Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) to advance research in new energy. This partnership will focus on hydrogen energy and advanced energy systems over a three-year period.
The collaboration aims to progress towards carbon neutrality by developing alternative energy solutions tailored to Singapore’s unique needs, leveraging the Group’s expertise in advanced energy technologies.
“HMGICS serves as a global hub for Hyundai Motor Group’s future mobility innovations,” stated Hyun Sung Park, Vice President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS). “This partnership is designed to expedite our research in innovative technologies, enhancing the commercial viability of our sustainable mobility solutions.”
The signing ceremony took place on October 8 at the Singapore-Korea Business Forum held at the Ritz Carlton Singapore. It was attended by prominent figures, including Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company; Young-Joon Yoon, President and CEO of Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C); Hyun Sung Park; Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry) of NTU; Professor Madhavi Srinivasan, Executive Director of the Energy Research Institute at NTU; Duk-geun Ahn, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea; and Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore.
Given its limited natural resources and reliance on natural gas for 95% of its power generation, Singapore faces significant challenges in achieving carbon neutrality. As part of its strategy, the country is expected to increasingly focus on hydrogen energy and advanced energy systems.
A key aspect of the collaboration will be exploring the adoption of hydrogen production technologies in Singapore. This includes Hyundai Motor Group’s innovative resource-cycle hydrogen production technologies: Plastic-to-Hydrogen (P2H) and Waste-to-Hydrogen (W2H) systems. The W2H system converts organic waste, such as food and sewage sludge, into hydrogen, while P2H focuses on transforming non-recyclable plastics into hydrogen.
In the realm of advanced energy system research, the Group and NTU aim to develop solutions suited for urban environments like Singapore. These advanced energy systems, with their modular designs, offer easy installation and enhanced safety, contributing to Singapore’s carbon neutrality goals.
On the same day, HMGICS also signed an agreement to establish a tripartite research center in collaboration with NTU and the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR). The Corporate Lab Program will focus on innovative manufacturing technologies, including AI, robotics, and 3D printing.
This landmark partnership is expected to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for future mobility in Singapore.
“The research partnerships between NTU Singapore and Hyundai Motor Group demonstrate how essential close collaboration with industry is in developing innovative and impactful solutions to real-world challenges, including the race toward carbon neutrality,” remarked Professor Lam Khin Yong. “We are committed to strengthening our long-standing partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, utilizing NTU’s expertise in sustainable energy, AI, robotics, 3D printing, and advanced materials to create innovative and sustainable solutions for Singapore and beyond.”
The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Jaehoon Chang, Hyun Sung Park, Professor Lam Khin Yong, Professor Warren Chan, Dean of the College of Engineering at NTU; Frederick Chew, CEO of ASTAR; Professor Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive of the Science and Engineering Research Council at ASTAR; Duk-geun Ahn; and Dr. Tan See Leng.
The collaboration among Hyundai Motor Group, NTU, and A*STAR underscores HMGICS’s transformative impact on manufacturing and customer experience. Driven by a shared vision, this partnership aims to deliver innovative and sustainable mobility solutions for the benefit of all, contributing to a greener future in Singapore.