Image credits - The Straits Times
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is set to begin a new chapter as it celebrates the opening of its new campus in Punggol. The university will officially mark the transition with a celebratory walk, highlighting its commitment to being an integral part of the Punggol community.
In September, approximately 3,800 students will commence their studies in the first phase of SIT’s expansive 91,000 square meter campus. SIT President Chua Kee Chaing emphasized that the university aims to blend seamlessly with Punggol, describing it as “not an ivory tower but 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 “porous,” meaning the public will have access to some of its ground-floor spaces and can participate in various university-hosted events. This approach reflects SIT’s intention to foster strong connections with local residents and businesses.
A key component of SIT’s community engagement is its STEM outreach program targeting secondary school students in Punggol. This initiative is set to expand its reach, aiming to engage 5,000 students from Edgefield, Greendale, Punggol, and Yusof Ishak secondary schools over the next five years. The program will include talks, workshops, industry visits, mentorship, and an annual camp. More than 200 SIT students who previously attended these schools will return as volunteers to mentor and inspire the next generation.
Additionally, SIT plans to establish a structured mentoring program within its new makerspace, located near Punggol Coast MRT station, by the end of 2025. This initiative will provide secondary students with hands-on STEM experiences and further encourage their interest in technological fields.
Professor Chua highlighted the growing demand for STEM professionals in various industries, noting that SIT’s active participation in these initiatives aligns with national efforts to boost STEM interest, particularly among young women. He also underscored the importance of SIT’s location in the Punggol Digital District, which offers opportunities for collaboration with nearby businesses and industries. The campus will house the Hatchery, a 10-storey facility designed to foster innovation and collaboration between academia and industry.
For the broader Punggol community, SIT will offer various public initiatives, including talks, upskilling courses, volunteer opportunities, and social innovation projects. In line with its mission to be a hub for continuous learning, SIT will also focus on adult education and lifelong learning.
As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, SIT has introduced “10 Acts for Good,” a series of community-focused initiatives, including mentorship programs for at-risk youth and providing healthy food options for local beneficiaries. Additionally, the university will establish a mangrove conservatory aimed at preserving and reintroducing diverse mangrove species to the local ecosystem.