Signaling its clear intent on growing its applied research and expanding its suite of higher education offerings, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) on 9 Dec 2020 signed three significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) separately with key partners – DSO National Laboratories (DSO), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and the Professional Engineers Board (PEB).

The collaborations with DSO and A*STAR are set to strengthen SIT’s position as Singapore’s University of Applied Learning, where students are placed in authentic learning environments within the industry, and work on translational research projects aimed at solving contemporary real-world problems. Reinforcing its emphasis on the work-learn continuum and commitment to lifelong learning, the university’s partnership with PEB is aimed to firm up the continuing education and training (CET) framework for aspiring Professional Engineers, and meet knowledge gaps within the industry.

Strengthening Applied Research through Joint-Lab and R&D Collaborations with DSO National Laboratories

A joint laboratory at SIT@Dover will be established by DSO and SIT in early 2021 to spearhead applied research efforts for potential defence and commercial use. The collaboration will commence with strategic translational projects in the fields of Robotics/Unmanned Systems and Cybersecurity, involving SIT faculty staff and students from the Engineering and Infocomm Technology clusters. The MOU signed also cements a strong intention for DSO and SIT to collaborate in innovation projects such as Design Thinking, prototyping, exchanging and development of knowledge and technical expertise, involvement of students from work-study and industrial postgraduate programmes, training of students and engagement of work attachments and/or student researchers. 

Partnership with A*STAR for SIT Undergraduates to Work on Research and Innovation in Companies

A*STAR will partner with SIT to second A*STAR’s researchers and SIT students undergoing their Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP) to companies, to jointly solve companies’ problems through research and innovation. Through A*STAR’s Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-Up) Programme, A*STAR’s seconded researchers will provide technical expertise and mentorship to SIT undergraduates to transfer practical skillsets, and the students undergoing their work attachments will also gain relevant exposure to research and development (R&D) projects that bring about marketable outcomes. A*STAR and SIT have piloted the programme with local electronics firm, STYL Solutions, in May 2020. In addition, A*STAR and SIT will collaborate in joint research projects, in areas such as robotics automation, food and pharmaceutical engineering.