TechInnovation 2024 began on 30 October at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, drawing industry experts, innovators, and leaders for a three-day showcase on “Sustainable Urban Living.” With a fresh theme each day, Day 1 focused on “Paving the Way for Future-Forward Cities,” delivering discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities aimed at advancing sustainable urban solutions. Organised by IPI Singapore, the event promotes partnerships and innovation to address complex urban development challenges.
Collaboration and innovation in sustainable cities
Michael Goh, COO of IPI, opened the event by describing the conference as a collaborative platform where diverse expertise merges to create meaningful impact. “TechInnovation is more than a conference; it’s a platform to bring diverse minds together to foster transformative collaboration and partnerships,” he stated. Goh highlighted that partnerships play a key role in driving innovation, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that can benefit from shared resources and expertise. “By coming together, they can innovate more quickly, compete on a global scale, and reach new heights of success,” he added, reflecting on how events like TechInnovation provide opportunities for connection and impactful partnerships.
Senior Minister of State, Ms. Low Yen Ling, further underscored the importance of collaboration in her address. Representing the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, she emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting SMEs in driving innovation. “The journey towards sustainable urban living really is a collective effort that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders,” she noted, reinforcing Singapore’s dedication to empowering local businesses to innovate and expand internationally.
Keynote insights: Innovation and technology for sustainable growth
The event featured keynotes from industry leaders, each sharing strategies to tackle decarbonisation and drive sustainable growth. Mr. Yoon Young Kim, Cluster President for Singapore and Brunei at Schneider Electric, explored the role of partnerships and technology in overcoming decarbonisation challenges. He shared recent findings from a collaboration with ISCA, which revealed that less than 40% of business leaders fully understand scope three emissions, while only 32% feel confident about reaching net-zero targets. Kim advocated for stronger cross-industry partnerships and digital tools to enable sustainable progress.
Vinod Mahboobani, Global Chief Legal Officer of KFC and Pizza Hut at Yum! Brands, Inc., outlined Yum’s strategy of leveraging technology to boost operational efficiency. By integrating advanced systems to reduce in-person sales, Yum! Brands aims to lessen its dependency on third-party vendors, ultimately building a digital-first, AI-driven operational model. Mahboobani highlighted how the company is integrating Voice AI and other digital solutions to meet customer demands while enhancing scalability.
Panels on urban sustainability and business opportunities
The conference continued with panel discussions focused on sustainable solutions for urban environments. Experts, including industry leaders and innovators, outlined ambitious goals for creating greener, smarter cities. Calvin Chung, Assistant CEO of JTC, spoke about Singapore’s targets, aiming for 80% green buildings, 80% super low-energy developments, and an 80% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. Kevin Lim from City Developments Limited (CDL) shared CDL’s achievements in green building initiatives, highlighting the company’s multiple platinum-rated projects and dedication to environmental standards.
A highlight was a presentation by Lester Leong, co-founder of GUSH, who introduced a one-coat paint technology designed to lower labour costs and enhance efficiency. Dr. Singh also provided insights on urban development trends, emphasising the importance of well-being, biodiversity, circular economy, and resilience in city planning.
The event also featured a discussion on sustainable business practices and future-forward urban challenges. Kelvin Ong from Little Green Ranger shared their work in using battery generators and renewable energy to reduce diesel reliance. IPI Innovation Advisor Hong Wai Wong highlighted how companies like Little Green Ranger benefit from strategic growth support. Rowena Rawte, Global Head of Sustainability at HY M&E Consultancy Services, discussed the integration of digital twin technology worldwide and emphasised that sustainability is an ongoing journey. “Sustainability requires ongoing attention and commitment, as it touches every stage from design to operation,” she remarked, underlining the continuous effort needed for sustainable progress.
Networking and pitching with South Korean innovators
In a special segment, KILSA Global, in collaboration with Seoul Metropolitan City, the Seoul Business Agency, and Seoul StartUp Hub, showcased 10 South Korean companies. These firms presented innovations across digital health, personal care, sustainability, and smart city solutions, giving attendees a glimpse into the latest advancements from South Korea.
Day 1 of TechInnovation 2024 set the stage for future-forward cities, fostering discussions, partnerships, and innovations in sustainable urban living. Attendees left inspired to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and work together to create a more sustainable urban future.
