Thirty-six students from Republic Polytechnic (RP), Singapore, recently visited Keppel Sustainable Cities Studio (KSCS) in Vietnam as part of their 12-day International Service Learning Project.
Keppel’s representative presenting the scale model of a Keppel’s smart and sustainable township.
The visit provided them with valuable insights into Keppel’s smart and sustainable urban solutions, including smart parking, smart metering, district cooling, and water-sensitive urban design.
Students experiencing smart and sustainable urban solutions at KSCS.
At KSCS, the students explored how these innovations contribute to more efficient and eco-friendly urban living. For example, Keppel’s smart metering system enables real-time monitoring of electricity and water usage, helping users stay informed and adopt measures to reduce consumption and lower utility bills.
Smart metering model at KSCS.
The smart parking system was another highlight, featuring Automatic Number Plate Recognition, data analytics, and mobile payment solutions. These technologies enhance the parking experience by making it more seamless and efficient for drivers.
Keppel’s representative showcasing smart parking system.
Meanwhile, Keppel’s district cooling system showcased the benefits of centralized air-conditioning for multiple buildings. This system can reduce energy consumption, optimizes space, and lowers carbon emissions, contributing to more sustainable urban environments.
Students of RP and Keppel’s representatives discussing about the sustainable solutions at KSCS.
A key part of the visit was the Safety Awareness Centre, where students engaged in interactive activity and real-life case studies that underscored the importance of workplace safety. Hands-on activities provided practical insights into best practices for creating a secure and accident-free work environment.
Students gaining insights on work safety practices at Keppel’s Safety Awareness Centre.
The visit left a strong impression on the students. “My favorite part of the tour was seeing how Keppel integrated technology and sustainability into its projects. I remembered there is this section called ‘command center’ where it allowed visitors to “play” with the system, in the system it shows various statistics e.g. traffic conditions, weather conditions, electricity usage within the city etc… I found it interesting, and this became my favorite part of the tour as it really shows how technology is being used to monitor and manage the city”, Yeo Han Xuan Cheryenne, a second-year student studying Aviation Management at Republic Polytechnic, said.
A student trying the safety test via VR at Safety Awareness Centre.
RP’s teacher also appreciated the opportunity for students to gain real-world exposure. “Sustainability has been a key focus recently. This tour offers them a valuable opportunity to witness firsthand how a developing country integrates sustainable practices, providing them with a broader perspective on real-world applications”, said Ms Tan Zhen Ling, an RP lecturer.
RP’s students, teacher and Keppel’s representatives at the Safety Awareness Centre.
Through this visit, Keppel reaffirmed its commitment to education and sustainability by inspiring young minds to embrace smart, safe, and sustainable urban solutions. By engaging with future professionals, Keppel continues to shape the next generation of changemakers in the built environment.