On September 7 the Housing and Development Board (HDB) signed two research and development agreements with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

The agreements, each spanning three years, aim to leverage big data, data analytics, and smart technology to boost construction productivity and safety, as well as developing a new social framework to build stronger communities.

The $4.7 million collaboration with NTU to develop a Smart Integrated Construction System (SICS), will harness smart technology to transform traditional construction work processes and boost productivity.

Key features of the SICS include the HDB Integrated Building Information System, a central digital database as a collaborative work space; a Smart Tracking System, to virtually manage logistics of construction inventory; and a Smart Crane System, automating the manual hoisting process of building components on site.

The $6 million MOU with SUTD is to embark on a study called the New Urban Kampong research programme, adopting modelling tools to analyse shifts in socio-demographic sectors, and create new housing solutions in tandem with residents’ evolving needs and aspirations.