The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) has opened its new state-of-the-art campus in Punggol, marking a significant step forward in the university’s commitment to applied learning. The first phase – the ‘SIT Campus Court’ – recently welcomed 3,800 students from the Business, Communication and Design, and Infocomm Technology clusters. These include freshmen, as well as current students who moved from other SIT campuses across Singapore.
Strategically situated within JTC’s emerging Punggol Digital District (PDD), SIT’s new campus is set to become a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration with industry partners, fostering an environment where students can thrive in applying their knowledge and skills in authentic settings to address real-world challenges. Overlooking the scenic waterfront with views of Coney Island, the campus boasts cutting-edge teaching facilities, learning spaces, laboratories, and communal areas.
New environment, new opportunities
SIT students now have access to cutting-edge facilities and technology that bring their learning to the next level. The 27 advanced labs offer hands-on experience in fields like cybersecurity and software engineering, allowing students the opportunity to work with industry-standard tools and environments, while the Heterogeneous Info-Store for Teaching & Skilling (HITS) platform gives them real-world data to work on applied projects. This prepares them for the workforce with practical skills and experience in a tech-driven environment, enhancing their ability to make meaningful contributions in their fields after graduation.
For Leshawn Chan, a Year 3 BSc Applied Computing student who spent two years at the SIT@NYP Building, “one of the most significant improvements [in the new campus] is the convenience of having resources such as the Bloomberg terminal on campus. Previously, I had to travel to SIT@Dover to access it, but now, with everything centralised at Punggol, it’s really streamlined our workflow.”
The Punggol Campus also houses an Autonomous Vehicle Lab with advanced hardware, simulation software, and machine learning platforms for research and teaching – resources which will greatly benefit students in transport engineering and related courses.
For Mohamed Fazil, a Year 3 Bsc in Air Transport Management student who spent two years at the SIT@RP Building, the new campus offers him “a significant advantage in deepening understanding of critical, cutting-edge technologies in the air transport industry, including AI and automation.”
In addition to honing students’ expertise in their specific disciplines, SIT aims to enhance students’ digital skills at the new campus. The university’s Digital Competency Roadmaps provide structured learning in emerging technologies like Data Analytics, AI, Cloud Computing, Low-Code Programming, XR, and Blockchain. Students can access materials created by SIT and industry partners through the university’s portal, gaining essential digital skills in a flexible approach to excel in the digital economy.
The Punggol campus also boasts ‘Digital Competency Corridors,’ which include physical and virtual spaces to facilitate learning, innovation, and collaboration. There are also interactive kiosks like a holographic AI concierge, where students and visitors can explore its cutting-edge technologies firsthand.
Eco-friendly Campus
While going digital offers many sustainability benefits, it may also increase energy consumption, particularly in areas like data processing and cloud computing. However, SIT’s commitment to sustainability addresses these challenges by incorporating innovative solutions like its advanced District Cooling System (DCS) which provides chilled water for air-conditioning, reducing energy usage by up to 30%. Additionally, the use of smart sensors and data-driven management ensures that energy consumption is optimised, balancing the benefits of digital innovation with eco-friendly practices.
In collaboration with SP Group, the new campus features Singapore’s first experimental Multi-Energy Microgrid (MEMG), tailored for the tropical climate, serving as a testbed for the nation’s low-carbon energy future by integrating electricity, thermal, and renewable sources into a unified smart network for applied learning and research.
“A green campus encourages students to think about the environmental impact of their own work, which is increasingly important in today’s challenging world,” says Elly Sabrina, a Year 1 student in Digital Communications and Integrated Media.
On campus, students can also learn about DCS and energy efficiency in real-life situations by exploring topics like storing cold energy, cooling systems, and managing energy use, all while learning how to use data to improve these processes and predict maintenance needs.
As Fazil puts it: “SIT’s commitment to sustainability provides a living laboratory for students like me to engage in green practices, which are increasingly relevant across industries, including my area of interest – the aviation sector.“
A campus to foster student interaction
In addition to the new equipment and enhanced facilities, students also benefit from increased connectivity with their fellow schoolmates, affectionately known as SITizens, at the Punggol Campus.
“Previously, different cohorts felt somewhat disconnected as we were spread across different satellite campuses,” says Fazil. “The new Punggol Campus creates one central location where SITizens from different clusters will collaborate and bond. One of the things I’m most excited about are the events and outreach opportunities organised by SITizens with the Punggol community.”
A big part of SIT’s mission is about being grounded in the community and creating opportunities for students and graduates to serve the community through their skills and knowledge, understand their needs, and ultimately impact the social, economic and environmental aspects of the Punggol community around them.
For SITizens like Elly, one of the most anticipated things about SIT’s new campus is the camaraderie. “I’m really looking forward to the new personal opportunities here, especially more leadership opportunities such as being part of DCIM’s Student Management Committee (SMC) or being considered as a SITizen Ambassador.”
Being in the heart of PDD
The PDD is a 50-hectare smart district that hosts digital leaders in key tech sectors like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, fintech, and smart living. With innovations ranging from facial recognition technology to autonomous delivery robots, PDD aims to be Singapore’s largest mixed-use smart business park.
“The PDD ecosystem could significantly impact my career,” says Fazil. “Through SIT’s partnerships with the district’s companies, the ecosystem encourages cross-industry knowledge exchange, allowing me to observe how AI and automation are applied in other industries and transfer that insight to air transport technologies.”
The district will house players like the Government Technology Agency (GovTech), Association of Information Security Professionals (AiSP), and Cybersecurity Agency of Singapore (CSA). UOB and OCBC will also set up their global technology and innovation hubs here.
Leshawn looks forward to more opportunities to engage with external stakeholders for practical exposure. “As a student specialising in fintech, I am currently interning with UOB as part of my IWSP. The PDD will make it even easier for students to engage with companies and increase opportunities for internships. I expect this to be a great advantage for both students and businesses looking to leverage young talent.”
As the PDD develops, students can look forward to exciting opportunities in the coming years, including internships, networking, and collaboration with the tech industry and government agencies within a cohesive ecosystem. These industry insights will no doubt shape students’ career aspirations.
For Elly, who’s in communications, networking is key. “Being in the digital district will give me opportunities to attend industry-related social events and network with experts and seniors, which are crucial parts of building my future network in the field of digital communications,” she says, adding that access to innovative tech companies and events like hackathons and collaborative projects will further enhance her future employability.
Finding success in a digital future
Ultimately, the education you receive at any university is the sum of its parts: faculty, facilities, the student community it fosters, and how it prepares you for the future. At SIT’s new campus, the future is now, with technology seamlessly integrated into every aspect of learning and interaction.
“Instead of focusing solely on theoretical knowledge, students might engage in alternating weeks of classroom learning and real-world project work. These projects could be integrated with actual industry needs, providing applied computing students like me with deeper insights and practical experience while enhancing their portfolios.“ – Leshawn Chan
Today, there’s the unmistakable buzz of potential at SIT, where students and faculty are constantly pushing boundaries, experimenting with new tools, and shaping the future in real-time. Learn more about SIT’s Punggol Campus here.
