SINGAPORE, July 7 (Bernama) — Singapore plans to invest S$800 million (S$1=RM3.14) over the next five years in transport research and innovation to support efforts to develop frontier technology, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.
He said the investment, part of the National Research Foundation’s Research, Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 initiative, is more than double the funding over the last five years.
“We will use these funds to back ideas that could completely transform how transport operates today,” he said in response to motion on reinforcing Singapore’s position as a global transport hub at Parliament on Tuesday.
According to Siow, the investment will be channelled into developing advanced technologies, including initiatives under the republic’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Connectivity Mission such as a fully automated MRT depot, an AI-enabled air traffic management system, and a smart port network.
“If these projects succeed in the next decade, Singapore will still remain one of the world’s major transport and logistics hubs, but it will look completely different,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) in a statement emphasised that around two-thirds of the total investment will be directed towards building two key capabilities, namely Autonomy and Digital Twins for Connectivity for the transport sector.
The remaining investment will be directed towards sector-specific research to deepen capabilities within the aviation, land transport, and maritime sectors.
For aviation, the MOT said the research will focus on building new capabilities for the Singapore air hub to meet rising demand for air travel and increased volume in air cargo, while for land transport, the focus will be on next-generation autonomous mass transit technology and automated rail depots.
“In maritime, research will focus on autonomous port operations, safe and efficient delivery of alternative energy, smart ships, as well as intelligent and integrated port services.
“We will continue to partner with industry stakeholders to co-develop solutions that address real-world transport challenges, strengthening Singapore’s standing as a world-class global transport and connectivity hub,” it added.
— BERNAMA