{"id":67012,"date":"2026-07-08T09:59:01","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T01:59:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=67012"},"modified":"2026-07-08T09:59:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T01:59:01","slug":"spore-to-invest-800m-in-transport-research-and-innovation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=67012","title":{"rendered":"S\u2019pore to invest $800m in transport research and innovation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SINGAPORE \u2013\u00a0<!-- -->Some $800 million will be pumped into the transport sector over the next five years to strengthen Singapore\u2019s position as a global transport and logistics hub.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Announcing the funding on July 7, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said: \u201cWe will use these funds to back ideas that could completely transform how transport operates today<!-- -->.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He cited examples such as a fully automated depot that allows for more efficient maintenance and repairs of trains, a smart port network and an AI-enabled air traffic management system that increases regional airspace capacity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The minister was speaking during the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/mps-propose-seamless-air-sea-transfers-training-workers-for-future-jobs-in-parliament?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"inline font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"typography-test-id\">debate on a motion moved by PAP MP Tin Pei Ling<\/span><\/a>, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">In all, 24 MPs spoke and gave suggestions to improve Singapore\u2019s position as a global transport hub. After more than six hours of debate, the House unanimously supported the motion.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ministry of Transport to get R&amp;D funding of $800 million, double the funding over the past 5 years\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/07YZWegcQEs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The $800 million funding falls under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/singapore-commits-record-37-billion-to-drive-research-innovation-and-enterprise-over-the-next-five?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"inline font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"typography-test-id\">National Research Foundation\u2019s Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2030 plan<\/span><\/a>. It will build on earlier research efforts that cut across the air, land and maritime sectors, said the Ministry of Transport (MOT).<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">About two-thirds of the funding, or $530 million, will go towards improving capabilities in two areas: autonomous systems and digital twins to improve connectivity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical asset or system that uses real-time data to mirror its condition and performance, allowing it to be monitored, analysed and tested digitally.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">MOT said the aim is to harness autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and robotics across the logistics network, port and airport to enable operations that are large-scale, safe and manpower-light.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">This will include drawing up new testing and certification frameworks for autonomous vehicles and unmanned aircraft.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Joining the debate, Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng said the Government will invest in digital twin models to manage the transport network more effectively.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The integration of relevant data across the port, airport and logistics network can be used to improve cargo movements in logistics hubs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">In road traffic management, disruptions can be identified and addressed earlier, and weather conditions can be forecast ahead of time to reduce the impact on airport operations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The remaining third of the funds \u2013 more than $260 million \u2013 will support research in the land, aviation and maritime sectors.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">For land transport, research will focus on autonomous public transport and automated rail depots.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">With fast-evolving rail technology, researchers will focus on upgrades aimed at boosting reliability and reducing maintenance needs, MOT said. AI and sensors will also be used to help forecast maintenance needs and automate some of the maintenance tasks at rail depots.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">In aviation, the research will be on ways to help Singapore\u2019s air hub cope with growing passenger numbers and cargo demand. AI will be used to optimise flight movements, reduce flight times and emissions, and support air traffic controllers<!-- -->.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">On the ground, AI and automation will be used to help workers with physically demanding tasks such as baggage handling, and improve the passenger journey from kerbside to gate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">For the maritime sector, research will focus on autonomous port operations, alternative fuels, smart ships and integrated port services. <!-- -->As Singapore handles more vessels while facing tighter constraints on sea space and manpower, better coordination of port activities will become increasingly important, MOT said.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">In her speech to move the motion for debate, Tin had highlighted three key areas to strengthen Singapore\u2019s long-term economic competitiveness: strengthening international cooperation, harnessing frontier technologies such as AI, and integrating physical and digital infrastructure.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cTogether, they serve one ultimate goal: generating and anchoring meaningful jobs for Singaporeans to take up and grow in,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Tin noted that recent geopolitical shocks have highlighted the need for the Republic to remain connected even during major disruptions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Developments around the Strait of Hormuz have made the world more reliant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/asia\/se-asia\/why-anxieties-are-rising-over-the-malacca-strait-asias-key-shipping-route?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"inline font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"typography-test-id\">on the Strait of Malacca<\/span><\/a>, creating both opportunities and risks for Singapore, she added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Singapore must have the capacity and capability to handle rising trade flows, which will require closer cooperation with regional neighbours, she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">One suggestion she made was for the Government to prioritise land, air and sea connectivity within ASEAN, and build a shared digital transport network that would allow countries to securely share data to support cross-border transport and innovation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Responding to MPs in his speech, Siow reiterated his ministry\u2019s priorities for the transport sector, which he first set out in March: to be globally oriented, future-focused and people-centric.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Citing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/world\/from-paint-to-planes-iran-war-lifts-costs-darkens-outlooks?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"inline font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"typography-test-id\">disrupted global energy and supply chains<\/span><\/a>, he noted that there were even suggestions that countries could levy tolls, as though the right of transit passage under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea simply did not exist.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cFor most countries, these are distant headlines. For Singapore, this is existential,\u201d he said, adding that Singapore depends on a rules-based international order \u201cwhere every nation, large or small, operates on the same terms\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">This is why Singapore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/spore-will-not-negotiate-for-safe-passage-through-strait-of-hormuz-as-matter-of-principle-vivian?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"inline font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"typography-test-id\">spoke up on the Strait of Hormuz<\/span><\/a>, Siow said. \u201cFor a country that lives by its connections, these rules are a matter of survival.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">He added that Singapore\u2019s presence in international organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation is one part of this strategy to be globally oriented, while its international partnerships are another.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Singapore has built a network of air services agreements, green and digital shipping corridors, and other partnerships. These agreements help explain why Changi Airport has flights to more than 170 cities today, while Singapore\u2019s ports connect to over 600 locations worldwide, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe will deepen these links and build new ones with like-minded partners \u2013 bilaterally and multilaterally. This includes new initiatives with our ASEAN neighbours,\u201d Siow said, noting that Singapore will chair ASEAN in 2027 and have the opportunity to advance projects that bring the region closer together.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">As supply chains become more digital, connectivity will increasingly depend on technology, Siow said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Turning to AI, he said the technology will profoundly reshape Singapore\u2019s economy and society, and the transport sector will be no exception.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cOur approach will not be to adopt AI for its own sake, but we will do so with intention, clarity and on our own terms,\u201d said Siow, who leads the AI Missions on Connectivity, one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/tech\/work-on-ai-missions-have-begun-starting-with-aviation-sector-josephine-teo?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"inline font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"typography-test-id\">four national missions<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">These AI missions are industry-centric by design, he noted, using AI to address real industry problems. This approach suits the transport sector especially well, he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Transport must also be people-centric, Siow said. On the economic front, this means helping workers become more productive and equipping them with new skills.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Acknowledging concerns from cabbies and private hire drivers about autonomous vehicles, Siow stressed that driver jobs will not vanish any time soon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Many human drivers will still be needed even in 10 years\u2019 time, he said, adding that his ministry will take a proactive approach to support drivers through any transition.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/f3f23d7a89ee478d04cf2f0887630e361de7be157526d702d71d0a8ff3b98a2b?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/f3f23d7a89ee478d04cf2f0887630e361de7be157526d702d71d0a8ff3b98a2b?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/f3f23d7a89ee478d04cf2f0887630e361de7be157526d702d71d0a8ff3b98a2b?w=900\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/f3f23d7a89ee478d04cf2f0887630e361de7be157526d702d71d0a8ff3b98a2b\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/f3f23d7a89ee478d04cf2f0887630e361de7be157526d702d71d0a8ff3b98a2b\" alt=\"Acknowledging concerns from cabbies and private hire drivers over autonomous vehicles, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow stressed that driver jobs will not vanish anytime soon.\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 pt-08 pb-16\">\n<p class=\"inline text-secondary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Acknowledging concerns from cabbies and private hire drivers about autonomous vehicles, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow stressed that driver jobs will not vanish any time soon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"inline text-tertiary font-secondary-captions-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\"> <!-- -->PHOTO: ST FILE<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/private-hire-taxi-drivers-to-get-more-help-to-take-up-new-jobs-involving-driverless-vehicles?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"inline font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"typography-test-id\">announced several measures on July 7<\/span><\/a> to help taxi and private hire drivers reskill and explore new career opportunities. <!-- -->These include a new incentive scheme to defray vehicle rental fees and lost income while drivers undergo training.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Concluding his speech, Siow said the future of transport will ultimately centre on people and provide future generations with opportunities.<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-primary font-tertiary-body-baseline-regular\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe hold the line on the rules so that a small nation is never left at the mercy of a larger one. We invest at the frontier so that our hard-won lead is not quietly surrendered. We do all of it for one reason and one reason only \u2013 for Singaporeans,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<center><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/politics\/spore-to-invest-800-million-in-transport-research-and-innovation-over-next-five-years\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><br \/>\n<center\/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SINGAPORE \u2013\u00a0Some $800 million will be pumped into the transport sector over the next five years to strengthen Singapore\u2019s position as a global transport and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":67014,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-67012","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=67012"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67012\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/67014"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=67012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=67012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=67012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}