SLA announces new partnerships to harness space-based technologies and data to address climate challenges

Connecting Land and Space for a Safe, Sustainable, and Smart Singapore

Introduction

1.       A very good morning to:

a)      Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Gan Kim Yong;

b)       Chairman, Singapore Space and Technology Ltd, Mr Jeremy Chan;

c)       Distinguished guests, ladies, and gentlemen.

2.       Welcome to the Global Space Technology Convention and Exhibition 2025. To all our international guests, thank you for joining us as we commemorate this milestone that Singapore is taking as we usher in a new era of growth for space technology and innovation.

Space-based Technologies and Freedom of Information

3.       In the recent decades, space-based technologies have enabled the unprecedented freedom of access to information through Earth Observation. As highlighted in Deputy Prime Minister Gan’s speech, the growth and proliferation of space-based information has far-reaching implications for Singapore and the world. From enhancing our environmental monitoring capabilities to improving communication networks, satellite data is now instrumental in addressing various global challenges, including those related to climate change and sustainability.

4.       The power of satellite imagery in crisis management and environmental monitoring is deeply impactful on a personal level. I'm sure many of us have seen satellite images of the devastation caused by disasters like the recent California wildfires or the earthquake that struck Hualien, Taiwan back in April. Being able to see for yourself the extent of these disasters and their impact on communities truly compels us to act swiftly and decisively to address the broader reaching impacts of climate change.

Partnerships and Collaborations

5.       As we've heard from the speakers before us, the effective use of space-based technology requires strategic partnerships. In line with Singapore's commitment to growing our space technology ecosystem, I'm pleased to share that earlier today, SLA signed two new MOUs: one with the Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn), and another with NUS's Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing (CRISP).

6.       SLA’s collaboration with OSTIn focuses on developing Singapore's space technology ecosystem, supporting local and regional geospatial needs. This partnership leverages SLA's geospatial expertise and OSTIn's strength in space technology, particularly through their newly launched Earth Observation Initiative. Together, we aim to catalyse the use of Earth observation data to support local and regional geospatial needs, while driving innovative solutions for sustainability and humanitarian efforts across the Asia-Pacific region.

7.       To expand our insights into existing data, SLA’s partnership with CRISP aims to enhance existing research into carbon biomass estimation by sharing SLA’s LiDAR data acquired during our national mapping project. This collaboration facilitates the joint development and research of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for geospatial and mapping applications, paving the way for innovative technologies that will contribute to Singapore's vision of a safe, sustainable, and smart city.

8.       Beyond these new partnerships, SLA continues to build on our existing international collaborations. Presently, we are working with Delft University of Technology to integrate space-based data to enhance geodetic infrastructure for monitoring land motion and sea-level rise. A part of this collaborative effort is the “3Sisters” project that aims to bring together geodetic expertise from Singapore, the Netherlands, and Indonesia, highlighting the importance of international collaboration for informed decision making and developing of climate change adaptation strategies.

A Safe, Sustainable, and Smart Singapore

9.       As Singapore's national mapping and geospatial agency, SLA plays a pivotal role in harnessing space-for-earth technology. Our geospatial expertise is fundamental in translating space-based data into actionable insights that drive Singapore's goal of becoming a safe, sustainable, and smart city.

10.      Since 2006, SLA oversees SiReNT, Singapore’s national positioning infrastructure. Today, SLA has ten reference stations, allowing us to provide users with precise and real-time positioning accuracies of up to three centimetres and a post-processed accuracy of five millimetres.

11.      SLA is committed to maintaining, expanding and upgrading SiReNT. By collaborating with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), SLA is exploring to increase the number of SiReNT stations. This enhances the accuracy and reliability of data that goes into a wide range of applications like autonomous vehicle navigation, construction automation, and environmental and terrestrial monitoring.

12.      SLA is also looking to collaborate with the Public Utilities Board (PUB), MPA, and the National Environment Agency’s Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS) to combat sea level rise by integrating SiReNT data with SAR imagery for land motion monitoring at the millimetre-level. This aligns with our work with various United Nations technical groups and the International Hydrographic Organization on integrating terrestrial, maritime, and cadastral domains, showcasing our commitment to innovative sustainability solutions.

Capacity Building: The Geomatics Pipeline

13.      As we advance geospatial technology, we must address a critical concern: the need for a robust geomatics pipeline to meet industry demand and tackle system vulnerabilities.

14.      This need is highlighted by threats to space-based technologies, such as signal interference and jamming, which can disrupt critical GNSS-dependent sectors like aviation and emergency services. SLA is addressing these challenges by identifying interference sources, assessing impacts, and alerting users to potential disruptions. However, to truly enhance our resilience, we must prioritise capacity building in the geospatial field to develop expertise in managing these evolving threats

15.      SLA, as Singapore’s leading geospatial agency, is committed to developing local talent in geomatics, geodesy, and space-based competencies. To foster the next generation of innovators and problem solvers, SLA, in collaboration with Singapore Space and Technology Limited (SSTL), organised the GNSS Innovation Quest (GIQ) that is specifically designed for tertiary and junior college students. The challenge encouraged participants to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems using SiReNT data. Winning projects of 2024’s iteration included autonomous delivery robots by Singapore Polytechnic students and a system for detecting invasive plant species in parks by NUS students, showcasing the versatility of SiReNT data across various sectors.

16.      To strengthen the local geomatics pipeline, SLA is actively working to expand formal education pathways in this field. We're exploring the development of new tertiary education programmes specifically focused on geomatics. This initiative builds upon our existing collaborations with academic institutions like Singapore Polytechnic where we established the "SLA Geomatics Book Prize" for students in the Diploma of Civil Engineering programme. These efforts aim to create more structured and comprehensive educational opportunities in geomatics, enhancing our resilience in the face of vulnerabilities.

Closing

17.      As we stand at the forefront of space-based technological advancements, the imperative for collaboration has never been more crucial. The challenges we face—from climate change to disaster management—are global in nature and require a unified approach.

18.      I urge each of you to seize the networking opportunities available here. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and explore potential collaborations. It is through these connections that we can drive innovative solutions using space-based technology, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and addressing pressing global issues.

19.      Let us leave this conference not just with new knowledge, but with new partnerships and a renewed commitment to harnessing the power of space technology for the betterment of our world.

20.      I wish you all an enriching and exciting conference. Thank you. 

Quotes

“The partnership between OSTIn and SLA marks a significant step in leveraging Space Technology for national development. Tapping on SLA’s geospatial capabilities, we aim to enhance land management, environment monitoring and urban planning.  This will also boost our efforts in areas such as the Earth Observation Initiative (EOI), where we will utilise space technologies to drive innovative solutions for real world issues. We look forward to working with like-minded partners as we harness satellite technology to drive innovation, sustainability, and resilience from Singapore.”

-       Mr Jonathan Hung, Executive Director, OSTIn

“SLA’s strategic partnership with OSTIn on the Earth Observation Initiative marks a significant step in accelerating geo-enabled solutions to support Singapore’s sustainability agenda. Building on SLA’s experience in utilising space-based technologies and data for geospatial projects, the collaboration will drive innovative solutions and deepen regional cooperation to address challenges brought about by climate change.”

-       Mr Colin Low, Chief Executive of SLA

Quotes

“The collaboration between CRISP and SLA is a powerful step forward in geospatial research. By integrating SLA’s LiDAR data with CRISP’s remote sensing expertise, we can enhance national mapping, environmental monitoring, and urban planning. This partnership isn’t just about advancing technology—it’s about using data-driven insights to support sustainability and smarter urban development. True innovation happens when experts collaborate, exchange ideas, and push boundaries. I’m excited about the impact we can create together, shaping the future of remote sensing and geospatial science for a more sustainable Singapore.”

-       Dr Lim Kim Hwa, Director, NUS CRISP 

“SLA is pleased to extend our partnership with NUS, through an inaugural collaboration with NUS CRISP, to harness geospatial technologies to enhance remote sensing and environmental monitoring capabilities. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to push the boundaries of satellite remote sensing applications and uncover new opportunities for geospatial advancements, to support ongoing efforts to build more liveable and climate-resilient cities.”

-        Dr Victor Khoo, Director, Survey & Geomatics, SLA

26 February 2025, 2.00pm – 5.30pm

Venue: Begonia Jr Ballroom 3011, Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.

 Synopsis:

Organised by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and supported by the Singapore Space & Technology Ltd (SSTL), the seminar ‘Mapping Earth from Space’ will delve into the advanced realm of space-based geospatial technologies, including Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and Earth Observation (EO), and explore their critical role in ensuring cities are safe, sustainable, and smart.

The seminar will highlight the synergistic relationship between space and geospatial domain. Discover how advancements in GNSS can enhance reliability and accuracy of geospatial applications, how Earth Observation can be used to analyse environmental and land changes and contribute to sustainable development. The seminar programme features six presentations and a panel discussion with experts in the field, discussing how GNSS interference treat, new applications of satellite imagery and SAR data, adoption of GEOAI and geoinformation modelling. Attendees will also gain valuable knowledge and insights on the latest development in positioning and mapping techniques from local and international speakers.

Workshop Programme