Funds will support SUTD in deepening research capabilities in the promotion of sustainable and innovative cities, as well as research and educational initiatives related to the SUTD Eco-City Research & Innovation Centre, which was launched today at the Singapore-Tianjin Economic and Trade Council Meeting.

Keppel Ltd., through its philanthropic arm, Keppel Care Foundation, is making a S$500,000 donation to the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) in support of its research and education capabilities in sustainability.

The donation, to be managed by the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities at SUTD,  will support SUTD in deepening research and innovation capabilities in sustainable, innovative cities, in areas such as the built environment and net zero communities; as well as research and educational initiatives related to the SUTD Eco-City Research & Innovation Centre (SERIC), which was launched at the Singapore-Tianjin Economic and Trade Council Meeting today by Singapore’s Minister for National Development Mr Desmond Lee and Tianjin Mayor Mr Zhang Gong.

Located in the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City (Eco-City), SERIC is a research centre that has been set up to nurture talents and co-innovate solutions for sustainable and low-carbon development, in partnership with the government, academia and industry players in Singapore and China. It will also explore joint programmes for research development, education and training and enterprise development between Singapore and Tianjin.

CEO of Keppel, Mr Loh Chin Hua, said, “Keppel is pleased to strengthen our collaboration with SUTD to advance sustainability-related research and education, which is closely aligned to our focus as a global asset manager and operator with deep expertise in infrastructure, real estate and connectivity. Through supporting SUTD’s efforts to find new, innovative ways to solve sustainability-related challenges, as well as its research collaboration and educational initiatives at SERIC, we hope to contribute to the creation of increasingly green and connected solutions for a sustainable future.”

SUTD President, Professor Phoon Kok Kwang, who is in Tianjin for the launch of SERIC, echoed these views: “We are grateful to Keppel for their continued support of SUTD and the work that we do – both in education and research. Research and innovation are vital to the pursuit of a sustainable future. At SUTD, we use design, AI and technology to look at existing challenges faced by communities to find sustainable and actionable solutions. We work closely with enterprise to bring these solutions from the lab to market. This is what we have been doing in Singapore and now we are replicating this in China through the newly launched SERIC.”

The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City is a bilateral cooperation project between the governments of Singapore and China. The Eco-City’s vision is to be a thriving city which is socially harmonious, environmentally-friendly and resource-efficient – a model for sustainable development. Keppel leads the Singapore consortium for this project and works closely with its Chinese partner to guide the 50-50 joint venture, Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co., Ltd. (SSTEC), in its role as master developer of the Eco-City.

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About Keppel Ltd.

Keppel Ltd. (SGX:BN4) is a global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity. Headquartered in Singapore, Keppel operates in more than 20 countries worldwide, providing critical infrastructure and services for renewables, clean energy, decarbonisation, sustainable urban renewal and digital connectivity. Keppel creates value for investors and stakeholders through its quality investment platforms and diverse asset portfolios, including private funds and listed real estate and business trusts.

About SUTD

The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) was one of the first universities in the world to incorporate the art and science of design and technology into a holistic interdisciplinary education and research experience. SUTD students thrive in a design-steeped environment and are encouraged to think creatively and innovatively to solve real-world problems. In March 2024, SUTD unveiled a new growth strategy, SUTD Leap, which aims to propel the university to the forefront of the design x tech space through a focus on design, AI and technology.