9 July 2024
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish Singapore’s first ‘Borderless University’. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance network connectivity, elevating the teaching and learning experience while driving innovations across various domains.
The collaboration envisions a future where NUS students and staff benefit from ultra-fast, uninterrupted network connectivity throughout Singapore. This will be facilitated by a dedicated private Enterprise 5G data network, made possible through eSIM technology. This network will provide instant and secure access to NUS’s digital assets and the internet without the need for repeated logins traditionally required by Wi-Fi networks.
NUS Chief Information Technology Officer, Ms. Tan Shui-Min, highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative, stating, “This collaboration with StarHub aligns with our vision for a future-oriented learning environment. Both staff and students will benefit from seamless access to NUS’s resources and the internet, wherever they are in Singapore; and in the future, overseas, without the need for VPN or other remote access technologies.”
Powered by StarHub’s Enterprise 5G and Cloud Infinity solutions, this connectivity will also enable innovative educational experiences such as virtual labs and augmented reality simulations. Additionally, the integration marks a significant step towards the University’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint through sustainable and efficient digital solutions.
Mr. Tan Kit Yong, Head of Enterprise Business Group at StarHub, underscored the broader implications of the partnership, stating, “In line with our DARE+ initiative, the partnership with NUS will not only enhance the learning environment for NUS staff and students but also set a benchmark for the future of education and offer valuable learnings for other industry applications.”
Furthermore, intelligent data collected from eSIMs promises to optimise campus operations and enhance the overall student experience. This partnership builds on previous collaborations, including the 2022 initiatives where NUS and StarHub deployed outdoor Wi-Fi networks and Wi-Fi on the Move solutions enabled by Enterprise 5G.
P.S. EDUtech_talks spoke to Ms Tan Shui Min, Chief Information Technology Officer of the National University of Singapore. Check out our previous interview here.
