development that mirror Singapore’s needs for sustainable development and the imperative to keep Singapore as a viable choice investment location for businesses. Current Research Projects SUTD and JTC are exploring a range of projects to be funded under the Centre as listed below: S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 Empirical Study of Tidal Backwater Effects on Drainage Design at Jurong Island Ayer Chawan Basin This study is to determine the capacity and flow in the relevant existing main channels, taking into account, the terrain, land use, rainfall, design flow rate of process water, channel configuration, tidal water level, and to establish an empirical relationship for realistic estimation of the service flow rate for these channels. Feasibility studies on vanadiumredox flow batteries for energy storage in building A one-kilowatt all-vanadium redox flow battery energy storage system (VRB-ESS) will be purchased and installed in the laboratory at NTU. The operational performances of the VRB-ESS system will be tested to evaluate the feasibility on the building applications. The VRB-ESS system will be 2 Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project 31 March 2014] Completed 31 March 2015 In progress data collection, testing, data analysis Practical Outcomes Through the established empirical relationship, this study seeks to derive a permanent solution to address the tidal backwater issue for the drainage discharge along Pulau Merlimau. The study can extend into the realistic estimation of the service flow rate for the drainage network around Ayer Merlimau, Ayer Chawan and Ayer Merbau. The limited self-discharge characteristics of vanadium redox batteries make them useful in applications where the batteries must be stored for long periods of time with little maintenance while maintaining a ready state. Their extremely rapid response times also make CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 74 3 4 Food Wasteto-Energy Biodiesel (FWEB) System: Towards "Zero" Organic Waste and Energy Sustainability coupled with the renewable energy resources, such as wind, photovoltaic or wind-solar hybrid power sources, to evaluate the overall system performances on the eliminating the intermittent manner of the renewable resources and the delivery of stable electricity for the buildings. The mathematical modelling and simulation will be conducted and the results will be compared with those from the experimental tests. A cost analysis will also be performed to evaluate the economical feasibility of the building applications. This project aims to achieve an instant removal of food waste generated from Industrial & Residential Estates, using a mini-pilot at CleanTech One (CTO) for proof of concept, to concomitantly covert the food waste into useful resources for Clean Tech Park’s (CTP’s) benefits. The novelty of the FWEB system comes from a synthetic system that consists of hydrothermal treatment and biodiesel upgrading system. Methods used in the FWEB system consist of five steps: 1) hydrothermal treatment of food waste; 2) bio-oil upgrading to biodiesel; 3) biodiesel potential application for power generator; 4) cost-benefit evaluation on the biodiesel production and downstream application. Integrated Due to increased power Structures and requirements, providing 66kV substations has become the Materials norm for developing many new Design for industrial estates. The physical Precast construction work of a typical Concrete 66kV 66kV substation takes 15 to 18 them superbly well suited to uninterrupted power supply (UPS) type applications, where they can be used to replace lead–acid batteries and even diesel generators. 31 March 2015 In progress data collection, model design, testing, data analysis 31 March 2015 In progress data collection, Through the FWEB system, food waste can be converted into valuable resources, devoting to the energy and materials input for CTP towards selfsustainability. The proposal aims to achieve a 100% removal of wastes (i.e., food waste, paper waste, and plastics waste) generated from Clean Tech Park (CTP), and concomitantly covert the wastes into biodiesel as well as useful products such as hydrochar and reclaimed water. The proposed research is to study the performance of precast concrete beamcolumn connections under missing column scenarios and to develop high performance precast CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 75 Substation against Progressive Collapse 5 6 Application of Engineering Cementitious Composites (ECC) and blast detailing on national critical infrastructure s against blast loading Study Bendable Concrete Precast Pavement of months. Precast concrete technology provides possible solution to shorten the physical construction time of 66kV substation. However, current precast concrete building design approach may not be adequate for the development of precast 66kV substation due to the additional requirement of security against threat and vulnerability as 66kV substations are usually regarded as National Critical Infrastructure by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The project is to numerically investigate the blast resistance of reinforced concrete (RC) elements used in national critical infrastructures. The investigation includes the structural behaviour of RC walls, beams, columns and joints with conventional detailing under blast loading. The numerical simulations will then be further extended to study the blast resistance of RC elements with employing blast reinforcement detailing techniques into normal concrete and using engineering cementitous composites to replace normal concrete. Precast construction provides faster construction as well as higher quality. Similar to many precast elements, the precast pavement panels are fabricated off-site and assembled on-site in order to reduce construction time. In practice, the precast pavement systems are often pre-stressed both in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Individual precast panel is pretensioned in the transverse direction (long axis of the panel) during fabrication. After model design, testing, data analysis concrete joints to mitigate the danger of progressive collapse through an innovative integrated structures and materials design (ISMD) approach. 30 Sept 2015 Based on the comparisons of numerical results, a new concept will be recommended for future infrastructure design against blast loading so as to enhance structural safety in Singapore. In progress data collection, model design, testing, data analysis Completed The proposed research is on the development of an innovative precast pavement system which does not require any prestressing, thus further reducing construction time with improved productivity to meet the industrialists’ needs. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 76 7 Customization of Decision Aid for Tunnelling (DAT) Software for Construction Risk Assessment Studies for the Underground Science City (USC) at Kent Ridge and Underground Warehousing & Logistics Facility (UWLF) at Tanjong Kling/Jurong Hill the panels are installed, the pavement system is posttensioned in the longitudinal direction (the traffic direction). However, pre-stressing is both time and cost consuming. Underground facilities have been widely used for urban transportation (e.g. subway and MRT) and storage facilities for oil, chemicals, etc. over the world, because they result in land savings and offer benefits of enhanced safety and security. Due to limited land available in Singapore, underground facilities shown high potential values. Since the construction of underground facilities is costly and exposes to various types of risks throughout the development, which must be identified, assessed and managed. In order to manage risks associated with underground facilities construction, risks will be identified according to phases of project life-cycle. The identification of risk will be carried out through reviewing existing literatures, interviewing experts, and studying actual projects. Then, they are assessed quantitatively, qualitatively or the combination of both, particularly using computer simulation on the impact of risk factors. These risk analysis will lead to a higher confidence in the estimation of construction duration, project investment cost and contingency budget required. Based on the results of risk In progress - data collection, model design, testing, data analysis The research findings will enhance the project’s constructability and viability and will bring about a higher level of certainty in the successful implementation of the underground project. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 77 8 9 Post-mortem Assessment of Beaudrain-S Site Trial Pilot field trial on application of soft materials for reclamation fill using menard vacuum consolidation assessment, risk management strategies will be suggested. Beaudrain-S system is a vacuum consolidation technique that is used for the compression and strengthening of soft clay material. In Beaudrain-S system, a vacuum pressure is applied to the pore void of soil so that pore water can be drained out and soil can be compressed. Compared with the other vacuum consolidation technique Menard Geo-system, PVD in Beaudrain-S system is connected directly to the tubing system instead of using a membrane-covered sand layer to transfer the vacuum loading. Land reclamation in Singapore now meets severe shortage of sand and gravel as filling materials. On the other hand, the disposal of soft cohesive soil (SCS) generated through infrastructure development and maintenance dredging works becomes a problem in the land-scarce Singapore Island. These two problems can be overcome if an innovative method can be developed to use these abundant soft materials to replace the acute shortage of granular fill material for land reclamation works. However, when these soft materials are used as reclamation fill, soil improvement is required. Because of stability issue, the In progress - data collection, testing, data analysis In progress -data collection, model design, testing, data analysis In order to evaluate the quality of soil treatment and the post-construction field performance, a postmortem assessment should be carried out. Besides, the field instrumentations are untouched after the soil improvement which can be made use of to reduce the cost of the experimental work. Field data, such as post-construction settlement, pore pressure re-distribution, strength enhancement/reduction, and field deformation, will be valuable information for evaluating the effect of Beaudrain-S system. This project is intended to adopt MVC system for the treatment of soft cohesive soil as a fill material in the land reclamation of Singapore. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 78 10 effectiveness of conventional methods of soil improvement such as using vertical drains with fill surcharge is limited. Meanwhile, the Menard Vacuum Consolidation (MVC) method is a proprietary system which was developed for preloading and consolidating soft and very soft saturated fine grain soils. The procedure consists of installing vertical and horizontal vacuum transmission pipes under an airtight impervious membrane producing an atmospheric pressure on the soil. Smart Building As a city-state with 100% Management urban population, occupant System with conduction such as Dynamic comfortability and safety in Indoor large commercial buildings is Occupant of particular importance to Positioning Singapore. During System circumstances such as emergency evacuations of (DIOPS) underground building, occupants may face difficulties to find their way out. In such situations, a system that enables localization of stranded occupants in large buildings with broadcasting of emergency information would be critical. Such system should be able to communicate and disseminate important information to occupants for further actions. In addition, energy consumption of largescale buildings may not be efficient due to underutilization of basic facilities such as air-conditioning and lighting. As a result, energy In progress The detected occupant information will be utilized - literature in the emergency handling review/scan, And energy management. model design The proposed research involves wireless sensing equipment, occupancy detection algorithm, hand phone application program based on the iOS/Android platforms, and computational building simulations. This system will adaptively adjust to the occupant behaviours with detection. Emergency alarm systems will be integrated and configured into DIOPS and test bedded in an appropriate space at one of the JTC buildings. The sensor data obtained from the system will be used to study the potential application of such system in tropical environment for energy saving. Finally, CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 79 11 DC Renewable Connected Building Grid for Wireless intelligent LED Lighting wastage and unnecessary additional costs will be incurred. Such cost can be obviated with the development of an efficient energy management system, which needs to be integrated to the building management system as well. The proposed research effort in this project aims to develop a dynamic indoor occupant positioning system (DIOPS) that can both monitor occupant and building wellness. DIOPS will be able to identify, supervise, monitor, track, and locate occupants within an enclosed space in real time. The detection can be based on the hand-phone signal detection system such as WiFi and RFID. Built environment and city management are identified as one of the main focus areas of Singapore sustainable blueprint. Many opportunities exist to save excessive wastage of electricity in building environment. Given today’s typical building AC power distribution infrastructure, there is not much choice; large wave of DC renewables like the upcoming SolarNova programme to be widespread in Singapore. To overcome the drawbacks of using the conventional DC-AC/AC-DC power conversion approach, a direct low voltage (LV) type of DC building grid emerges. The LV DC grid is a more efficient way to provide DC power for different strategies suitable for different conditions in buildings will be developed. In progress -data collection, model design, prototype testing, data analysis The project aims at developing an energy efficient low voltage DC grid to power a smart LED lighting system as well as digital devices so as to reduce the building electricity used while maintaining the quality of light and human comfort thru smart ICT technology. We want to achieve 20% energy savings by having an energy efficient DC grid transmission and distribution. With state-ofthe-art driverless LED luminaires, we aim at reaching 50% energy savings. Wireless lighting controls will add 30% more of energy savings. All this is CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 80 the electrical LED lighting system and all digital devices used in the buildings like computers, printers, cell phone chargers and assorted other personal use devices, as well as basic building controls, sensors, HVAC actuators, security systems and A/V systems – they are DC in nature. In this project, the objectives are (1) to conduct a feasibility study on fully DC powered building, (2) to develop strategies to harmonize with the AC world and (3) opportunity for implementing the study and proposed strategy in the ongoing testbed in Clean Tech One (CTO). done while ensuring user safety and automated personal control. In our demo, we want to present the work done in DC powering a typical personal space in an office setting. We have employed a 380V DC source to emulate the solar panels and fuel cells. This is then stepped down in single conversion stages to obtain low voltages of 5V, 18V and 24V which then directly power our appliances without the need for bulky drivers and adapters. Currently, the team are developing converters to give multiple DC output voltages with just one power stage conversion and to demonstrate the feasibility of LVDC powered systems as a standard for buildings. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N 1 2 Researchers Names Tan Soon Keat (Assoc Prof) Zhao Jiyun (Asst Prof) Email Address [email protected] JYZHAO@ ntu.edu.sg Other Contact details [email protected] [email protected] 3 Wang Jing-Yuan (Assoc Prof) [email protected] [email protected] 4 Tan Kang Hai (Prof) [email protected] [email protected] 5 Tan Kang Hai (Prof) [email protected] [email protected] 6 Yang En-Hua (Asst Prof) [email protected] [email protected] 7 Robert Tiong (Assoc Prof) [email protected] [email protected] 8 Chu Jian (Assoc Prof) [email protected] [email protected] 9 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 10 Tan Soon Keat (Assoc Prof) and Chu Jian (Assoc Prof) Yu Hao (Asst Prof) 11 Marcus Koh Leong Hai [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 81 (TOP) (B) NUS-JTC INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION CENTRE Synopsis of Project’s Work and Agenda The vision for the NUS-JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation Centre is to create a vibrant industrial infrastructure research ecosystem. The mission of the centre is to carry out Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) projects to support Singapore’s dynamic industrial landscape, and to create a systematic and structured platform to conduct RD&D projects to expand JTC’s innovation capacity and build up our technical bench strength in specialized and complex projects over time. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project n/a Completed 1 Singapore Industrial Property Price Index Construction 2 Automatic Carbon In the past few decades, the demand for Singapore industrial real estate space has evolved from labour intensive industries, to capital intensive industries, to the current knowledge intensive industries, which dynamics is in tandem with the movements of other industrial real estate markets in many advanced countries. However, the current demand and supply profiles are not clear. A survey is therefore necessary to understand the current industrial demand and supply profiles in Singapore, which will aid us to derive industrial real estate submarket definition and lay a foundation for the work in the subsequent years, especially for submarket index construction. To capture industrial real estate price movements, an aggregate industrial real estate price index will be constructed. Compared with residential housing, industrial properties are more clustered, more heterogeneous and much less frequently transacted which challenge index construction methodology. This is Phase 2 of research funded by 31 Oct 2015 JTC to develop an automatic carbon In Progress Practical Outcomes To develop a model that can better fit into industrial property transaction data. (i) The new calculator will allow JTC to set CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 82 Calculator Phase 2 3 Firms Preferences for Industrial Space calculator for the assessment of highdensity, sustainable JTC developments including both estates and buildings. The goals of this research are: 1. Single carbon tool applicable for all stages of development, interoperable with other tools 2. Consistent carbon model for all stages of development 3. Design-support – carbon benchmarking, performance tracking, automatic carbon calculation, design synthesis The new carbon calculator will facilitate carbon budgeting and tracking in the planning and design of JTC developments. The new calculator will work with prevalent design tools, and use a high-quality, consistent carbon calculation methodology throughout all stages of development. The carbon calculation will be automatic, thus allowing generative algorithms to be used to synthesize high-density solutions. To examine how firms form their preferences of industrial space for their operations. The rapid evolution of industries, technology advancement in telecommunications and logistics and the pressure on environment have altered most of the theories in economic development and firm location. This project aims to develop new theories to better understand the spatial needs of the companies and how to encourage their success. These theories are further tested using a data set compiled with surveys, rental and firm data. - Data Collection carbon performance targets at the planning level, and manage the targets efficiently even as more stakeholders get involved in subsequent development stages. (ii) The stakeholders will also be able to use the new calculator and technologies to quickly and automatically ensure that carbon targets are adhered to. 30 Nov 2014 In Progress - Data Collection (i) To examine location choice of manufacturing firms, in terms of transportation costs of inputs and outputs, prices of their outputs, equilibrium market share, and increasing returns from agglomeration economies . (ii) The results will shed light on how firms perceive publicly managed industrial estates compared to privately managed estates. (iii) The study will examine the factors that drive SME’s demand for Green CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 83 4 5 Optimising Estate Space Needs through centralisation and consolidation Cloud Architecture: Innovative EPS Composite for To further the understanding of and examine the potential for deeper land intensification in densely built up areas such as Singapore and the prudent application of the use of industrial warehouse clustering for the synonymous optimization of logistics operation (comprising largely storage and transportation), and the saving of prime estate space, to ensure Singapore’s sustainable development in the future. The specific aims of the research project are as follows: 1) To review existing methodology for freight distribution and industrial warehouse clustering; 2) To generate cluster options and rank these in the context of Singapore; 3) To review the analysis methodology for the as-is performance of the envisaged clusters; 4) To perform a gap analysis for the two clusters of precision engineering and medtech, of which one is located on a single estate and one is dispersed over several estates; 5) To compile the general specifications and KPI sets for the two selected clusters, with a sound business case for each of them; 6) To define ranked criteria, including those of risk and sustainability, for the cluster facility design that can be used to transfer the general specifications to a third-party logistics provider for detailed analysis, design and implementation. To develop an alternative to the conventional construction systems such as in concrete, or steel, both of which are heavy, labour-intensive, time- 14 Jan 2015 In Progress - Model design 9 Mar 2016 In Progress - Model design Mark Certified Buildings (i) To develop Cluster methods for freight distribution in cities with limited land & gap analysis review in supply chain performance (ii) To develop Business feasibility model for sustainable urban logistics system with general specifications & configuration criteria (i) The proposed EPS composite construction methods will reduce both construction cost & CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 84 Ultra Lightweight Long Span Sustainable Structure 6 Proposed Methodology for the Determination of Waterfront fee for JTC Industrial Properties 7 Optimal Design of Systems in Chilled Water Plant Rooms 8 Case Study for one north development consuming and requiring form-work and scaffolding on site for the erection. The research is to test scaled and fullscale prototypes both in computer simulation and physical buildup. The computer-aided-design (“CAD”)generated self-supporting large-span forms in EPS composite will be structurally optimized with Finite Element (“FE”) structural analysis and digitally fabricated by Computer Numerical Controlled (“CNC”) hot-wire cutting to establish the sustainable construction method which is material, time and cost-efficient. Waterfront industries contribute significantly to Singapore’s economy. Petrochemical and marine industries form the bulk of these industrial waterfront land users and together contribute close to 17.4% of our total manufacturing output and provide jobs for more than 92,000 workers. Given the small size of Singapore and its limited waterfront land for industrial uses, it is important for JTC to ensure that the industrial waterfront fee is determined through a robust methodology. To develop a methodology to design highly efficient chilled water systems by developing an in-depth understanding of the system & subsystem level characteristics of existing chilled water systems. To identify and document the challenges faced by JTC in developing one-north and how the challenges were successfully addressed. The study will allow readers to comprehend the complex nature & engineering problems of one-north that demanded technical, social and political considerations for such mixed development. time of long-span structure, especially for roofing, which is essential for industrial buildings. (ii) It will also contribute to enhance sustainability of industrial buildings demonstrating high recyclability of the advanced EPS composite. 31 Mar 2015 In Progress - Initiation (i) To Identify the factors affecting the determination of fair market waterfront fees. (ii) To identify, evaluate and recommend a robust methodology to determine the Fair Market Waterfront Fee for industrial properties that enjoy direct water frontage access. 30 Jun 2015 In Progress - Initiation (i) To develop a set of Design Parameters for a Chilled Water Plant (ii) To develop Guidelines for Chilled Water Plant Room Configuration. To identify the lessons learned from a large-scale mixed project, probably the first of its-kind in Singapore. The lessons learned will be important to JTC for future planning and implementation of other mixed 15 Jan 2015 In Progress - Initiation CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 85 9 Study of customised vibrationmitigation infrastructure systems for multi-tenanted cleanroom (MTC) To advance the current level of knowledge on the transmittance & dispersion of vibration through structural members of multi-level buildings, so as to mitigate vibration & improve the design efficiency and productivity of high-tech industrial buildings, such as for semi-conductor manufacturing, precision engineering & nanotechnology research, particularly in today’s densely built environment where vibration sensitive buildings are often inevitably close to highways & subways in land-scarce Singapore. 13 May 2016 In Progress - Model building development projects. (i) To improve the efficiency & robustness of MTC design (ii) To provide useful generic guidelines fo similar vibrationsensitive buildings in mitigating vibration problems & improving the productivity of Singapore industry in general (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address Other Contact details 1 Prof Tu Yong [email protected] NUS, Sch of Design & Environment, Dept of Real Estate 2 3 TBC (previously Dr Huang Yi Chun ) Dr Lee Nai Jie [email protected] 4 Prof Mark Goh [email protected] 5 Prof Shinya Okuda [email protected] 6 Prof Yu Shi Ming [email protected] 7 [email protected] 8 Assoc Prof Sekhar Narayana Kondepudi Dr Chai Kah Hin 9 Prof Koh Chan Ghee [email protected] NUS, Sch of Design & Environment, Dept of Real Estate NUS, Sch of Business, Dept of Decision Sciences NUS, Sch of Design & Environment, Dept of Architecture Department of Real Estate, School of Design and Environment NUS, Sch of Design & Environment, Dept of Building NUS, Faculty of Engineering, Dept of Engineering & Technology Management NUS, Faculty of Engineering, Dept of Civil & Environment Engineering (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 86 (TOP) (C) SUTD-JTC INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION CENTRE Synopsis of Project’s Work and Agenda The SUTD-JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation (I3) Centre is a joint research centre established between JTC and SUTD to spearhead research efforts in design, architecture, engineering, and social science and develop innovative and sustainable industrial infrastructure and industrial real estate solutions that will create value for industry, investors and Singapore. The Centre’s vision is to create a vibrant industrial infrastructure research ecosystem. Its mission is to carry out research, development and demonstration projects to support Singapore’s dynamic industrial landscape. The Centre will receive from JTC S$1.5 million per year in funding, for the next five years. The Centre will be co-located with and managed by the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKY CIC) in SUTD. The Centre will focus on three research thrusts such as Urban Innovation; Integrated Architecture and Engineering; and Design and Technology Current Research Projects SUTD and JTC are exploring a range of projects to be funded under the Centre as listed below: S/N 1 2 Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Sustainable High To develop a suite of technologies for the Project Performance manufacturing of building and under Building & infrastructure materials that possess the evaluation Infrastructure smallest carbon footprint of any massMaterials produced material. Practical Outcomes Robot Inclusive To develop service robots for cleaning Project Urban and logistics tasks within an industrial under Infrastructures: A building where the design of the space evaluation Design Initiative accounts for robots as stakeholders. Target productivity improvements in industrial infrastructures Cut CO2 emissions, energy-savings and sustainable materials with better performance (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details (TOP) S/N Researchers Names Email Address Other Contact details 1 Tan Mei Chee [email protected] SUTD 2 Mohan Rajesh Elara [email protected] SUTD CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 87 (TOP) 26.Land Transport Authority (LTA) Academy Synopsis of Centre’s Work and Agenda The Academy aims to be a global knowledge hub in urban transport. It provides a one-stop platform for government officials, professionals and practitioners from around the world to tap on Singapore’s experience and expertise and exchange knowledge and best practices in urban transport management and development. The Academy takes on three key roles: Learning Enabler, Research and Public Education. It publishes JOURNEYS, a professional publication on land transport issues. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 Analysing the Impact of Integrated Fare Structure on Travel Behaviour This study examined the impact of the integrated distance-based fare implemented in 2010, through mining the ticketing data before and after the implementation. The study found that distance-fare increased bus to bus transfers yet reduced the travel time and average fares paid by the commuters who enjoyed the schemes. Study into Commuters’ Travel Choices Between Aug 2012 and Sept 2013, LTA worked with the Institute of Systems Science (ISS), NUS, to study the commuters’ travel choices. Through a series of Focus group discussions, field observations, interviews with service providers, and surveys of 1,500 commuters, the study has identified factors which affect commuters’ travel choices in Singapore’s context. Through the Travel Smart pilot launched in October 2012, LTA has been working with 12 organisations, from both the private and public sectors, to help their management further understand the travel needs and attitudes of their employees, and put in place the necessary workplace practices to encourage off-peak travel and/or reduce travel demand of their 2 3 Travel Smart pilot Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project July 2013 Practical Outcomes Providing insights for future policy making Completed Sept 2013 Completed Aug 2014 In Progress (Completed field work; Drafting final report) Further collaborative studies will be conducted to influence the commuters’ travel choices based on the findings. Preliminary results have shown that there is a close to 12% shift out of the morning peak hour. Plan to launch the Travel Smart Programme CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 88 4 Study into the Signage Framework for Commuter Facilities [LTA-NTU Collaboration on page 10] employees. Shifting travel demand will help spread out the morning peak hour crowds to the off-peak periods, and ease crowding during the morning peak period to improve commuters’ travel experience. At the same time, the Government is actively increasing public transport capacity through building new rail lines, buying additional trains, as well as putting more buses on the road. LTA will be monitoring the progress of the implementation of these practices in all pilot organisations and will consider rolling out workplace-based travel planning beyond these pilot organisations after reviewing the results. This collaborative research with NTU is to review the signage framework used to assist non-motorist commuters around and inside public transport nodes (train stations, bus interchanges and major bus stops), and to identify opportunities and suitable wayfinding elements to fill in the gaps in Singapore’s current signage framework. The project is expected to propose policy guidelines for the provision of a wayfinding system that will complement and value-add to the existing signages, bearing in mind the needs and abilities of a diverse range of users Dec 2015 Not yet In Progress (Getting started) (TOP) Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address Other Contact details 1 Looi Teik Soon [email protected] 6396 1755 2 George Sun [email protected] 63961861 3 Evan Gwee [email protected] 63961866 4 Pan Di [email protected] 63961863 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 89 (TOP) 27. Ministry of National Development (MND) (A) CENTRE FOR LIVEABLE CITIES (CLC) Synopsis of Centre’s Work and Agenda Set up in 2008 by the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) has as its mission “to distil, create and share knowledge on liveable and sustainable cities.” CLC’s work spans three main areas - Research, Training, and Promotions. Through these activities, CLC hopes to provide urban leaders and practitioners with the knowledge and support needed to make our cities better. Research – Addresses two key thrusts of distilling knowledge on Singapore’s transformation into a highly liveable and sustainable city within the last five decades, and building upon this experience through applied research on urban solutions relevant to current and future challenges Singapore and other cities face. Urban Systems Studies are scoped to venture deep into the key domain areas and urban systems CLC has identified under its Liveability Framework, and involves close and rigorous engagement of the CLC with our stakeholder agencies, and oral history interviews with Singapore’s urban pioneers and leaders to gain insights into development processes and distil tacit knowledge that had been gleaned from planning and implementation, as well as governance of Singapore. Forward-looking research projects arise out of findings from the Urban Systems Studies, and seek to address new challenges through solutions-oriented outcomes, such as implementable governmental policies and integrated urban projects. The applied research includes inter-agency collaborations, and draws expertise from CLC’s Panel of experts and Knowledge Partners. Case studies on cities arising out of capability development programmes and engagements with Mayors help to build up knowledge on urban development and management Training – Seeks to foster capability development, drawing on knowledge built from research and partnership exchanges. Programmes are practitioner-oriented and share on Singapore’s experience in urban development and governance. The two flagship programmes are the Leaders in Urban Governance Programme for local public servants; as well as the Temasek Foundation Leaders in Urban Governance Programme, which is aimed at international city leaders. Promotion - Shares knowledge through international events, publications and partnerships with international organisations. The biennial World Cities Summit, the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum, Young Leaders and the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize are flagship platforms for sharing knowledge internationally, whereas the CLC Lecture Series is a local platform for thought leaders and experts to exchange ideas and share knowledge. The Centre also develops print and digital publications for global audiences, to share its research as well as the knowledge of its partners, through the biannual Urban Solutions magazine as well as the monthly CLC e-Newsletter. For more information, please visit: http://www.clc.gov.sg/. Current Research Projects and Contact Persons S/N Research Brief description & Project status Projects 1 Urban Urban System Studies (USS) captures knowledge on System ‘horizontal integration’ through engagement of our Studies stakeholder agencies, and through oral history interviews with Singapore’s urban pioneers and Practical outcomes USS distils the experience of urban pioneers and leaders and shares how Singapore has CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 90 leaders, addresses 2 Urban Solutions research Research on urban systems cover the key domain areas the CLC has identified under its Framework for Liveability and Sustainability and topics include: Water, Transport, Industrial Infrastructure, Integrated Master Planning, Urban Governance, Sustainable Environment, Housing, Built Environment, Eco-city, Infrastructure financing, Quality of Life, Society and Culture, etc. Urban Solutions Research – practical research that will meet future challenges that Singapore faces; solutions-based research with inter-agencycollaborations. Projects include 10 Principles for Liveable, Highly Dense Cities: Lessons from Singapore (with ULI) [completed] A Framework for Liveable and Sustainable Cities [with CSC] [Completed] Energy Trends for Singapore (With Shell) [completed] Creating Healthy Places through Active Mobility [collaborations with ULI] [completed] Re-Imaging Tampines [ongoing; to be completed by Nov 15] implemented its urban systems and enhanced her liveability. The outcomes of these projects are in the form of implementable government policies, integrated urban projects as well as business innovations. (TOP) Contact Details S/N Contact Person Email Address Other Contact details 1 Dr Limin HEE [email protected] 66459594 2 Sophianne ARAIB [email protected] 6645 9618 (TOP) (B) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) DIVISION Synopsis of Division’s Work and Agenda The MND Research and Development (R&D) Division drives R&D policies and funding programmes for the MND Family, and co-leads the Land & Liveability National Innovation Challenge (L2 NIC) with the National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore. The MND R&D Division engages key stakeholders across government agencies, research institutes and the industry to bring about collaboration and synergies in R&D through various platforms such as the biennial Urban Sustainability R&D Congress. Two funding programmes are currently overseen and administered by the MND R&D Division: (a) Land and Liveability National Innovation Challenge (L2 NIC) A multi-agency effort leveraging R&D to develop innovative technological solutions in two broad research thrusts: first, to create space cost-effectively and second, to optimise CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 91 existing space while keeping Singapore liveable. These are supported by an enabling thrust focused on Info-Communication Technologies (ICT), and social behavioural sciences. (b) MND Research Fund (MNDRF) To support the R&D efforts of the MND Family contributing to MND’s mission and policy objectives. (TOP) (C) RESEARCH & STRATEGY MANAGEMENT Synopsis of Division’s Work and Agenda The Research & Strategy Management Division provides insightful research on areas such as the property market, land use planning, public housing, parks development, food safety and the construction industry. It drives and coordinates the MND Family’s corporate planning process, and coordinates various cross cutting initiatives within the MND Family and the Whole-of-Government level. In line with its planning role, the Division also plans and implements strategies and programmes to facilitate entry and expansion of MND agencies into overseas markets. The research and data analytics resource unit, or RADAR for short, supports MNDHQ’s policy formulation through timely, relevant, and robust economic and social research while exploring alternative research viewpoints to advance thinking on housing. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 Ageing in Place 2 Profile of Studio Apartment (SA) Applicants 3 Profile of Executive Condominiu m (EC) Buyers This is an international scan on the ageing-in-place (AIP) initiatives that were undertaken by four economies - Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and the UK particularly focusing on housing models which integrate care. The study examines the profile of households who applied for an SA flat and their housing preference for example, location of SA flat. The study also looks at the net equity unlocked from right-sizing to a SA flat. This study examines the profile of EC homebuyers in recent years with a focus on second-timers and by income groups. The study also looks at the change in buyers’ profiles after the income ceiling adjustments in 2011. Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Completed Practical Outcomes Completed Completed CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 92 Contact Details S/N Contact Person Email Address Other Contact details 1 Tan Kai Juay Derek [email protected] 69087164 (TOP) (D) STRATEGIC PLANNING DIVISION, MND Synopsis of the Division’s Work The Strategic Planning Division works with the URA and relevant agencies on land use planning, housing issues, and strategies to enhance the quality of the living environment, and create and optimise land use in Singapore. (TOP) (E) INFRASTRUCTURE DIVISION, MND Synopsis of Division’s Work and Agenda The Infrastructure division works with BCA, AVA, and NParks to oversee the development and regulation of the construction industry, to ensure food safety and animal control, as well as to create and maintain Singapore’s green spaces. The Division also manages the Estates Upgrading Programmes (EUP), an upgrading programme for private residential estates. (TOP) 28.Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) Synopsis of division’s research work The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) aims to bring into sharper focus the efforts to build a more cohesive and vibrant society, and to deepen a sense of identity and belonging to the nation. The Research Unit within the Strategic Planning and Finance Division in MCCY supports informed policymaking and planning through research and analysis. This involves Undertaking environmental scanning Conceptualising research studies Interpreting quantitative and qualitative data to derive policy recommendations and Working closely with other divisions to identity research priorities as well as with domain experts and researchers on collaborative study S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Practical Outcomes CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 93 This study attempts to develop a conceptual framework that addresses whole-of-government (WOG) policy interests and articulates the desired outcomes for social capital development in Singapore from a WOG perspective. The framework distinguishes between individual and collective social capital, provides the context by which social capital comes about, and identifies the consequences/outcomes of the social relations. 1 A conceptual study on social capital in Singapore S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 Yeo Pei Ling [email protected] Other Contact details 68379721 (TOP) 29. Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) Synopsis of Centre’s Work and Agenda MEWR is committed to providing Singaporeans with a quality living environment. Having achieved a clean and green environment and a system in place to maintain and safeguard it, our ultimate goal is long-term environmental sustainability. Together with its two statutory boards, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and PUB, the national water agency, MEWR continues to manage Singapore's limited resources and address Singapore's environmental sustainability challenges through innovation, vibrant partnerships and co-operation across the 3P sectors - private, public and people. (A) NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY (NEA) As the National Environment Agency, NEA is responsible for maintaining high standards of public health, improving and sustaining a clean environment, providing timely and reliable weather information services as well as promoting resource efficiency and conservation in collaboration with our partners and the community. Our R&D approach is to seek solutions to meet the multiple objectives of (1) sustaining the low endemicity of vector borne diseases, (2) achieving higher standards of public cleanliness and hygiene, (3) sustaining a cost-effective waste-to-resource management system, (4) managing construction noise and air pollution, (5) advancing the understanding and prediction of the weather and climate in Singapore and the region, and (6) enhancing energy efficiency in homes and industries. (B) PUB CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 94 As the national water agency, PUB is responsible for the collection, production, distribution and reclamation of water in Singapore. PUB’s mission is to ensure an efficient, adequate and sustainable supply of water. Our R&D approach is to seek solutions to meet the three-fold objectives of (1) increasing and managing water resources, (2) ensuring water quality and security, and (3) reducing production costs by tapping on new technologies or the energy-water-waste nexus. (TOP) Current Research Projects - Environment S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status of Project Practical Outcomes MND’s SUL Funding 1 Engineering Applications of New Reclamation Technology with Singapore NewSoil at Semakau Landfill (SUL) To develop new process for mixing and 14 Jan 17 stabilising marine clay and incineration bottom ash and to test-bed the In progress developed matrix and reclamation technology in Semakau Landfill. A new process in utilising IBA and marine clay as alternative reclamation materials Potential diversion of IBA The findings would allow for the proper use of IBA for land reclamation, thereby turning waste into a resource. Urban Habitat 2 Abating urban noise through a holistic approach of noise monitoring, analytics and active noise control To develop an active noise control system for the residential household to mitigate external environmental noise pollution 31Aug2017 The aim of the project is to leverage on the AG boxes for the deployment of 31Aug2014 In progress (pending L2 NIC result) The active noise control system helps to mitigate noise level without the need to build expensive sound barriers. It also allows residents to open their window for ventilation. Municipal Services 3 Smart Bin Deployment (SSIPO) The system would allow an alert of sudden high bin CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 95 smart bins. The smart bins would also be coupled with ultrasonic sensors which could alert on the sudden high usage and helps to recommend frequency and schedule for clearing the bins In progress usage and to help recommend frequency and schedule for clearing the bins The study aims to achieve the following 2009 objectives : Completed To have a better understanding of the behavioural and sociological factors which motivate people to bin their rubbish or to litter Findings were used to improve the current strategy for NEA’s anti-littering campaigns Behavioural Sciences 4 Sociological Study on Littering To review existing outreach / communication strategies and physical measures to tackle littering 5 Study on Household Recycling in Singapore The aim of the study is to determine the 2012-2013 extent of household recycling practices and to understand the motivations and barriers towards recycling in the household. The study highlighted several opportunities to improving household recycling performance in Singapore which would allow the MEWR family to better design recycling initiatives. (TOP) Current Research Projects - Water S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion Practical Outcomes 1 Automated Meter Reading Pilot Initiatives (PUB funds) The key objective of these projects is to evaluate technically feasible solutions that are cost viable for full scale rollout. end-2015 Water conservation and demand management, network analysis, billing Islandwide The project aims to set up a real-time Q4 2015 2 In progress – multiple project in various stages of evaluation/ installation/ exploration Maintain water CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 96 Deployment of Wireless Network for Real-Time Monitoring of Water Network (PUB funds) 3 4 5 6 Development of rainfall monitoring and urban flood management system for Singapore (PUB funds) Solar Pilot (RF) Developing mobile apps – MyWaters (PUB funds) Urbanised Catchment Management and Development of Geographical Information System (GIS) for the Management of Urbanised Catchment hydraulic and water quality monitoring system known as Smart Water Grid (SWG) comprising of multiparameter sensor probes across the island. The system will provide the operator with real-time data to enable better water quality control, leak detection, forecast demand, manage water assets, and minimise disruptions across the network. This project involves the installation of a local area weather radar for improved rainfall monitoring and forecasting. The pilot project assesses the feasibility of installing floating solar PV systems on water, as an alternative to rooftops. The objective is to inform public/drivers about flooded areas/roads, water leaks and to harness the power of crowd-sourcing by encouraging users to report incidents and post photographs of flooding. The GIS/GPS system will allow waterways and cleansing work to be monitored remotely, provide geographical maps and trends on hotspots. This allows quick responses to problems and the tools for resource optimisation. The project involves GIS mapping of drainage profiles and includes scanned as-built drawings which are used to develop an information database. In progress – installation Phase 1 (completed) Phase 2 (Dec 2014) In progress collection of data and training of operators Q1 2016 To commence in Q1 2015 First version completed in July 2012. Improvemen ts are ongoing To be completed in Jan 2016 In progress – tender awarded in Jan 2014 quality; augment Singapore’s water resources (leak detection) Enhance Singapore’s flood resilience Land optimisation and reduction in carbon footprint Encourage public feedback and harness crowdsourcing - Real-time monitoring of total suspended solids at the drainage outlets of water bodies - Implementation of waterways maintenance quality control system using GPS - Integration of cleansing work tracking system with GIS and development of iPhone App CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 97 - Scanning of about 40,000 hardcopy drainage drawings into softcopy 7 Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront Visitor Survey To understand the visitors’ 2008 expectations and needs To identify the key drivers and key deterrents or turn- Completed offs for park and waterfront visits. To quantify the change in visitorship as a result of the ABC Waters demonstration project at Kolam 8 Evaluation of ABC Waters Programme To provide a qualitative evaluation of the eco-efficiency of ABC Waters Programme. 2009 Completed The survey affirmed that the Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront can act as a medium which enables the public to connect with nature, appreciate the clean, green surroundings, and value water as a precious resource. The study concludes that ABC Waters programme has indeed brought forth an innovation and transformation that entails a positive change in society, with overall improvement to quality of life of the people. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 98 9 Evaluation of Singapore’s ABC Waters Programme – Bedok Reservoir A sociological and economic study of the ABC Waters Programme in Singapore on “How does ABC Waters programme bring people closer to water and how successful has the programme been in its attempts to do so?”. 2012 Completed The study outlined some suggestions to be taken into consideration for current and future ABC water projects. (TOP) Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address Other Contact details Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources 1 Wong Xin Wei [email protected] 67319282 1 Chong Mien Ling [email protected] 63262974 2 Lee Zhang Er [email protected] - 3 Soh Yeow Chong [email protected] 67313363 Lim Siak Heng (SUL project) Ang Boon Wee (Active noise project) Chia Hong Ling (Smart bin deployment) Rachel Ng (Littering study) [email protected] 67086065 [email protected] 67319702 [email protected] 67319528 [email protected] 67319148 PUB NEA 1 2 3 4 (TOP) 30. National Parks Board (NParks) Synopsis of division’s research work and agenda NParks’ research work is carried out by (A) the Centre for Urban Greenery & Ecology (CUGE) Research Branch, (B) the National Biodiversity Centre, and (C) the Singapore Botanic Gardens Research & Conservation Branch. (A) CENTRE FOR URBAN GREENERY & ECOLOGY (CUGE) CUGE Research engages in multidisciplinary research on the greening and ecology of cities. Through its research programs, CUGE Research aims to enhance greenery planning, design and management in CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 99 cities. It provides research support for NParks’ role as the authority over Singapore’s urban forest and greenery, and the landscape industry. CUGE Division headed by Mr LIM Liang Jim, Director/Industry & CUGE CUGE Research Branch headed by Ms. Kim Goh, Senior Deputy Director/CUGE Research CUGE Research comprises four research sections: Arboriculture and Plant Health Section The Arboriculture & Plant Health team carries out research that relates to the performance of trees in the urban environment. Study topics include: (i) (ii) S/N 1 2 3 4 Arboriculture: Minimizing tree failure and hazards, improving tree management practices and overcoming tree-planting space limitations. Plant health: Monitoring the health status of trees, selection of disease resistant trees using molecular kits and integrating biological control measures to prevent any outbreaks from weakening the vigour of our urban forest. Study Topics Arboriculture Plant health Researchers Dr Fong Yok King Daniel Christopher Burcham Dr Genevieve Ow Currently vacant Email Address [email protected] [email protected] Other details 64719904 64717393 [email protected] 64719960 Horticulture and Built Greenery The Horticulture & Built Greenery team undertakes research that includes other key horticultural elements such as healthy soil, ground cover, as well as skyrise, vertical and indoor greenery. Study topics include: (iii) (iv) (v) S/N 1 2 3 4 Urban Soils: Improving soil mixes for diverse uses, development of productive soils and development of alternative soil components. Turf and ground cover Science: Improving construction and management practices, and diversifying plant material, sustainable and productive ground cover management best practices; weeding, aeration and fertilizing regime Built greenery: Integrated design for safety, maintenance, and ecological connectivity; Optimal plant selection for the creation of an elevated green infrastructure Study Topics Urban Soils Turf Science Built Greenery Researchers Dr Subhadip Ghosh Dr Chin Siew Wai Vivek Govindasamy Poh Choon Hock Email Address [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] g [email protected] Other details 64717391 64717365 64717396 64626953 (TOP) Urban Ecology Section CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 100 The Urban Ecology team carries out research on the application of ecological principles in developments to promote sustainability in cities. The study topics include green cover mapping, urban heat island mitigation, water sensitive landscaping, carbon sequestration studies, ecological restoration of impacted sites and enhancing biodiversity in urban environment. S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion Practical Outcomes 1 The Urban Ecology team seeks to understand the key ecosystem services that greenery provides in tropical urban environments, and to use this knowledge to guide Singapore’s development as a sustainable socio-ecological system. In the context of a burgeoning population density and increasingly rapid rates of urban re-development, it is critical to understand how the provision of green infrastructure in Singapore should be planned, designed and managed holistically so as to maintain the livability of the urban environment. Initiating Broadly, our research is framed by the accurate and robust monitoring of urban vegetation cover, which is the necessary foundation for understanding how vegetation interacts with other environmental phenomena in urban areas, as well as for incentivising and/or regulating greenery provision once ecosystem services of green infrastructure have been satisfactorily quantified. With this tool, we focus on understanding and managing three key ecosystem services, investigating the role of vegetation in urban biodiversity, stormwater management, and urban heat island mitigation. Urban Ecology By quantifying and integrating the tangible contributions of urban greenery to quality of life, we aim to empower natural resource managers at all levels with the scientific evidence necessary to secure and maintain adequate and equitable greenery provision in urban landscapes. S/N Researchers Names 1 James Wang Email Address [email protected] Other Contact details 64719965 (TOP) Social & Sustainability Studies Section The team carries out research on the social values and sustainability aspects of greenery in the built environment. The social component considers the various benefits, such as social capital and other intangible values that arise from NParks’ greenery provision. In tandem, we also study fundamental park planning issues that include, inter alia, park use patterns, distribution, and provision ratios to better serve public need, as well as human-wildlife conflict. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 101 The sustainability part broadly covers topics such as the social capital of green spaces, cycling of horticultural wastes collected in the maintenance of parks and streetscapes and energy efficiency of park infrastructure. S/N 1 2 3 Researchers Names Victor Tan Ling Seow Kang Cybil Kho Email Address [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details 64717836 64719906 64626958 (TOP) Current Research projects -CUGE S/N. Research project and brief description 1 2 3 4 5 6 Arboriculture Development of containerized technology for growing street trees - Phase 2 Field Trials The application of ground penetrating radar for tree root mapping - Phase 2 Field Trial Development of test methods and advance insitu instrumentations for measuring green wood strength of trees Development of structural cells for growing trees under constrained conditions Biological control of soil-borne wood decay fungi affecting ornamental palms and wild cinnamon with Trichoderma spp. EOT- eye on trees timated Date of Completion & Status of Project Practical Outcomes Mar-15 The developed technology can be used to grow trees in constrained and carriage way conditions Current status: Field trials Mar-15 Current status: Field trials Mar-15 Current status: Field trials Jan-16 Current status: Field trials Jun-16 Current status: Field trials Mar-17 This allows us to map tree roots in a non-invasive manner Improves understanding of tree strength relating ultimately to safer tree infrastructure The developed technology can be used to grow trees in constrained conditions The developed technology can be used in the industry and situations where both categories of plants are used High fidelity data on tree stability Current status: Field trials CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 102 7 8 9 10 11 Implementation of structural soils and structural cells for growing trees under constrained conditions Rain tree pull tests Turf cultivars evaluation trial 13 Plant Growth Regulators application on turf 15 Current status: Field trials Dec- 14 Current status: Initiating field trials Horticulture & Built Greenery Developing a functional and sustainable nutrition Dec-14 program for turf grasses in Singapore Ongoing Assessment of photosynthetically active radiation Feb-15 under viaducts and flyovers Field trials Application of biochar for urban trees and shrubs Mar-15 in parks and streetscape Field trials 12 14 Oct-18 Dec-15 Field trials Initiating project Social & Sustainability Studies Development of Parks Mobile Lifestyle application App for smartphones development Developing a framework on the benefits of parks Framework & greenery development 16 Use of park horticulture waste for composting Iniitiating project 17 Urban Ecology Bird and butterfly diversity on sky-rise greenery Data collection The developed technology can be used to grow trees in constrained carriage way conditions Enhances understanding of tree stability and saftey Applications for the industry Space optimization by greening of unused spaces Enhanced greenery growth under constrained urban conditions Optimized turf selection for various conditions Lowers needs for maintenance Contributes to enhanced parks experience Provides insights on social values of parks and green spaces Decreases waste output and enhances insitu re-use of horticultural waste Advances knowledge of how to improve / maintain ecological connectivity on above and at ground level (TOP) (B) National Biodiversity Centre NBC Division headed by Dr Lena Chan, Director/NBC NBC is responsible for: (i) The formulation of biodiversity-related policies which are science-based, and hence, we need to ensure that scientific data are available; CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 103 (ii) (iii) Technical evaluation of the biodiversity component of environmental impact assessments, and hence, we require up-to-date data to carry out the assessments competently; and Providing technical advice on biodiversity-related matters, etc., in NParks’ capacity as Singapore’s Scientific Authority on Nature Conservation. Branches in NBC: 1) Terrestrial 2) Coastal & Marine 3) Biodiversity Information & Policy 4) International Relations Current NBC research projects & Researchers’ names and contact details S/N Research Project 1 Native plant propagation and conservation Terrestrial Branch is working with Temasek Polytechnic to develop tissue culture and propagation techniques for selected native plant species, and propagating them to plant out in parks and reserves. So far over 400 plants of 9 species have been planted out in 9 parks, and numbers will build up progressively. 2 Assessment of Singapore streams and drains to balance freshwater conservation, management and disease risk. Terrestrial Branch works with agencies to assess drains listed for reconstruction, repair, weeding or no treatment, taking account of malaria risk versus the need to conserve some drains for freshwater crabs and other native species. 3 Conservation and significance of climbing plants in Singapore Native climbers are being investigated in Singapore’s forests. Researcher details Hassan Ibrahim (coordinator) Email : [email protected] Tel : 64651676 Hort Champs (support, and planting out) Lua Hock Keong, Saifuddin Suran (support) Students and interns from Temasek Polytechnic Practical Outcomes Anti-Malaria Task Force (NEA) (in charge) Cai Yixiong (support, contribution of expertise on freshwater fauna) Email : [email protected] Tel : 64651695 So far we have identified several drains that should fall under the “notreatment” category, including one newly discovered population of the endemic crab Johora singaporensis (previously 3, now 4 known populations). Lua Hock Keong (main researcher) Email : [email protected] Tel : 64651675 Saifuddin Suran (support) Material has been distributed to Pasir Panjang Nursery, SBG and Parks. This is a very understudied group, some having horticultural potential (e.g., Hoya, Piper, Aeschynanthus) so CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 104 4 5 6 Spiders Spiders are a poorly studied group with many species in Singapore and many unknown species. Studies are being conducted in nature reserves, parks and gardens to give us a better understanding of spiders as they have conservation significance and are potential controllers of other invertebrates. Dragonflies Important indicators of limnology and water quality, dragonflies can potentially act as control agents for aquatic invertebrates. Taxonomic studies, DNA collection, and investigation of their environmental requirements are continuing Otter Feasibility Study The status, distribution and numbers of smooth-coated otters are being investigated throughout Singapore, with a view to making recommendations on sites and methods for enhancement Cai Yixiong (main researcher) Email : [email protected] Tel : 64651695 David Court (volunteer) Students and interns Robin Ngiam (main researcher) Email : [email protected] Cheryl Chia (lead) Email : [email protected] Tel : 64651683 Subaraj Rajathurai (implementation) it is important to discover what we have, their growing requirements and their potential. Surveys completed in various parks and gardens. Continuing in Nature Reserves. Various new records and likely new species will take time to process. Various new records from Singapore, and links made between adults and larvae, so that full life cycle requirements can be known. Completed with recommendations for management. (TOP) (C) SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS RESEARCH & CONSERVATION BRANCH SBG Division headed by Dr Nigel Taylor, Director/SBG SBG Research & Conservation Branch headed by Dr David Middleton, Deputy Director/Research & Conservation, & Keeper of the Herbarium Synopsis of division’s research work and agenda SBG's Research & Conservation Branch carries out research on the systematics and taxonomy of SE Asian plant groups (involving flora writing, revisions, molecular phylogenetics, biogeography, and conservation), including field investigations and activities hosted locally and internationally. The botanical research ties in with the overall R&D programme planned for supporting the City in a Garden (CIAG) thrust, through supporting the Singapore effort at managing an optimal biodiversity and CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 105 conservation value at home. Collaborative research is carried out with neighbouring countries, pertinent to exploration, discovery and documentation of the highly biodiverse SE Asian region. Current SBG research projects Provide support in biodiversity enhancement efforts by identifying locally rare and possibly endangered species of plants, especially orchids and gingers whose conservation could benefit from introduction or replanting programmes (e.g. in parks and nature areas, within roadside greenery, etc.). Provide inputs to help enhance conservation trials for native species with propagation from local stock. Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 Dr Yam Tim Wing [email protected] 2 Dr Jana Skornickova [email protected] Other Contact details 64717332 64719877 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 106 (TOP) 31. National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) Synopsis of Secretariat’s Work and Agenda The National Climate Change Secretariat (NCCS) is a dedicated agency within the Prime Minister’s Office which coordinates Singapore's domestic and international policies, plans and actions on climate change so as to secure a sustainable living environment for our future generations. We achieve this by adopting a Whole-of-Government approach and working with the People and Private sectors to devise and implement cost-effective mitigation and adaptation solutions, reap the opportunities arising from addressing climate change challenges and contribute towards global efforts to address climate change. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description Estimated Date of Completion, Status of Project, & Practical outcomes 1 C40 network – as an observer city The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group On-going (C40) is a network of cities taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. C40 Status of Network: harnesses the assets of member cities to C40 has regular dialogues through address climate risks and impacts locally web-based seminars (webinars) for and globally. knowledge sharing across C40 cities. BCA has been participating in the C40 is a useful platform for Singapore to dialogues and webinars. profile its achievements and learn from other cities in climate change-related C40 is currently working with the US Green Building Council (USGBC) to areas. We have been active in the compile a set of case studies on the following C40 networks: current state of play in buildings across C40 cities. BCA and NCCS a) Private Sector Building Energy have been providing inputs to the Efficiency Network secretariat for the case study on Singapore’s green building policies. Support cities to develop/improve their existing building challenge C40 is also working with the Tokyo programme Metropolitan Government (TMG) in Support cities to develop/improve an ongoing process to develop case their existing building codes, finance studies on building energy efficiency offerings and other regulated legislation across C40 cities. These programmes findings were shared in a Tokyo Support cities to develop/improve Workshop that was conducted in their existing benchmarking June 2014, which BCA had attended. programmes b) Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Network C40 has regular dialogues through Create a channel for jointweb-based seminars for knowledge cooperation for cities to work on sharing across C40 cities reducing premiums for hybrid and hydrogen buses Recent discussions have been Create a platform for interested focused on financing schemes and cities to share information and infrastructure for Bus Rapid Transit CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 107 discuss bus retrofits and warranties issues c) Connecting Delta Cities (CDC) (BRT) systems, which may not be relevant in Singapore’s context. Share best practices with other delta cities on flood management and climate change adaptation d) Cool Cities Network Help cities reap the economic, health, social and environmental benefits of reducing urban heat island effect through: (i) tools and resources to understand the causes and impact of UHI and to design and launch successful cool surface programs, (ii) support for the development of city-specific action plans, and (iii) peer-to-peer and expert knowledge exchanges to share best practices, proven strategies and data. e) Green Growth Network Focus areas: Share best practices across cities to help cities make the political case for green investments Conduct research on the use of public procurement policies and practices as a tool to drive and enable green growth New Initiation Several cities (e.g. Copenhagen, Stockholm, New York) have been sharing their implementation experiences in web-based seminars (webinars). MEWR and MND have been attending the relevant webinar sessions and preparing a write-up on Singapore’s resilience strategies at the CDC website. The CDC network secretariat (i.e. Rotterdam) is organising a climate change resilience and adaptation workshop in Sep 2014 on “Deltas in times of climate change2”. Singapore, through PUB, will be presenting a case study at the workshop on our successful water story. Several US cities (e.g. Washington D.C, New York, Baltimore and Los Angeles) have been sharing case studies on how they have managed to address the urban island heat effect. C40 is also working with member cities to develop case studies on what cities are doing to reduce urban temperatures (e.g. building façade designs, green roofs) Status of Network: Ongoing The network is focusing on quantifying the economic benefits and impacts of green city actions and projects. This will produce a concrete tool to help cities make the political case to win the argument for green policies. The network will next meet in October, at the annual C40 Green Growth Workshop. Topics that will be discussed include working with the private sector, and making the CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 108 Aggregate and share best practices on regulatory framework, and conduct research on finance models to fund green growth initiatives from both the public and private sector Map out and share models of how participating cities work with the private sector through clusters, development agencies, public-private partnership, etc. 2 Smart Cities Scope for more ideas or proposals from the private sector and academia on possible uses and solutions which leverages on an integrated nationwide communications infrastructure network (e.g. wifi, 3G/LTE, fibre optics with sensors, cameras etc) Smart & Connected Jurong Lake District: Government and industry will collaborate and conduct pilots and trials of smart technologies in JLD to gather and transmit big data for analysing political case for green growth. Singapore/NCCS will look to augment its existing efforts in quantifying and measuring the local green economy, from the experiences of peers in the C40 network Singapore and other countries would do well to refer methodologies utilized in quantifying green actions Countries will be able to formulate mechanisms within policies that report the benefit of proposed green action. On-going Implementation of projects starting from 2014 - 2016 IDA has announced W.O.G. plans to establish Singapore as a smart nation that taps the potential of infocomm and media (ICM), and that nurtures innovative talent and enterprises. Part of this effort includes the launch of new Smart Nation Platform (SNP), which is built around three focus areas: Connect, Collect, and Comprehend. This will further Singapore’s capabilities in pervasive connectivity by building new infrastructure and common technical architecture to support a smart nation ecosystem Test bedding efforts in Jurong Lake District provide a glimpse of how a smart nation will take shape. These pilots will assess the use of various technologies such as video analytics to more efficiently detect traffic conditions at junctions, autonomous vehicles to ferry passengers along paths for the first or last parts of their journeys. [led by IDA] At least 15 trials involving more than 20 partnering companies will be rolled out from the third quarter of 2014, and will see over 1,000 data sensors deployed in three main areas: urban mobility, sustainability, and improving sensing and CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 109 situational awareness. (TOP) Researchers’ Names and Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address 1 2 Jansen Toh Asif Iqbal [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details 64300635 64390630 (TOP) 32. Singapore Land Authority (SLA) Synopsis of Centre’s Work and Agenda Singapore Land Authority’s mission is to optimise land resources for the economic and social development of Singapore. We balance our economic and social needs while ensuring the best use of State land and buildings, providing an effective and reliable land management system, including the issuance and guarantee of land titles and geospatial demarcation of land, and enabling the full use of land information for better land management and creation of new business opportunities. Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects Brief description 1 Singapore’s urban built environment is getting more complex with increased multiple land use below and above the ground. Today’s 2-dimensional (2D) maps and 2D location data captured and used by agencies are increasingly inadequate to support their needs in managing our city. Mapping Singapore in 3D To address the issue, SLA leads a whole-of-government (WOG) initiative to create and maintain a geometrically accurate 3dimensional (3D) national topographic map of Singapore. The primary aim of this project is to satisfy the increasing needs of government and agencies in operation, planning and risk management. The project will Estimated Practical Outcomes Date of Completion & Status The 3D maps data created will 1st stage: provide 2Q2015 fundamental 3D map information to support: 1st Stage: Smart Nation’s needs for location information -Data Virtual Singapore R&D collection Underground Master completed Planning activities Climate Change studies -Data Agencies’ operation, modelling planning and risk is in management in progress 1. Flood Risk Modelling – PUB will use the terrain data 2nd stage: (DTM) from the 3D 2Q 2016 mapping project to create flood risk map. The flood 2nd Stage: risk map is used to manage storm water. -Tender CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 110 provide a high quality 3D map preparation 2. Flight Path Planning – CAAS that captures fundamental aswill use the terrain data built 3D information of buildings, and 3D buildings data in terrain and roads. . flight path planning and management to ensure It will serve as the authoritative flight safety. base map which can be shared across government agencies to 3. Land Management – Land support the development and Development Agencies (e.g. operation of a Smart Nation. SLA, HDB, JTC) will use the 3D map data for Essentially, the map will consist development planning and of 4 major datasets: operation planning. Digital Terrain Model (DTM); 4. Urban Planning – the 3D 3D Buildings; map provides a realistic as 3D Roads; and built 3D environment of Coastline. Singapore for planning. The 3D mapping project will be 5. Environmental Studies – carried out in 2 stages: NEA and URA’s studies in Airborne imaging and laser wind flow and urban heat scanning; and require 3D buildings data Land-based imaging and and topographic data. laser scanning The 3D topographic map data will be modelled into an advance data format (known as CityGML) which has the following characteristics: International Standard Open Source (XML) Intelligent 6. Coastal Protection – BCA requires 3D coastal profile to plan for protection against sea water rising. The advance format allows 3D spatial analysis, simulation and visualisation which are essential for development planning and risk management. The format also ensures efficient data sharing among government agencies. The datasets created should be able to serve most of the agencies’ 3D geospatial applications and needs. To ensure the currency of the map data, SLA will develop workflows and processes to facilitate the continuous updating of the 3D database from topographic surveys carried out by agencies in their CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 111 operations. (TOP) Contact Details S/N Contact persons Email Address Other Contact details 1 Soh Kheng Peng [email protected] 64783699 2 Victor Khoo Hock Soon (Dr) [email protected] 64783603 (TOP) 33.Smart Nation Programme Office, Prime Minister Office Synopsis of Department’s Work and Agenda The Smart Nation Programme Office is coordinating a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation effort to integrate IT, networks and data seamlessly to fundamentally transform our daily living, our communities, and Singapore’s future. The presentation will give an overview of the national Smart Nation vision. Contact Details S/N 1 2 Names Tan Kok Yam Pui San CHAY Email Address [email protected] [email protected] Other Contact details 6211 0626 6211 1654 (TOP) 34. Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Synopsis of Centre’s Work and Agenda As the national land use planning authority, URA looks at the long-term opportunities and key development challenges faced by Singapore to identify potential areas of research and knowledge development that could help overcome these challenges. Through fostering collaboration amongst government agencies, academia and industry in a range of R&D programmes and initiatives, URA aims to support the development of innovative urban solutions that can be deployed in Singapore to create a sustainable and highly-liveable city of the future. CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 112 (TOP) Current Research Projects S/N Research Projects 1 National Innovation Challenge on Land and Liveability 2 Sustainable Urban Living R&D Programme Brief description Estimated Date of Completion & Status Practical Outcomes The Land and Liveability National Annual Grant Call cycle Innovation Challenge (L2 NIC), announced on 16 Nov 2012, is a long-term R&D effort In Progress that recognizes land as a precious resource to Singapore, and seeks to The solutions developed through leverage on R&D to provide sustained the Land and Liveability NIC can be capacity and options for future implemented to achieve the generations. The aim is to support an following: economically-vibrant, highly-liveable and develop ways of creating and resilient city of the future with land operating new spaces costcapacity for sustained growth, through 2 effectively; inter-related thrusts: (a) creating new develop ways of intensifying space cost-effectively; and (b) optimising the use of land in safe, the use of space, while maintaining a efficient and cost-effective highly liveable environment. These ways; thrusts are supported by R&D on enabling develop solutions to improve Information and Communications environmental quality and Technologies (ICT) and platforms, human comfort, enhance embedded with capabilities of community well-being and/or intelligence gathering, analytics, improve connectivity, modelling and simulation, as well as accessibility and mobility in relevant social and behavioural sciences. residential towns; and develop supporting ICT The L2 NIC’s First Call for Proposals was platforms and sociolaunched on 14 November 2013, and behavioural science research focuses on R&D in the following four that can contribute directly to areas: land creation and a) creation of space; optimisation, and enhancing b) optimising the use of land; liveability. c) creating highly-liveable housing towns; and d) supporting Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) and platforms. The first Grant Call was closed on 24 January 2014 and 78 proposals were received. Award of the first grant call will be announced in 2H2014. URA is supporting MND and NRF on the L2 NIC programme. URA supports MND for the Sustainable Urban Living R&D programme (under the MND Research Fund) by co-leading the multi-agency work group to scope 2017 In Progress CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 113 out Singapore’s R&D needs to address key challenges in sustainable development. The inaugural Sustainable Urban Living Call for Proposals closed on 14 November 2012, and focused on R&D that sustains Singapore’s long-term growth through creating new space cost-effectively and developing a liveable, sustainable and resilient city. After a 2-round selection process, 5 research proposals were selected for awardwith a focus on underground engineering, reclamation technology, long-span bridging buildings, and improving the quality of public space and amenities: “Biogrouting for underground construction – a new technology to maximize the usage of underground space in Singapore” to identify and develop appropriate organisms and chemical reactions to fill narrow fissures of rocks “Engineering Applications of New Reclamation Technology with Singapore NewSoil at Semakau Landfill” to refine ways to combine incinerator bottom ash with marine clay for reclamation material “GeoBarrier System for Use in Underground Structure” to design and test alternatives of layered recycled material to act as retaining walls for underground construction “Intensification of Low-Density Development: FUNCTIONAL BRIDGING BUILDINGS” to develop novel modular construction techniques for long-span structures, and testing for structural and safety performance “Liveable Places: A Building Environment Modelling Approach for Dynamic Place Making” to develop a new design tool for planners and designers of public space that integrates novel information about usage patterns The SUL projects will have practical outcomes that can be applied in Singapore in the near future: A new biologically-based technology to stabilise rock formations for safer, lower risk underground construction A refined system to safely reuse incinerator bottom ash from Semakau as reclamation fill material by mixing it with marine clay, thereby reducing Singapore’s need for imported sand A more cost-effective technology for building retaining walls with natural and recycled materials, which lowers barriers to underground development, especially for carpark uses A set of new construction techniques and methods to build long-span structures more cost-effectively, thereby allowing development over areas of low-density infrastructure A new planning and design tool to improve the quality of public space by providing access to real usage patterns CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 114 3 Sustainable Development Research Studies from newly installed sensors, telco data, and smartphone crowdsourcing URA collaborated with NUS, HDB and LTA on a cluster of 6 inter-related joint research projects on various aspects of sustainable high-density living: “Urban Climatic Mapping Studies” Planning and designing the urban environment to safeguard key environmental corridors from intensive urban development, reduce heat island effects and energy consumption, and improve air ventilation “Urban Space Planning for Sustainable High Density Environments” New typologies of urban public spaces that are environmentally considered, and vibrant “Urban Metabolism (Industrial Ecology) Studies” Using industrial ecology concepts to generate scenarios for efficient use and management of resources and to re-examine land use planning approaches for resource conservation and climate concerns “Urban Transport Modelling in High Density Environments” Simulate and model transport flow elements to develop planning and design strategies for better pedestrian connectivity and greater use of public transport “Planning and Development for High Density Living: HighDensity Threshold Studies” Examine the impact of physical and sociological variables of different high density urban forms on various aspects of sustainability and liveability “Benchmarks, Best Practices and Framework for Sustainable Urban Development and Cities” Identify and analyse 2014 Completed These projects have practical outcomes that can be applied in Singapore in the near future: Tools and principles to provide a better understanding of the relationship between thermal comfort and the urban environment Detailed urban space guidelines detailing recommendations of design parameters for different urban space typologies Provided insight on closedloop interventions most likely to yield a reduction in emissions and environmental impacts, and increase the diversion of waste from the landfill Development of an Activity Based Transport Model for Singapore’s localised context Simulation toolset and case database of high density typologies that facilitates the understanding of the relationship and impact of CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 115 existing international best practices on sustainable development to provide benchmarks for sustainable performance, and to develop a comprehensive framework and recommendations to achieve greater sustainability in Singapore 4. ESRI-URA city engine collaboration project URA is working with ESRI Inc. to explore the use of 3D Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, such as advanced rule based City Engine software, for planning and urban design simulation. The objective is to explore building a 3D urban simulation system that can simulate, design, visualize and analyse various planning scenarios efficiently. The system would include a set of localised rule templates to perform urban analyses and simulation such as rule based parametric simulation tools. The system can potentially be extended for other simulations such as noise, flood BIM model integrations. different building typologies on the environmental performance for four key indicators- daylight, sky exposure, insolation and wind Sustainable development indicators and sustainability assessment framework for comprehensive tracking and monitoring of Singapore’s development and assessing the outcomes of development plans and strategies 2015 In Progress This project will have practical outcomes and improve the design, visualisation and analysis of various planning scenarios. Urban Design & Scenario based planning simulation for new towns: Allows architects and planners to simulate, design, visualize and analyse various planning scenarios efficiently. The system would include a set of localised rule templates to perform urban analyses and simulation such as rule based parametric simulation tools Public Consultation: Allow planners to articulate the vision and plans for an area to the public and stakeholders effectively and seek their feedback. (TOP) Contact Details S/N Researchers Names Email Address Other Contact details 1 Elaine Tan [email protected] 63218029 2 Stephanie Wee [email protected] 66711078 (TOP) CITIES ROUNDTABLE | 2014 116
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