The annual RP Technology Day on October 2, 2013 explored the importance of innovation and sustainable productivity in three areas: food and nutrition, environmental technologies and information and communication technologies.
More than 400 participants from industry, academia and government attended the event at the Agora Halls. Mr Seto Lok Yin, Acting Principal of Republic Polytechnic, gave the welcome address and was followed by Mr Choi Shing Kwok, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. Mr Valerio Nannini, Chairman of Singapore Innovation and Productivity Institute Pte Ltd (SiPi) and the Managing Director of Nestle Singapore, presented the main keynote address on nurturing an innovative culture which would improve sustainability in countries and organisations.
“To have an idea and carry it through the difficult times, now that is innovation,” Mr Nannini repeated throughout his speech.
The event then separated into three concurrent breakout forum sessions – Food 360, Green 360 and Smart IT 360. The highlight of Smart IT 360 was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between RP and Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (A*STAR), which allows the two organisations to work on projects. A Collaboration Agreement (CA) signed between Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd and Republic Polytechnic preceded the setting up of a joint research facility called RP-STK Green Energy Management & Solutions (GEMS) Lab, which specialises in green energy technology.
For Green 360 and Food 360, industry and RP speakers spoke about topics such as the Green Mark Scheme, energy saving tips, innovative and environmentally friendly building design and food innovation.
Associate Director of IPSOS Marketing Aman Arora, a panel member during the Food 360 session on productivity in the food industry, hoped the session was impactful for the participants.
“It would be good if they could grasp a holistic understanding of the food industry operations and maximise its potential as well as reduce any wastages,” said the 34-year-old.
Booth exhibitions were also held to showcase the works of RP staff and students, including projects by CEC, SAS, SEG, STA and SOI. The projects ranged from the uses of a hydrogen fuel cell to censorship software to gesture and touch based interactive applications for autistic children.
– Additional reporting by Perle Ng and Luqman Haqim Ishamuddin
