SBS Transit Collaborates with NUS to Drive Transformation in the Public Transport Industry

A robotics arm that helps technicians replace bus tyres; drones that fly in and out of tunnels to carry out automated inspections of the underground MRT system, and an app that provides real-time information on the available capacity of incoming trains so that passengers can make informed choices about their travel plans. These could well become a reality as SBS Transit and the National University of Singapore (NUS) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on enterprise transformation projects over the next three years. 

This partnership is the first-of-its-kind for the public transportation industry where SBS Transit will take the lead in tapping on the expertise of NUS’ faculty members to serve as project mentors while the projects receive funding under the SkillsFuture Singapore’s (SSG) Enterprise Transformation Project grant. 

Notably, the projects to be undertaken will be jointly decided by both SBS Transit and NUS. They will be designed with technologies such as data analytics, robotics and 5G applications to boost safety and service reliability, optimise operational processes, improve manpower efficiency and productivity and enhance customer experience for passengers travelling on SBS Transit’s buses and trains.  

As part of the collaboration, SBS Transit employees will also be able to enroll in courses under the NUS’ “All-You-Can-Learn” initiative and enjoy lifelong learning opportunities. Together with the National Transport Workers’ Union (NTWU), employees will be encouraged to embark on continuous learning to sharpen their skills and strengthen their capabilities to stay relevant and future ready in the land transport industry. 

The collaboration will also play a pivotal role in offering NUS students the opportunity to learn about the industry. They will be able to undergo internships, learning journeys and embark on industry training projects with SBS Transit. NUS employees, on the other hand, can take up attachments with SBS Transit or its partners and vendors, to update and sharpen their technical competency to ensure its relevance to the industry. 

Mr Cheng Siak Kian, Chief Executive Officer of SBS Transit said, “We are excited by the collaboration as the projects have the potential to transform the way we operate and serve our passengers. This will also benefit the industry as a whole. Besides building a more agile and digital-ready workforce, it also creates a future pipeline for more NUS graduates to join us in keeping Singapore moving every day. Ours is an essential service and we look forward to welcoming bright young minds to join us to make a difference.”

Professor Susanna Leong, Vice Provost (Masters’ Programmes & Lifelong Education) and Dean (NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education), said, “We are glad to be deepening the collaboration with a valued partner, and to have the opportunity to contribute to these transformative projects at SBS Transit, a key player in the local transport sector. Partnerships like these, between NUS and leading industry players like SBS Transit and ComfortDelGro, are a critical piece of the University’s vision to be a leading global university shaping the future.”