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research institutes and tertiary institutions
further promotes greater cohesion between
academia and industry.

Looking from an academic perspective, over
the years, our Ministry of Education (MOE)
has placed greater importance and emphasis
on creativity by tweaking their curriculum
to encompass a more ‘‘holistic” approach to
education. Through a series of projects and
competitions, students (as early on in primary
school) are encouraged to exercise their right
With the emergence of new platforms and In the business world, Singapore has established brain and are rewarded in the process. These
practices today, there is undeniably a lot of itself as a hub for innovation and research and incentives work well to motivate students to
‘noise’ from competing companies which development. Singapore is fondly referred adopt an innovative approach in life. Teachers
have in turn, signifi cantly reduced customers’ to as Asia’s innovative hub. It is passionately have also adopted creative pedagogy practices
receptiveness to any particular product. This pursuing its vision to become a leading testbed to teach syllabus and consistently provide
is also another reason why companies are where companies are embraced as they opportunities for greater inventiveness in the
constantly challenged to fi nd creative ways experiment new solutions for global markets. classroom.
to engage their customers and procure their As much as this may all seem daunting to some
loyalty in order to stay alive and running or companies who are afraid to take risks and Our future is changing and we must invest
otherwise, run the risk of becoming obsolete. manage potential losses, it is also exciting to in the right skills for the jobs of tomorrow.
behold the limitless opportunities that are in To drive this transformation successfully,
According to Bloomberg’s Innovation Index sight in our near future. Some of the creative we fi rst and foremost, must understand the
(2018), Singapore was ranked as the third innovations that are being brought to the importance for diversity and inclusivity in
most innovative city in the world. It is thus no market today are autonomous vehicles (Volvo), ideas and perspectives to propel us forward.
surprise that many companies are focusing on virtual reality glasses (Microsoft) and the use of Creativity remains a key catalyst for change.
creative solutions and innovation as a strategy artifi cial intelligence and robotics in healthcare, Recognising and honing this skill will prepare
to stand out amongst growing competition. to name a few. students and working professionals to not
This has also contributed to a booming start- only stay relevant, but become indispensable
up scene in Singapore where companies such We also see our government’s commitment to employees in the next decade and more.
as Ninja Van, RedMart and Carousell are Research and Development refl ected through
provided with an ideal environment to succeed institutions such as A*STAR. According to an
and expand their business ventures. EDB Singapore (in partnership with Forbes)
article written in 2018, “The government’s References:
Creativity thrives in an open culture where an Research, Innovation and Enterprise Plan 1. https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-
exchange of ideas, individuality and divergence (RIE 2020), has targeted S$19 billion to be source/ips/10_creativity-and-innovation-in-
is encouraged. This gives room for different invested in the country’s R&D capabilities, singapore-economy_7.pdf
perspectives to be exchanged, thereby creating enterprise innovation and entrepreneurship 2. https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/news-and-
a future fi lled with possibilities found outside a over the next fi ve years.” Furthermore, we events/insights/innovation/thriving-at-the-
box. Willingness to take risks without the fear also see our government’s hand in resources heart-of-the-worlds-growth-engine.html
of failure is another key factor for an innovative allocation to support the technology-driven
culture to fl ourish. In a merit-based society startup ecosystem found predominantly in
like Singapore, this could be a challenge. Block 71, 73 and 79. Comprising of start-ups,
However, in order to remain relevant globally, accelerators and venture capitalists, this close-
Singapore has recognised its importance and knit community has expanded to include JTC
has gradually taken small steps to welcome LaunchPad at One North, which is dedicated to
with open arms, a creative future in both the nurturing innovations and an entrepreneurial
business and academic spheres. spirit. Its unique location near public and private