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Heng Swee Keat, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies, acknowledged the transformative impact of the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), an international research campus that has emerged as a dynamic hub for innovation and collaboration.
The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that CREATE was founded sixteen years ago with the intention of enhancing Singapore’s research, innovation, and business landscape. Their initiative intended to attract leading universities and researchers to Singapore, fostering a thriving research ecosystem and providing opportunities for local institutions to collaborate with the brightest minds in the world.
Beginning with a handful of universities and institutions, CREATE has steadily expanded its network to now include nine global partners.
“With its diverse community of researchers from various disciplines and backgrounds, CREATE fosters interdisciplinary research to tackle complex real-world challenges,” said Deputy Prime Minister Heng, adding that as technology evolves at a rapid rate, digital solutions play a crucial role in shaping the future of research and development.
CREATE recognises the power of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research in accordance with global trends. With more than thirty countries represented and a vast multitude of research disciplines, the campus serves as a breeding ground for diverse ideas and perspectives.
The incorporation of digital technology enhances this synergy by facilitating collaborations across disciplines. The 15 established interdisciplinary programmes at CREATE, encompassing fields such as the environment, energy, and urban systems, allow researchers to utilise digital tools and data-driven insights to develop holistic solutions.
Future Health Technology is an example of the intersection between digital technology and healthcare innovation. The programme explores the viability and efficacy of Mobile Digital Health technologies in response to the challenges posed by ageing populations.
The RELab tenoexo is a wearable hand exoskeleton designed for physiotherapy exercises for stroke patients. Combining technology and healthcare, this innovation demonstrates how digital advancements can improve patient care while easing labour shortages.
CREATE exemplifies the effectiveness of collaborative models in scientific progress. In an era marked by geopolitical tensions, global collaboration in science and technology has become less important. However, CREATE emphasises the need for international partnerships to effectively address complex challenges.
By drawing together the brightest minds from diverse institutions, CREATE can extend its influence beyond national borders. The fusion of talents, cultures, and expertise enables ground-breaking discoveries with the potential to uplift populations, safeguard the environment, and shape a better future for all.
The emphasis on sustainable cities and climate change aligns with Singapore’s own priorities while addressing a universally pressing issue. By integrating digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into multidisciplinary programmes such as Mens, Manus, and Machina, CREATE aims to maximise efficiencies in a machine-assisted world while ensuring human-centric outcomes.
While fundamental research remains essential, CREATE recognises the importance of translating scientific insights into practical applications. To influence the actual world, research must be translated into practical innovations. It‘s participation in Singapore’s thriving startup ecosystem exemplifies this strategy.
Programmes like DiSTAP concentrate on developing disruptive and sustainable agricultural technologies. By leveraging digital tools and collaborating with chemical engineers and plant scientists, CREATE intends to provide early detection tools for plant stress, which will benefit farmers around the globe.
CREATE acknowledges Singapore’s innovation ecosystem’s potential for scaling its research and transforming it into tangible solutions. The robust venture capital market and platforms such as the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) offer opportunities for collaboration, investment, and commercialisation.
By leveraging this ecosystem, CREATE can increase the impact of its research, expand its global influence, and contribute to Singapore’s position as a hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise in Asia.
