[Image 1. Staff of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities]
Established on 1 September 2012 as one of the research centres of excellence in the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities (LKYCIC) celebrates its 10th year anniversary this year.
[Image 2. LKYCIC and SUTD’s leadership with Minister Desmond Lee and distinguished panelist guests.]
Minister for National Development, Mr. Desmond Lee, delivered the opening address at the anniversary celebration event which was held at the Asian Civilisations Museum on 21 September 2022.
SUTD President Professor Chong Tow Chong noted that “In line with SUTD’s DNA, the LKYCIC’s approach to research is truly inter-disciplinary in nature. It brings together social scientists, psychologists, architects, urban planners, engineers, data scientists and economists and draws on disciplines from SUTD, as well as collaborators from other Institutes of Higher Learning and research institutes, locally and globally to carry out its work.”
Professor Cheong Koon Hean, Chair of LKYCIC, also shared that “Going forward, the Centre must continue to focus on research that addresses both current as well as emerging global and national concerns. The LKYCIC’s novel multi-disciplinary and humanistic approach, supported by technology, urban science, social policy and design can provide meaningful insights and breakthrough urban solutions.”
[Image 3. Prof Ricky Burdett in the midst of his public lecture on “Shaping Cities in an Urban Age”]
Celebrating a Decade of Exploration and Research
As part of the 10th anniversary event programme, LKYCIC’s distinguished visiting fellow Professor Ricky Burdett from the London School of Economics (LSE) presented a public lecture on ‘Shaping Cities in an Urban Age’. He provided insights on how cities are responding to major social and environmental challenges in different regions of the world, drawing from recent research by LSE Cities. He also reflected on recent developments in London. View the lecture here: https://youtu.be/AgNwSsJLkLg
The lecture was followed by a lively discussion by an eminent panel on the various interwoven crises that cities face today – climate change, high inflation, an energy and food crisis, recovery from on-going pandemic and increased geo-political tensions. The panellists comprised Mr Peter Ho (Chairman of URA), Mr Jason Pomeroy (Founding Partner of Pomeroy Studio), Mr Abhas Jha (Practice Manager of the World Bank) and Professor Ricky Burdett, who gave views on how cities can better prepare themselves. The afternoon concluded with an engaging dialogue with the audience. View the panel discussion here: https://youtu.be/Sg-7mDTThUQ