Four international companies have confirmed their plan to set up a base in Punggol Digital District, creating over 2,000 Singapore tech jobs ranging from data analysts, solution engineers to artificial intelligence and blockchain developers.
These international companies are: 1. Delta Electronics International (Singapore), that is expert in providing smart living solutions. 2. Robotics design company Boston Dynamics. 3. Cybersecurity services provider Group-IB; and 4. Wanxiang, that offers blockchain solutions.
Minister for Trade and Industry Mr. Gan Kim Yong stated the idea is to “bring different expertise to the mix”.
Singapore tech to focuses on:
Mr Gan said the firms will benefit from Singapore’s status as an open global hub for innovation, business and talent, while the district will also benefit from good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans. The masterplan for the 50ha Punggol Digital District was announced in 2018 and it will progressively open from 2024.
The Singapore Institute of Technology’s (SIT) new campus, which will serve more than 10,000 students and 500 academic staff, will be located in the district. The businesses will have close access to talent from Singapore Institute of Technology, while students will also benefit from an applied learning environment. The district will also serve as a living lab for companies, students and public to test digital and smart living solutions.
Group-IB who is a partner of Interpol and Europol – will collaborate with Singapore Institute of Technology to design and engineer a virtual testing environment suitable for early-stage companies and start-ups to test the vulnerability of their solutions to cyberattacks. Their virtual system will have the ability to stress test applications, solutions and systems against cyberthreats.
The Punggol Digital District was envisioned to be a smart and sustainable mixed-use district. It was masterplanned by Singapore Institute of Technology Corporation in line with Singapore tech and digital economy plans.
“A holistic ecosystem that fosters collaborative partnerships and innovation, which value-adds to businesses even before they move into the district. These partnerships between the industry, academia and trade associations are exemplary of the environment that we are building to accelerate innovation.
said Tan Boon Khai
Mr Gan said “the digital economy is a bright spot for businesses around the world and critical to the economic success of Singapore and Singaporeans. The strong business interest and investments in Punggol Digital District is testament to Singapore’s reputation as the region’s digital innovation hub.”
Wanxiang Blockchain executive president Vincent Wang stated: “We see opportunities for the cross-pollination of ideas and technological innovation between the district and our smart city projects in Hangzhou and Shanghai. These programs support our efforts to engage with and grow the community of digital technology learners, users and enthusiasts Singapore.”
The company will also join hands with a local training provider to launch a series to help mid-career professionals build skillsets and provide certification in areas such as blockchain and cloud computing.
Apart from the international investors, the ecosystem at the Punggol Digital District will be further strengthened by the CSA, Singapore tech and a network of other associations in future.
