Image Credits: The Straits Time
On August 24, Singapore’s fifth university, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), will commence a new chapter with a significant milestone: the phased opening of its expansive campus in Punggol. This development, covering 91,000 square meters, will initially accommodate 3,800 students starting in September. SIT President Chua Kee Chaing emphasized that the university aims to seamlessly integrate into the Punggol community, stating, “SIT will not be an ivory tower but rather very much part and parcel of Punggol.”
The new campus, accessible via the Punggol Coast MRT and Teck Lee LRT stations, is designed to be open and engaging. Its ground floor spaces will be open to the public, and the university plans to host various events to foster community interaction. One key initiative is the Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP), which will offer numerous opportunities for local students and residents to engage with SIT’s academic community.
A cornerstone of SIT’s engagement strategy is its STEM outreach programme, aimed at secondary school students in Punggol. This initiative will involve regular activities such as workshops, mentorship, and industry visits, targeting 5,000 students over the next five years. Students from Edgefield, Greendale, Punggol, and Yusof Ishak Secondary Schools will benefit from these programs, which also include a structured mentoring scheme to be set up at the university’s makerspace by late 2025.
The university is also set to establish the Hatchery, a 10-storey building designed to bridge academia and industry. This facility will enable SIT to collaborate closely with businesses in the Punggol Digital District, aligning educational and research efforts with industry needs.
SIT’s engagement extends beyond educational initiatives. The university has committed to various community-oriented projects, including public talks, upskilling courses, and social innovation projects. Notably, SIT will mark its 10th anniversary in 2024 with “10 Acts for Good,” which encompass mentorship for at-risk youth and providing healthy food options for local beneficiaries. Additionally, a mangrove conservatory will be established to preserve local biodiversity.
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, at the university’s topping-out ceremony in 2023, emphasized SIT’s role in fostering continuous learning and community development. Punggol resident Cameron Soh expressed his hope that SIT will foster a vibrant intellectual community akin to college towns abroad, contributing positively to Punggol’s dynamic environment.
With its blend of academic rigor and community engagement, SIT is poised to make a lasting impact on Punggol, driving both educational and social progress.