The newly launched NEXT Shenzhen Innovation Centre (SIC) is expected to develop 5G-enabled IoT applications and digital twin solutions for industries such as financial services, telecommunications and real estate.
SIC, launched last Monday, will also develop blockchain technologies as well as it seeks to help enterprises ramp up their digital transformation.
The new innovation centre is latest foray of Singapore-based ICT service provider NCS, as part of its growth strategy into the Greater China market.
Located at Tian’an Cloud Park in Shenzhen, NCS’ first innovation centre in China houses a demonstration area, design thinking studio and digital factory in a 1,400 square metre space, where clients can work closely with NCS’ team of resident experts to jointly develop digital projects to improve business performance and unlock new growth opportunities. The centre will serve as a hub to fuel the growth of a cross-border innovation ecosystem for NCS’ clients, partners and tech start-ups.
According to Ng Kuo Pin, NCS CEO, said, the new centre aims to help enterprises in Asia Pacific transform by “harnessing the best of digital innovation”.
“The SIC forms part of NCS NEXT Innovation Triangle, through which our clients can tap NCS’ innovation capabilities in Singapore, Melbourne and Shenzhen to get access to best-of-breed technologies, digital capabilities and deep-tech talent across the region.”
He added: “We are pleased to partner our clients and partners to build a cross-border innovation ecosystem to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences. The establishment of SIC also provides a growth platform for Singaporeans to gain wider exposure to the innovation landscape in China, providing opportunities for ICT students and professionals to collaborate on innovative projects in Shenzhen.”
The SIC will drive talent development through job attachments and rotations. NCS will offer talent exchange opportunities for its employees to be deployed at the centre to promote cross-pollination of ideas and to develop cross-cultural skills. In addition, NCS will also offer internships for Singapore and Shenzhen students under the Singapore-China Youth Interns Exchange Scheme.
Kiren Kumar, deputy chief Executive, IMDA said the new centre to boost the development of innovation and talent initiatives in the region, promoting cross-border innovation and talent exchange.
“We hope that the centre will create new exciting opportunities for businesses and communities to drive trade and connectivity in a digital economy,” Kumar said.
Since its establishment as China’s first economic zone, Shenzhen has become a hub for innovation and investments. NCS will be collaborating with ecosystem partners and clients in Singapore and China to drive initiatives with a focus on digital innovation.
DBS, one of the SIC’s anchor tenants, plans to leverage the innovation centre to testbed innovations using emerging technologies such as 5G, IoT and blockchain to enable greater cross-border collaboration, increased trade flows and better workforce engagement.
“With innovation being a key driver of economic growth and recovery in the post-COVID-19 next normal, it is crucial for companies to tap on the strengths of ecosystem partners and networks to augment technology resources and grow supply chains,” said Jimmy Ng, group CIO and head of group technology & operation at DBS.
He added: “We are pleased to partner IMDA and NCS in establishing the NEXT Shenzhen Innovation Centre, which will be an important digital springboard for businesses looking to expand their presence in China.”
Ng said DBS is uniquely positioned to avail its deep digital and financial capabilities as well as regional insights to support companies on both sides of the border to grow their business as trade activity between Singapore and Shenzhen ramps up.
“This partnership will also enable us to access technology resources to complement our twin technology hubs in Singapore and Hyderabad,” he said.
