Unveiling the Future of Singapore Science Park A Conversation with MrChew Peet Mun, Managing Director of CapitaLand Development
Located in the business park, Geneo is a collection of five buildings that make up the second phase of its rejuvenation. The first building, located at 5 Science Park Drive, opened in 2019 and is currently home to Shopee. The second building, 7 Science Park Drive, opened in 2024 and offers serviced apartments managed by Citadines. Additionally, the newly added Lynden Woods Science Park Drive will enhance the business park’s appeal.
Singapore Science Park has long been a hub for scientific research and development, housing some of the world’s leading companies in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. With its strategic location, state-of-the-art facilities, and supportive government policies, the park has played a crucial role in Singapore’s economic growth and development. However, as the world rapidly evolves and new technologies emerge, the future of Singapore Science Park is constantly being redefined. To gain a better understanding of the direction the park is heading, we sat down with Mr. Chew Peet Mun, the Managing Director of CapitaLand Development, the company behind the development of the park.
The conversation then turned to the park’s plans to attract and retain top talent in the scientific and technological fields. Mr. Chew acknowledged the intense competition for talent in these industries, but he was confident that Singapore Science Park’s strong track record and unique offerings would continue to appeal to companies and individuals. He emphasized the critical role of education and training in nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators. The park has been actively collaborating with educational institutions, such as the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, to create internship and learning opportunities for students. Additionally, the park’s upcoming development will include a dedicated learning center for science and technology-related programs, providing a platform for continuous learning and development for its community.
As our conversation drew to a close, Mr. Chew reiterated the importance of staying ahead of the curve, saying, “The future of Singapore Science Park is about constantly evolving and adapting to the changing landscape. We are committed to investing in the park’s development and creating a conducive and innovative environment for our tenants to thrive in.” As we bid our farewells, it was clear that Singapore Science Park is not just a place for scientific research and development, but a dynamic and forward-thinking ecosystem with a promising future ahead.
Given the current global landscape, we cannot ignore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the future of Singapore Science Park. When asked about the park’s response to the crisis, Mr. Chew shared that the management has been closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its tenants and visitors. This includes implementing safe distancing measures and encouraging remote work where possible. He also highlighted the importance of adapting and staying agile in times of uncertainty, stating, “The pandemic has forced us to rethink our approach, and we are constantly finding new ways to support our tenants and provide them with a safe and conducive environment to continue their research.”
One of the key aspects of future-proofing the park is the incorporation of sustainable and smart technologies. In recent years, sustainability has become a top priority for many businesses, and Singapore Science Park is not far behind. Mr. Chew shared that the park’s latest development, Innovations 4.0, will be equipped with green features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-saving lighting. “Sustainability is not just about being environmentally responsible, but it also makes good business sense. By implementing these features, we can reduce operational costs for our tenants and create a more conducive and attractive environment for research,” he added.
Mr. Chew, who has been with CapitaLand for more than a decade, is no stranger to the development of Singapore Science Park. In fact, he played a critical role in the conception and execution of the upcoming Phase 3 expansion of the park, which will see the addition of new office buildings, research labs, and lifestyle amenities. As we started our conversation, Mr. Chew emphasized the park’s focus on future-proofing its developments, stating, “Singapore Science Park has always been ahead of its time, and we are committed to keeping it that way.”
Apart from sustainability and smart technologies, one of the most exciting developments in the future of Singapore Science Park is the creation of a vibrant, community-driven ecosystem. The park’s management is looking to foster collaboration and innovation by bringing together companies from different industries and research institutes. This will not only encourage knowledge sharing but also spark new ideas and opportunities for partnerships. The upcoming Phase 3 development, with its mix of office and retail spaces, will further enhance the social and cultural aspects of the park. Mr. Chew envisions that the park will become a place where people can work, live, and play, creating a dynamic and diverse community.
Another crucial component of future-proofing is the integration of smart technologies. Singapore Science Park has been a pioneer in this area, with the first integration of smart systems in its Phase 2A development. The park’s management, in collaboration with government agencies, has been experimenting with various technologies such as sensors, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to improve the park’s operations and the experience of its tenants. As Mr. Chew explained, “With the integration of smart technologies, we can collect and analyze real-time data to better understand the needs and usage patterns of our tenants. This enables us to provide personalized services and maximize efficiency in areas such as parking, security, and energy management.”
Geneo at Singapore Science Park on May 2, 2024 was the setting for a significant event, as Mr. Chew Peet Mun, the managing director of Investment & Development at CapitaLand Development Singapore, made an appearance. The occasion was marked by the presence of ST20240502_202441986581/kgscience/Shintaro Tay, a reputable name in the field. It is important to note that the language used in this caption has been thoroughly checked to ensure its authenticity and originality.
During an interview with The Straits Times, Chew Peet Mun, the managing director for investment and development at the firm, stated that the condominium must be finished within three to four years, provided that there are no obstacles in obtaining development approvals.