MCI (P) 067/02/2017 ISSUE 06 • DECEMBER 2017...

ISSUE 06 • DECEMBER 2017MCI (P) 067/02/2017

A publication of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Singapore Indian Chamberof Commerce & Industry

ESTABLISHED 1924

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2018

DeepavaliNite 2017

DeepavaliNite 2017

112991 SICCI Newsletter 29.12.17(V2).indd 1 3/1/18 4:56 PM

Dr T Chandroo Vice-Chairman

Modern Montessori International Pte Ltd

Board of Directors

Mr Neil ParekhVice-Chairman

Individual Member

Mr S KesavanDiamond Glass Enterprise Pte Ltd

Mr SV PadmanabhanOlam International Pte Ltd

Mr Ashok KhoslaOM Associates Pte Ltd

Ms Helen CamposMC Corporate Services Pte Ltd

Mr Mohan Das NaiduIndividual Member

Mr Deepak SingapuriNew Light Enterprises

Mr JP JaiswalPeakmore International Pte Ltd

Dr R TheyvendranChairman

Stamford Media International Pte Ltd

Mr Akber AliHonorary Treasurer

Akber Ali & Co

SICCI Connect is a newsletter of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. You may send your comments to:

Copyright is held by the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). All rights reserved. Feel free to reproduce reports in whole or part, but please credit SICCI Connect.

Ms Jayanthi ManianChase Resource Management Pte Ltd

Dato Thiayagarajan VTJothi Impex Pte Ltd

Mr S PalaniappanAbiramee Jewellers

Mr Hanif Moez NomanbhoyNomanbhoy & Sons Pte Ltd

Mr TRV RajanTechcom Solutions Pte Ltd

Capt Subhangshu DuttIndividual Member

SICCI’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS(2016 – 2018)

SICCI PANEL OF ADVISORS

EDITORIAL INFORMATIONCONTENTS

Editorial TeamDr. R. TheyvendranMr. Dhavakumaran M.

Singapore Indian Chamberof Commerce & Industry

ESTABLISHED 1924

Scan QR Code for the e-copy of SICCI Connect

Ms Indranee RajahSenior Minister of State

Ministry of Finance & Ministry of Law

Mr J Y PillayChairman, Council of Presidential Advisers

Rector, College of Elise and Peter Tan (NUS)Board Member of Vatican, Financial Information

Authority

Mr S Chandra DasSingapore High Commissioner to Sri Lanka

(non-resident)Managing Director, Nur Investment & Trading Pte Ltd

Mr Sat Pal KhattarChairman, Khattar Holdings Pte Ltd.

Mr R JayachandranHigh Commissioner to the Republic of Mauritius

(non-resident)Executive Chairman,

Napier Healthcare Solutions Pte Ltd

Mr K V RaoResident Director, ASEAN

Tata Sons Limited

The EditorSingapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

SICCI Building31 Stanley StreetSingapore 068740Telephone: 6222 2855Website: www.sicci.comEmail: [email protected]

Chairman’s Message .....................................................1

President Graces SICCI’s inter-ethnic Deepavali

Celebrations .................................................................2

A night of exhilarating music, dances and top

prizes .......................................................................... 4/5

Asean appointment for SICCI Director .......................6

Handing-over ceremony ..............................................6

Events ............................................................................7

Ethics and Risk Management ......................................8

Embracing Change .......................................................9

Opportunities in Turkey ............................................10

SICCI delegation attends ASEAN Natural &

Organic Show 2017 ............................................... 11/12

Opportunities in Assam .............................................14

Improve your Image with Aesthetics.........................16

Deepest Condolences ...............................................18

Driving Innovation, Achieving Global

Distinction ............................................................. 21/22

Trade Match ................................................................24


SICCI CONNECT 1

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

Our Deepavali Nite 2017 was a huge success. President Halimah Yacob and her spouse Mr Mohammed Alhabshee graced the event. We brought together members from the other ethnic chambers to join in the celebrations.

In the past 3 to 4 years, our members have shown greater interest in looking at various opportunities in the region. They want to be part of the growth momentum.

To benefit our members, we have been organising trade missions to India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. We will be organising more trade missions in the near future. Do look out for the announcements.

At SICCI, we are always looking to collaborate with industry experts on new technologies and digitalization, to bring more benefits to our members.

We are lining-up a few exciting events

in the coming months so as to inform members on the rapid changes that are transforming our economy. Our Chamber is primed to provide members with all the necessary information and network to help them succeed.

I strongly encourage our members to attend our events. There are lots of networking and business opportunities. Please come forward and work together with us to unlock your business potential.

We are here to help you succeed. Be bold in your approach and continue to reposition yourselves for the future economy so that you are able anticipate changes and react quickly.

Wishing everyone a very successful 2018.

Be bold in your approach and continue to

reposition yourselves for the future

economy.

Dr R. TheyvendranChairman, Board of DirectorsSingapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry


SICCI CONNECT 2

COVER STORY

The event brought together members from the Chinese, Malay and International business chambers and representatives from the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) in celebration of Singapore’s unique diversity.

In his welcome address. SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran thanked the President and her spouse for gracing the event. He added,” Our Deepavali event showcases the unity of the various ethnic groups in Singapore. Although we cater to the Singapore Indian business community, over the years we have forged closer ties with the other ethnic chambers. Our goals are the same – to uplift Singapore entrepreneurs so that they can remain competitive and are ready to face the challenges of the future economy.”

Dr Theyvendran also announced

during the gala dinner that SICCI will be supporting the President’s Charity with a donation of $25,000.

Organising Committee Advisor Dato Dr VT Thiayagarajan shared that through positive

President Graces SICCI’s inter-ethnic Deepavali celebrationsPresident Halimah Yacob and her husband Mr Mohammed Alhabshee attended the Deepavali Gala Dinner on November 26 at One Farrer Hotel & Spa.

President Halimah Yacob and Mr Mohammed Alhabshee with the SICCI Board

President Halimah Yacob and Mr Mohammed Alhabshee receiving a token of appreciation from

SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran.


COVER STORY

SICCI CONNECT 3

inspiration, people can reach beyond what they thought possible and achieve the truly amazing. He said, “Enter your workplace with spring in your step and a song in your heart, your positivity will rub off among your workforce.”

The evening evoked the magic of ‘Bollywood’ with exhilarating music, dance and delicious spread of fine Indian cuisine.

Organising Chairperson and SICCI Director Ms Jayanthi Manian said, “Our ‘Deepavali Nites’ have always mesmerized and entertained guests young and old. We wanted to share the joy of the festival of lights with our partners and bring the business community to celebrate together.”

SICCI supports various charities and brings joy to the less fortunate. In the spirit of Deepavali, residents from the Sree Narayan Mission Nursing home were invited to share in

SICCI invited residents from the Sree Narayan Mission Nursing Home. Each resident was given a token gift from President Halimah Yacob.

the joy of Deepavali. CEO Mr S Devendran, 3 staff and 6 residents took part in the celebrations.

Members and guests also walked away with lucky draw prizes ranging from air tickets to home appliances.

The top three prizes were sponsored by SriLankan Airlines, Jet Airways and Air India respectively.

Ms Annu Rajalakshmi (centre) won the top prize.


SICCI CONNECT 4

COVER STORY

A night of exhilarating mu sic, dances and top prizes


A night of exhilarating mu sic, dances and top prizes


SICCI CONNECT 6

EVENTS

Mr. Kesavan, the Board of Director of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), has been appointed as the ASEAN Young Entrepreneur Council Chairman and the ASEAN Young Entrepreneur President for 2018, representing Singapore and the 9 other ASEAN countries. This council annually puts up a paper on behalf of the 10 countries direct to the ASEAN economic ministries on Trade and Business related matters. The council and its association also promotes Trade Missions and Entrepreneurship support for aspiring young entrepreneurs in the 10 ASEAN countries.

ASEAN appointment for SICCI Director

Handing-over ceremonyAs Singapore takes over the ASEAN Leadership from Philippines in 2018, the AYEC / AYEA handing-over ceremony was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where Mr. Kesavan took over the reign of leadership from Philippines officiated by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohammed.


SICCI CONNECT 7

EVENTS

SICCI Directors Dato Dr Thiayagarajan (left) and Mr J P Jaiswal receiving their certificates of completion from Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry on 22nd November for the ‘Certificate in Trade Association Management for Trade Association Leaders’ course conducted by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On behalf of the Chamber, SICCI Director Ms Helen Campos attended the second edition of The Economic Times ‘Asian Business Leaders Conclave’ on the theme “Taking Asia to the Globe” held in Kuala Lumpur on 29th & 30th November. During the event, the delegates exchanged views and deliberated on the developments in the Asian economy in 2017 and act as a melting pot for thought leaders, governments and business leaders to further the cause of greater economic integration between emerging and leading countries in the region.

SICCI Director Ms Helen Campos (centre) with delegates at the Asian Business Leaders Conclave in Kuala Lumpur


SICCI CONNECT 8

Ethics and Risk ManagementThe ‘Global Convention on Corporate Ethics & Risk Management’ was held on 14 - 15 December at the Hotel Intercontinental. SICCI was a supporting partner of the event

Organised by the Institute of Directors, the event saw a galaxy of speakers such as High Commissioner of India HE Jawed Ashraf, SICCI Adivisor and Resident Director of Tata Sons, Mr K V Rao, Singapore’s Ambassador to Denmark and Executive Director of Thakral Holdings HE Karan Singh Thakral, Chairman of DBS Group Holdings Mr Peter Seah, President of Singapore Exchange Mr R Muthukrishnan and many other distinguished speakers.

Giving a special keynote address at the convention, SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran livened up the crowd with his anecdotes on success. He said that he had a very humble childhood and grew up doing odd jobs. However, he always visualized being successful and worked hard to achieve it. He advised the delegates to be passionate about their business and to network and meet as many other business people as possible to expand their opportunities.

Chairman, Institute Of Directors and former Chief Justice of India, Justice M.

N. Venkatachaliah said that the oversight, understanding and mitigation of Risks in a volatile, uncertain and complex world have never been more crucial. He said, “No business transaction takes place without taking risk. Vulnerability is an indication of the susceptibility of organizations, notwithstanding uncertainties in the environment.”

He added, “The reason for selecting Singapore as the venue is the unprecedented business opportunities offered by this global financial capital. The Convention will provide a platform to interact with movers and shakers, and top risk management professionals.”

Attending the event, SICCI member Mr. Suresh Kumar from Enagic said, “ I would like to thank SICCI for making such events available to members. I am able to learn new business ideas, network and create more opportunities for my business. As our Chairman said, it is important to reinvent oneself, come out and meet new people so that you can grow your business.”

SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran (centre) receiving a token of appreciation from ‘Institute of Directors’ Managing Director Retd Lt.Gen J.S Ahluwalia. Looking on is CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Mr Gautam Sashittal


SICCI CONNECT 9

Chief Development Officer at NTU Mr Victor

Tay shared his views on the future economy.

He said that the future of Singapore inevitably

lies in the hands of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

and Digitalisation. Embracing it and fortifying

oneself through relevant skills is vital in

retaining employability value. He shared

on the various technological advances that

are redefining jobs and their impact on the

current workforce. With re-skilling, employees

can stay relevant and focus on getting better

jobs.

SICCI Chairman Dr R Theyvendran shared his

path to success with members. He urged them

to understand the changes in the economic

climate and reinvent their businesses so as

to stay ahead of the competition. He told

them to network more, learn new business

strategies and explore new markets.

Members’ Feedback:

Mr Anil Sharma from VideoHouze said, ”An eye-opener! There is so much digital transformation happening around us. Thanks SICCI for a wonderful and insightful event.”

Mr Anant Karnik from Nutrizone Enterprises, who also attended the SICCI trip to NTU Robotics lab shared, “Thanks for arranging such a well organised trip to NTU’s robotics lab, 3-D Printing lab, Hive (eco-friendly designed and constructed building) and Wave (sustainable stadium arcade). The trip offered extensive learning on NTU’s initiatives and R&Ds in new technologies and their tremendous potential for commercial collaboration with Singaporean enterprises resulting in huge benefits in terms of increased efficiency and cost savings. Keep us informed of similar trips and events. Best wishes.”

Embracing ChangeSICCI co-organized a talk on Digitalisation with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) on 17th November at the Concorde Hotel. More than 100 members attended the talk.

SICCI Members and invited guests learned about new technologies that are transforming jobs

112991 SICCI Newsletter 29.12.17(V2).indd 9 4/1/18 9:39 AM

SICCI CONNECT 10

Turkey’s Minister of Development, H.E. Lütfi Elvan, came to Singapore for an official visit on November 15-16, 2017. On the occasion of his visit, the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, in cooperation with International Enterprise Singapore, organized a “Doing Business in Turkey: Opportunities” Meeting for a select group of Singaporean companies interested in Turkey. Minister Elvan talked about the current economic climate in Turkey, and presented the country’s investment incentives and opportunities, highlighting upcoming infrastructure projects and other public-private partnership projects.

The Turkish Embassy was pleased to note the positive response from the companies that attended the said meeting. Turkish Ambassador Murat Lütem thanked the

Opportunities in Turkey

From right: Turkish Ambassador Murat Lütem, SICCI Directors Mr Subhangsu Dutt and Ms Helen Campos, Turkey’s Minister of Development, H.E. Lütfi Elvan, CEO,

Mr Sunil Peter and SICCI Director Mr Hanif Nomanbhoy.

Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their representation at the event by its Directors, Mr Hanif Nomanbhoy, Mr Jagdish. P. Jaiswal, and Ms Helen Campos and CEO, Mr Sunil Peter.

Ambassador Lütem said that with the help of business organizations such as SICCI, Turkey looks forward to developing even closer ties between Turkey and Singapore.

All businesses are encouraged to contact the Embassy regarding questions on the many business opportunities in Turkey [email protected]

Contributed by the Turkish Embassy in Singapore


SICCI CONNECT 11

The 3 day B2B event, from 15th to 17th December, was held in Kolkata city of the western state of Bengal by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) as part of the activities to mark the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-India dialogue relations.

Nearly 80 businesses from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Russia and close to 150 Indian firms showcased products like natural and organic food and beverages, agro products, herbal, traditional & alternative

(From left) SICCI members Mr Balachander and Mr Trilosinh, SICCI Honorary Treasurer Mr Akber Ali, SICCI Directors Mr Mohandas Naidu and

Mr S Venkat, ASSOCHAM Regional Director Ms Perminder Jeet Kaur, Organising Chairman Mr Ranjan Daipaayan Sen, SICCI Director Dato Dr VT Thiayagarajan and

SICCI members Mr Sharma, Mr Pandian and Mr Siva.

SICCI delegation attends ASEAN Natural & Organic Show 2017

medicines, detoxification and beauty supplements, health and fitness supplies, ayurveda, homeopathy, nutraceuticals, natural living and soil fertilising organic products.

The Jothi Group agreed to sign MOU’s with some Kolkatta cooperatives to buy mango nectar honey, pure cow ghee, milk, special black rice from Northeast region of India and coconut palm brown sugar and green salt from Russia in deals worth more than USD 10 Million.


SICCI CONNECT 12

needy students.

As Head of the Kewalram Chanrai Group, he was among the first Singaporeans to see the opportunities for Singapore investors in India when the market liberalised in 1992. He took the lead to spearhead investments into India, the jewel of the crown being the very first integrated info-tech park in India built by a Singapore consortium.

In 2013 he was presented the Outstanding Member of the South Asian Diaspora award by former President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

His legacy and works will live on forever. May his soul rest in peace.

The nine member SICCI delegation also met the Minister of Agriculture for West Bengal State Mr Asish Banerjee when he

SICCI Director Dato Dr VT Thiayagarajan (right) with ASSOCHAM Regional Director Ms Perminder Jeet Kaur

and Organising Chairman Mr Ranjan Daipaayan Sen

visited the event on the 2nd day and discussed avenues for mutual cooperation in the near future.

The natural and organic market in ASEAN holds a lot of potential. Its value is forecasted to reach over 4.4 billion USD with average growth of 9.5 percent, making up about 6.6 percent of the global organic cosmetics and functional food market by 2020.

The three-day trip was a wonderful opportunity for the SICCI members to engage with suppliers from various countries. It was indeed meaningful and fruitful. SICCI members are encouraged to attend similar events to enhance trade in future.

Article contributed by Dato Dr VT Thiayagarajan

Our deepest condolences on the passing of past President and long-standing member of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr Murli Kewalram Chanrai on 18 December 2017

SICCI Chairman Dr R. Theyvendran and the Board of Directors express their heartfelt condolences to the family and wish to place on record SICCI’s thanks and gratitude for his leadership and contributions to the Indian business community during his term as President (1992- 1996).

Mr Murli K Chanrai was an outstanding individual with extraordinary service and contributions to society, not just in Singapore but also in South Asia and in South Asian diasporic communities such as Africa.. His varied charitable projects included funding for medical research, free medical care to the needy and scholarships and bursaries to

Deepest Condolences


SICCI CONNECT 13


SICCI CONNECT 14

Opportunities in AssamThe Government of Assam, India, organized an event on 1st December at the Marina Mandarin to showcase the state as an attractive investment and business hub to Singapore businesses.

Led by Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Finance, the event provided an excellent opportunity for the member companies in SICCI to gauge the investment potential of Assam and the opportunities available in various sectors such as tourism, hospitality, food processing, skills training, education, IT and wellness

SICCI member Mr Guna, who attended the event said that he was clearer on the opportunities in skills upgrading in Assam. Running a skills training company, he was looking to explore new areas of growth to expand his business. He said “After becoming an SICCI member, I have been able to network with many business-minded people from various countries. Attending such events has opened up many new ideas and I am now more confident in taking further steps to grow my business. SICCI collaborates with many national and international agencies which is very beneficial to a local businessmen like myself.”

The event was a lead up to ‘Advantage Assam- the Assam Global Investors Summit’ scheduled during 03-04 February 2018 in Assam. The summit is largest ever investment promotion and

facilitation initiative by the Government of Assam. It also aims at highlighting the state’s geostrategic advantages offered to investor and will showcase the manufacturing prowess and the opportunities offered by the state in terms of export-oriented manufacturing and services to growing economies

For more information, visit, https://advantageassam.com/

(Right) Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Finance, Assam and Indian High Commissioner HE Jawed Ashraf during the dialogue session

SICCI member Mr Guna


SICCI CONNECT 15

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SICCI CONNECT 16

MEMBERS’ SECTION

Improve your Image with AestheticsSICCI member Dr Komathy talks about how aesthetic treatments are not only for enhancing beauty but also for treating medical conditions.

Aesthetic medicine is a relatively new field in the world of medicine. It came about because of growing demand to look better and younger without undergoing surgery. Although it is viewed by some to be frivolous, aesthetic medicine is shown to improve significantly the quality of life, psychological well being and social function.

I am fortunate to have been trained in this field 18 years ago when it was relatively unknown in Singapore. Over the many years I have garnered much experience and expertise in various forms of aesthetic treatments. An aesthetician must have an eye for beauty and that is a skill that is naturally gifted.

An experienced aesthetic doctor is able to create beauty and bring out youthfulness without creating an unnatural look. Many American actors look weird from having too much botox or fillers in their face. Due to this, many shy away from botox and fillers not realizing that it’s not the fault of the product but mainly the injector, the doctor!

Aside from creating beauty, aesthetic medicine is also about treating medical conditions such as acne, pigmentation and hair loss. Botox is not only used to treat wrinkles, it gets rid off medical problems such as migraine or bruxism (grinding of teeth at night that causes headaches as well as severe dental issues).

Aesthetic medicine is ever evolving, continually producing machines and procedures that are more effective with minimal or no complication. A good example is treating of hair loss, which has not had effective solutions especially by non medical hair treatment centers. Over the years, the combination of dermatological, hormonal and aesthetic medical knowledge has brought about hair loss treatments that are able to not only stop hair loss but regrow hair that has been recently lost. Laser machines to remove hair permanently have evolved to a point of even being safe on darker skin tones and putting an end to problems faced by Indian women who have to suffer living with a beard, moustache or hairy legs and arms.

Indian skin is one that requires expert handling because with the increase in melanin in the skin, there is higher risk of burns. My advice is to seek doctors who have lots of experience in treating Indians.


SICCI CONNECT 17

GRID SaferDrive™ - Smart Safety and Tracking Solution on Mobile

The Internet Of Things (IOT) will play a key role in the business world as organisations increasingly look for innovative ways to gain competitive advantage.

Recognising that IOT could bring key benefits like greater productivity and efficiency; improved safety and security, and many others, GRID Communications (GRID) is working with several partners to offer these solutions to companies. One of the IOT used cases is the Connected Cars solution.

GRID has recently launched SaferDrive™ application which aims to help reduce accidents and bad driving behaviour. This involves turning your smartphone into an interactive, in-vehicle driving coach. Post driving insights with real time transfer of useful data can result in better fleet management and ensure personnel safety. On 16 June 2017, Channel News Asia published an article with statistics that clearly reveals the worrying trend on the fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles in Singapore. Based on the report, there were 19 cases recorded from January to June this year, up from the 16 reported in the same period last year.

Just a month ago, 26 people were taken to hospital following an accident involving two lorries in Tuas. This was the first time in 4 years that the company has experienced such an accident. Evidently, safety cannot be taken for granted.

GRID SaferDriveTM, an application powered by GreenRoad, aims to rectify the situation by directly going to the source of the issue - The human.

Targeting directly on the safety aspect, the system categorises each driver by a score based on the number of safety “incidents” the drivers are involved in. Drivers are accessed on braking, acceleration, speeding, cornering, lane handling and a newly addition of distracted driving. Safe drivers who perform better against their peers are given certain monetary rewards. This encourages healthy competition, as well as a noticeable improvement in their driving habits. Thus when we see that a driver has more ‘incidents’ then his peers, action can be taken to review his performance and correct it before it turns into an accident.

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SICCI CONNECT 18

Immediate Return of Investment is also realised with GRID’s SaferDriveTM Telematics solution. Fleet owners are now able to cut down on fuel consumptions by having data of the idling hotspots at their fingertips. They can now train their drivers to turn off their engines when the vehicle is not in use. This particular feature itself has proven to reduce fuel consumption by at least 10%, which translates to a substantial savings for the companies.

Our roads can now be safer and more environmental friendly. If you are looking for a turn-key solution, GRID and our partners are able to provide you with a complete IOT solution that comes bundled with our competitively priced wireless network subscription.

For more information, please contact GRID at 6486 9777 or email us at [email protected].

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SICCI CONNECT 20


SICCI CONNECT 21

Driving Innovation,Achieving Global Distinction Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is one the world’s fastest rising young universities. Having key strengths in engineering, technology and research, NTU is forging ahead as a leading global institute, offering students a holistic education with real-world relevance. NTU firmly believes that technological advancements are able to offer new, promising and next-generation solutions that will improve lives and shape the future.

Explaining how NTU drives its mission to propel educational excellence, Mr Victor Tay, Chief Development Officer, NTU, said, “Our faculty, researchers and students operate in a multi-disciplinary setting to harness global solutions and make pioneering discoveries in the fields of sustainability, the arts, healthcare, innovation and security”.

“We have also had fruitful collaborations with government agencies, peer institutions and industry partners on various projects to create innovative and sustainable solutions. As Singapore moves towards deepening its technological expertise, NTU will continue to move in tandem to deliver cutting-edge scientific research and revolutionary technological innovations across multiple disciplines, said Mr Tay.”

PIONEERING ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

Robotics technologies, for one, have advancedsignificantly over the past few decades and are already being used in a range of industries. Over the past four years, NTU has been fostering cross-disciplinary research in social robotics technologies – involving engineering, computer science, linguistics, psychology and other fields – to transform a virtual human, from within a computer, into a physical being that is ableto observe and interact with other humans. This issomewhat like a real companion that is always with you and conscious of what is happening.

Driving Innovation,Achieving Global Distinction Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is one the world’s fastest rising young universities. Having key strengths in engineering, technology and research, NTU is forging ahead as a leading global institute, offering students a holistic education with real-world relevance. NTU firmly believes that technological advancements are able to offer new, promising and next-generation solutions that will improve lives and shape the future.

Explaining how NTU drives its mission to propel educational excellence, Mr Victor Tay, Chief Development Officer, NTU, said, “Our faculty, researchers and students operate in a multi-disciplinary setting to harness global solutions and make pioneering discoveries in the fields of sustainability, the arts, healthcare, innovation and security”.

“We have also had fruitful collaborations with government agencies, peer institutions and industry partners on various projects to create innovative and sustainable solutions. As Singapore moves towards deepening its technological expertise, NTU will continue to move in tandem to deliver cutting-edge scientific research and revolutionary technological innovations across multiple disciplines, said Mr Tay.”

PIONEERING ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

Robotics technologies, for one, have advancedsignificantly over the past few decades and are already being used in a range of industries. Over the past four years, NTU has been fostering cross-disciplinary research in social robotics technologies – involving engineering, computer science, linguistics, psychology and other fields – to transform a virtual human, from within a computer, into a physical being that is ableto observe and interact with other humans. This issomewhat like a real companion that is always with you and conscious of what is happening.


SICCI CONNECT 22

Driving Innovation,Achieving Global Distinction

About a year ago, the University unveiled Nadine - one of the most realistic female humanoid social robot around the world who looks and act incredibly lifelike—being modelled on Professor Nadia Magnenat Thalman, its creator. Nadine has a realistic human appearance and natural skin, hands and hair. She is a socially intelligent robot who is friendly, greets you back, makes eye contact, and remembers all the interesting chats you had with her. She is able to answer questions in several languages, particularly Mandarin and English, and show emotions both in her gestures and in her face depending on the content of the interaction with the user.

Unlike conventional robots, Nadine has her own personality, mood and emotions. She is powered by intelligent soware similar to Apple’s Siri or Microso’s Cortana, and can also be made virtual to appear on a TV or computer screen rather than in person.

Nadine’s robot-in-arms, EDGAR, is another example of NTU’S lead in robotics. Complete with a rear-projection screen for its face and two highly articulated arms, EDGAR is a tele-presence robot optimized to project the gestures of its human user. By standing in front of a specialized webcam, a user can control EDGAR remotely from anywhere in the world. The user’s face and expressions will be displayed on the robot’s face in real time, while the robot mimics the person’s upper body movements. EDGAR can also deliver speeches by autonomously acting out a script. With an integrated webcam, he automatically tracks the people he meets to engage them in conversation, giving them informative and witty replies to their questions. On Aug 9 this year, Edgar co-hosted the annual National Day Parade (NDP).

Led by Associate Professor Gerald Seet from the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and the BeingThere Centre at NTU, this made-in-Singapore robot represents three years of research and development.

“EDGAR is a real demonstration of how telepresence and social robots can be used for business and education,” added Seet. “Telepresence provides an additional dimension to mobility. The user may project his or her physical presence at one or more locations simultaneously, meaning that geography is no longer an obstacle.”

“In future, a renowned educator giving lectures or classes to large groups of people in different locations at the same time could become commonplace. Or you could attend classes or business meetings all over the world using robot proxies, saving time and travel costs.”

In the future, social robots like Nadine and EDGAR could help address a shrinking workforce or save time and travel costs. They will also be useful for the healthcare services sector in the future to serve as a companion to the young and the elderly. Moving forward, NTU will continue to reinforce its research capabilities, deliver solutions to global issues and nurture leaders that are able to make a difference to the evolving future.

For companies or individuals looking to explore partnership opportunities with NTU, please contact Mr Victor Tay at 6790 4502.

NadineThe world’s most human-like robot

EDGAR-2A real-world C-3PO

Development Office76 Nanyang Drive, Blk N2.1 Level B4, Singapore 637331

www.ntu.edu.sg/do

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ntucircleofgiving

www.facebook.com/NTUcircleofgiving

[email protected]

Driving Innovation,Achieving Global Distinction

About a year ago, the University unveiled Nadine - one of the most realistic female humanoid social robot around the world who looks and act incredibly lifelike—being modelled on Professor Nadia Magnenat Thalman, its creator. Nadine has a realistic human appearance and natural skin, hands and hair. She is a socially intelligent robot who is friendly, greets you back, makes eye contact, and remembers all the interesting chats you had with her. She is able to answer questions in several languages, particularly Mandarin and English, and show emotions both in her gestures and in her face depending on the content of the interaction with the user.

Unlike conventional robots, Nadine has her own personality, mood and emotions. She is powered by intelligent soware similar to Apple’s Siri or Microso’s Cortana, and can also be made virtual to appear on a TV or computer screen rather than in person.

Nadine’s robot-in-arms, EDGAR, is another example of NTU’S lead in robotics. Complete with a rear-projection screen for its face and two highly articulated arms, EDGAR is a tele-presence robot optimized to project the gestures of its human user. By standing in front of a specialized webcam, a user can control EDGAR remotely from anywhere in the world. The user’s face and expressions will be displayed on the robot’s face in real time, while the robot mimics the person’s upper body movements. EDGAR can also deliver speeches by autonomously acting out a script. With an integrated webcam, he automatically tracks the people he meets to engage them in conversation, giving them informative and witty replies to their questions. On Aug 9 this year, Edgar co-hosted the annual National Day Parade (NDP).

Led by Associate Professor Gerald Seet from the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and the BeingThere Centre at NTU, this made-in-Singapore robot represents three years of research and development.

“EDGAR is a real demonstration of how telepresence and social robots can be used for business and education,” added Seet. “Telepresence provides an additional dimension to mobility. The user may project his or her physical presence at one or more locations simultaneously, meaning that geography is no longer an obstacle.”

“In future, a renowned educator giving lectures or classes to large groups of people in different locations at the same time could become commonplace. Or you could attend classes or business meetings all over the world using robot proxies, saving time and travel costs.”

In the future, social robots like Nadine and EDGAR could help address a shrinking workforce or save time and travel costs. They will also be useful for the healthcare services sector in the future to serve as a companion to the young and the elderly. Moving forward, NTU will continue to reinforce its research capabilities, deliver solutions to global issues and nurture leaders that are able to make a difference to the evolving future.

For companies or individuals looking to explore partnership opportunities with NTU, please contact Mr Victor Tay at 6790 4502.

NadineThe world’s most human-like robot

EDGAR-2A real-world C-3PO

Development Office76 Nanyang Drive, Blk N2.1 Level B4, Singapore 637331

www.ntu.edu.sg/do

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ntucircleofgiving

www.facebook.com/NTUcircleofgiving

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SICCI CONNECT 24

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Simply send an email to [email protected] to update.

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MCI (P) 067/02/2017 ISSUE 06 • DECEMBER 2017...

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