Changi Airport a valuable test bed for innovations

We thank Mr Cheang Peng Wah for his letter “Is EDB footing the bill for Changi’s tech push?” (Jan 24). We note his concerns and would like to clarify the intent of the Changi Airport Living Lab.

As Singapore’s economy shifts towards value creation, our companies and industries must develop deep capabilities to create new products and solutions that can be exported to the world.

Singapore must also build platforms to allow different players in our economy — companies, research institutes, start-ups and technology providers, for example — to come together, innovate and co-create.

The Changi Airport Living Lab initiative is thus in line with the Economic Development Board (EDB)’s strategy of working with companies, including local ones, to grow new businesses and value.

As a lead user of technology and solutions, with more than 55 million passengers passing through its gates yearly, Changi Airport is a valuable test bed for companies to conceptualise and pilot innovative solutions out of Singapore.

The high-value areas of focus, including robotics, data analytics and security technologies, are emerging areas and fertile ground for innovations. The EDB will continue facilitating partnerships among different stakeholders to create and take new products and solutions beyond our shores.