In a significant stride towards transforming educational environments, StarHub and the National University of Singapore (NUS) have embarked on a partnership to create Singapore's first ‘Borderless University'. This initiative will be supported by advanced digital infrastructure to improve the university's capabilities in education, research, and innovation.
The partnership, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today, will utilise StarHub's cutting-edge Enterprise 5G and Cloud Infinity multi-cloud solution. This collaboration is set to revolutionise the learning and research landscape at NUS by providing ultra-fast, uninterrupted connectivity across the campus.
Technology at the forefront of educational excellence
The core of this initiative is a private dedicated data network established by StarHub specifically for NUS. This setup includes the innovative use of eSIM technology, allowing direct and seamless access to the university's private 5G network and digital resources. This technology eliminates the need for repeated logins typically required by traditional Wi-Fi connections, ensuring a smooth and continuous online experience for both students and staff.
Tan Shui-Min, NUS Chief Information Technology Officer, highlighted the benefits of this collaboration, “This collaboration with StarHub aligns with our vision for a future-oriented learning environment. Both staff and students will benefit from seamless access to NUS' resources and the Internet, wherever they are in Singapore; and in the future, overseas, without the need for VPN or other remote access technologies. Over time we believe that the integration of 5G technology will empower educators to deliver more interactive and personalised learning experiences, such as virtual labs and augmented reality simulations. This innovation in borderless connectivity will reshape our NUS campus network, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution that reduces our carbon footprint.”
Expanding horizons with seamless and secure connectivity
The ‘Borderless University' concept promises to extend the digital learning space beyond physical classrooms and ensure secured access tailored to individual user profiles. The introduction of eSIM technology streamlines the onboarding process, whereby new users can activate their access simply by scanning a QR code, thus bypassing the need for physical SIM cards.
The benefits of this collaboration are manifold:
- Uninterrupted and secure connectivity throughout Singapore enhances mobility and flexibility in learning.
- Data-driven insights from intelligent analytics could lead to innovations in sustainable campus operations and improved educational experiences.
- Thanks to partnerships with global networks, students and staff will continue to enjoy consistent network connectivity when traveling abroad.
Setting a benchmark for the future of education
Tan Kit Yong, Head of Enterprise Business Group at StarHub, expressed enthusiasm about the future impact of this initiative, “In line with our DARE+ initiative, the partnership with NUS will not only enhance the learning environment for NUS staff and students, but also set a benchmark for the future of education and offer valuable learnings for other industry applications. StarHub's Enterprise 5G technology holds immense potential to transform higher education by enabling unprecedented levels of connectivity and innovation.”
This partnership builds on previous collaborations between StarHub and NUS, which include the rollout of an innovative outdoor Wi-Fi network and a Wi-Fi on the Move Solution, enhancing the university's existing indoor network capabilities.
As this collaboration progresses, it promises to redefine the educational experience at NUS, making it more adaptable, efficient, and aligned with future technological advancements.
