AI and Data Innovations for Sustainability and Infrastructure Conference, 1- 3 April 2025

The Centre for Liveable Cities was invited to speak at the AI and Data Innovations for Sustainability and Infrastructure Conference, hosted by the Newcastle University in Singapore from 1 to 3 April 2025. The conference brought together 250 participants from Singapore, Malaysia, United States and the USA, including academia and representatives from energy, urban planning, transportation and technology startups.

CLC’s Director of Research, Dr Limin Hee, presented at the panel session titled “AI and Data Innovations for Liveable Cities” with examples and cited from Singapore’s own implementation of technological tools to make data-driven decisions in urban development. Her presentation emphasised that even as technologies advance, cities must continuously improve on their digital platforms to crowd source and harness data as a planning resource.

Her presentation began by introducing the latest iteration of CLC’s Liveability Framework, expanding on how leveraging the Science of Cities enhances the effectiveness of the systems depicted in the Liveability Framework, especially in addressing complex urban issues and delivering liveability outcomes. She also shared examples of how Science of Cities approaches have been applied in Singapore. Examples cited include how Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Housing Development Board (HDB) deployed digital tools and modelling, as well as simulation (M&S) tools, such as e-PLANNER, AI Image Generators, and Integrated Environmental Modelling (IEM), to support planning and design.

Dr Hee also highlighted the importance of adopting a Science of Cities approach in fostering stronger partnerships between the public sector, private sector, and the community. One such example was NPark’s Community in Nature (CIN) Biodiversity Watch programme as an example of citizen science – where every day people were invited to participate in the data collection process to help inform biodiversity conservation strategies in Singapore.

The panel discussion that followed included Mr James Tan, Director for Smart District Division at JTC, Professor Paul Watson, Director of UK National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), and Professor Rachel Franklin, Executive Director of Centre for Geographic Analysis at Harvard University, and was moderated by Tim Rockell, Managing Director and Founder of Energy Strat Asia.

Members on the panel also shared useful case studies and insights from different cities. Mr Tan shared about Singapore’s Punggol Digital District (PDD) and the use of AI and data science to streamline work and to maintain competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Professor Watson shared compelling perspectives on the transformative potential of AI and new digital tools in healthcare, which has led to early interventions, improvements to overall patient outcomes and experience, and reduction of cost. As advancements in AI and digital technologies continue at a rapid pace, Professor Franklin’s sharing emphasised the importance of maintaining a focus on problem-driven innovation rather than being swayed by new tools and methodologies. She also stressed the necessity of deliberate data collection practices to invest in resources effectively.

The panel session ended with an active discussion on the significance of building public trust in the data sharing and collection practice, which is crucial to unlocking the full potential of AI and data-driven innovation. Panellists agreed that transparency in the communication of why the data is needed, and how the outcomes can provide benefits to the individuals and the wider community, are paramount to fostering trust and encouraging participation.