DSTA and SUTD to Boost Design Innovation for Defence

11 Aug 2015

The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) will undertake collaborative projects and initiatives that could deliver transformational capabilities for Singapore’s defence and security.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DSTA and SUTD was signed by DSTA Chief Executive Mr Tan Peng Yam and SUTD President Professor Thomas L. Magnanti at SUTD on 11 August. The collaboration will explore innovative ways to combine DSTA’s strength in the development and management of complex systems, and SUTD’s expertise on a human-centred, multidisciplinary approach to engineering design.

Mr Tan described the pact as a strategic partnership that will help both organisations to remain at the forefront of technological innovation. “This MOU opens up exciting avenues and opportunities for knowledge exchange and cross-pollination of innovative ideas. DSTA leveraged design innovation and successfully achieved lean manning for the Littoral Mission Vessel, which led to a 20 per cent reduction in crew size [1]. We see a lot of potential in the way design and technology could offer game-changing capabilities for our defence, hence the importance of this partnership.”

“SUTD very much welcomes the opportunity to undertake this collaborative effort which has significant benefits for both organisations – allowing DSTA to leverage SUTD's capabilities in design-centric engineering and architecture, and permitting SUTD to build upon DSTA's expertise in complex systems, engineering and infrastructure. DSTA’s support provides great learning opportunities for our students and researchers, further sharpening their competitive edge in technology and design, and helping them to become even more valuable contributors toward the betterment of society,” said Professor Thomas L. Magnanti.
 
The signing of the MOU paves the way for joint research, consultancy, training and education in the areas of design innovation and engineering systems. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officers and staff from DSTA and SUTD.  

SUTD President Professor Thomas Magnanti and the Chief Executive of Defence Science & Technology Agency Mr Tan Peng Yam shaking hands after signing the MOU at SUTD on 11 August 2015.
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[1] The first Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) – Independence – was launched on 3 July 2015. DSTA is the overall programme manager and systems integrator. DSTA set up an Analytical Laboratory to provide the Navy operators a realistic and immersive environment to evaluate new workflow and configurations before the ship was built. These efforts have helped the Navy to achieve a leaner crew of 23 personnel for the LMV, compared to 30 for the previous generation patrol vessels.