Today's World

The world is accelerating, and the paradigm has shifted. What once was science fiction is quickly becoming our present reality. As we face the tectonic shifts in our world, we must ask: How can society thrive amidst constant economic disruption? How do we keep pace with the rapid flow of information? There are cities ahead of the curve, creating tools for tomorrow. We aim to innovate with real-world impact. Imagine a self-sustained Singapore in food production, envisioning the city 40 years ahead. This could be a model for the future.

More than half of the world's population lives in cities, a number that is steadily increasing. This rapid urbanization brings both possibilities and challenges. How can today's cities grow and thrive to become ideal living spaces tomorrow? Governments worldwide face the task of creating sustainable, manageable urban environments. In Singapore, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) understands this challenge well, providing living spaces for about 80% of residents in one of the most densely populated cities.

Dr. Chung, an architect planner, has been guiding HDB's smart public housing initiatives since 2010. Despite significant challenges, her vision has helped Singapore develop sustainably. With a land area half the size of metropolitan London, Singapore houses 5.7 million people, managing land and resources efficiently to become one of Asia's most livable cities.

When Dr. Chong was a child, Singapore was vastly different, with a third of today's population, minimal GDP, and little infrastructure. In just over five decades, the city-state transformed remarkably. The HDB built a million flats, creating one of the world's most successful public housing programs. Now, HDB is leveraging high-tech solutions to improve living spaces and quality of life for the future.

Singapore's sophisticated computer models help architect planners enhance environmental quality. For example, computer simulations position buildings and public spaces to maximize airflow in the tropical climate. Long-term comprehensive planning ensures that Singapore has sufficient land for development needs, looking 40 years ahead.

Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) identifies future land needs, a challenge that attracts adventurous and curious planners. Since independence in 1965, Singapore has increased its land mass by about 23% through reclamation, with Marina Bay as a striking example. Marina Bay's development, a mix-use precinct, was designed to be active 24/7, addressing the traditional central business district's limitations.

To support round-the-clock activity, URA built infrastructure beneath Marina Bay, including water, electrical tunnels, pedestrian spaces, highways, subways, and telecommunications. These systems are designed to meet Singapore's needs for the next 50 years. Visionaries like Jason Pomeroy imagine the future of cities, exploring air rights and vertical expansion as population density increases.

As urban transportation evolves, drone technology could play a significant role. Singapore's government supports advanced drone capabilities testing through projects like Airbus's Skyways, which explores urban air delivery with fully customized drones ensuring maximum safety.

Urban populations face unprecedented challenges, especially in food and water security. With 93% of its produce imported, Singapore is exploring innovative agricultural practices like vertical farming. Benjamin Swan's Sustaineer farm uses controlled environment agriculture to grow produce indoors without sunlight or soil, optimizing conditions to suit local tastes.

Traditional land farming uses linear space, but vertical farming leverages buildings to expand agriculture's footprint upward. Sustaineer's techniques could provide vital farming areas for future cities. Fresh, available food will be essential for health, as aging populations and rising diabetes rates demand smart nutrition.

Dr. Lee Man Wai's personalized nutrition project at Singapore Polytechnic uses wearable tech and 3D printing to create food tailored to individual needs. Her innovative approach could revolutionize dietary health, combining real-time data with advanced food technology.

Ensuring a constant, safe water supply is another critical challenge. Singapore's extensive network of rivers and canals channels rainwater into reservoirs. However, limited land necessitates alternative sources like desalination. The state-of-the-art Tuas Desalination Plant, using reverse osmosis, is part of Singapore's strategy to secure water sustainability.

Desalination is energy-intensive, so Singapore invests in new technologies like Evoqua's electrodialysis, which uses electricity to remove salt from seawater efficiently. These innovations ensure a resilient water supply for the future.

Singapore's financial sector is vital, contributing 12% of GDP. The nation's chief fintech officer, Swapnandu Mahanti, drives technology innovation to keep the sector competitive. Project Ubin, using blockchain for secure financial transactions, exemplifies this forward-thinking approach.

Singapore's startup culture thrives on innovation, with hubs like ST Engineering's InnoSparks developing smart city and health tech solutions. Revolutionary projects like Alango's automated needle targeting system and the Air+ smart mask demonstrate real-world impacts of technological advancements.

Ideas are the intangible resources powering cities. Singapore supports a wave of innovative companies, from medical technology to wireless power transfer. Transferfy's wireless power system, for instance, could revolutionize how we think about electricity, using radio frequency to transfer power without wires.

Education prepares future generations for a tech-driven world. Programs like Playmaker introduce children to advanced learning concepts through tech toys, building foundational skills for computer programming and literacy.

Digital literacy extends to all age groups, as Singapore ensures its citizens stay connected and capable in a digital world. Initiatives like the Infocomm Media Development Authority's clinics help seniors navigate technology, fostering a digitally inclusive society.

Singapore's technological advancements enhance lives, exemplified by projects like the Breath Optic system for monitoring premature babies. Driven by personal experiences, innovators like Frank develop solutions that make a real difference, ensuring the city remains a model for future urban living.