The world is facing multiple crises today. Rapid urbanisation has put tremendous strain on infrastructure and the environment, particularly in cities. Escalating geo-political tensions, existential threats from climate change and diseases, food and resource disruptions have exacerbated the precarity of economies, impacted health and daily living and widened urban inequality. The inherent multiple dimensions of these challenges confronting us require a concerted effort by all stakeholders to work towards comprehensive and holistic solutions.
The Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC) seeks to stimulate thinking and research to address these critical issues of cities and urbanisation. Taking an interdisciplinary approach in our research, we harness urban science, design and policy, and work collaboratively across many local and international partners from universities, research institutes, government agencies and the industry to seek integrated urban solutions.
Professor Cheong Koon Hean
Chair (LKYCIC)
Rapid urbanisation presents great challenges for cities. Half of the world’s population lives in cities today. This will rise to 60% by 2030, and 70% by 2050. An estimated one million new people will join the world’s cities every week.
In addition, the world is also facing unprecedented challenges arising from climate change, ageing demographics, acceleration of technology and rising inequities. However, these challenges also present tremendous opportunities for innovators and policy‐makers. We are at a juncture where cities that are managed wisely will be able to overcome limitations, raise the quality and standard of living of its citizens, and seize economic and social opportunities at the frontiers of the emerging new industrial revolution.
The Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC) was established in September 2012 as one of the research centres of excellence in the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). LKYCIC is only one of two institutions in Singapore that carry the name of our founding father Lee Kuan Yew.
LKYCIC’s mission is to stimulate thinking and research on the critical issues of cities and urbanisation, and to provide breakthrough urban solutions using technology, urban science, policy and design. Currently, it is focusing on the following research themes:
- Urban Futures
- People, Places and Health
- Urban Innovations
- Sustainable, Resilient Cities
LKYCIC works closely with faculties in SUTD and with partners in industry, government agencies, universities and research institutes for our research and education projects.
The Centre is also a convenor of ‘Cities Conversations’. It hosts talks, seminars and conferences that build a deeper understanding about cities. It also works to bring cities together to understand, from the experiences of Singapore and other successful cities, the best practices and innovative solutions for cities.
LKYCIC also trains a new generation of urban researchers, analysts and practitioners by conducting teaching and advancing a unique “research-education” pedagogy.
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