Shermaine Wong, Senior Manager, Smart District Division, JTC Corporation, Singapore

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens' lives? Tell us about your role or organisation.

As the lead of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) team in JTC's Smart District Division, I'm at the forefront of the development of an innovative district operating system, known as the Open Digital Platform (ODP), which will soon power smart and sustainable solutions in Punggol Digital District.

The ODP serves as a central nervous system for the district, ingesting real-time data from a myriad of sources including building management systems, environmental sensors and other IoT devices. These rich and dynamic datasets form the foundation of my work, which is to harness the data’s potential through cutting-edge AI and ML technologies.

By developing advanced algorithms and models that can optimise energy consumption, enhance resource allocation, improve predictive maintenance, enhance user experience and support sustainable practices, our objectives are twofold: to achieve JTC's sustainability targets and enhance the quality of work and life for tenants and visitors in the district.

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year?

That would be AskODP, an application built upon the ODP and the cornerstone of its artificial intelligence capabilities. Initially conceived as a natural language data retrieval system, AskODP empowers facility managers to query complex datasets using intuitive, conversational language. For instance, they can easily access information on lift usage patterns, and use it to make operational adjustments to optimise efficiency and user experience.

This AI-driven approach dramatically augments the capacity of facility managers, reducing the time required to gather insights and assess ground situations. Key features of AskODP include generating graphs and visual representations of trends over time, eliminating the need for manual data extraction and plotting. AskODP can also synthesise information from various sources (eg CCTVs and IoT devices) to provide comprehensive insights. Furthermore, the system can be configured to notify managers of specific events or anomalies, ensuring timely responses to potential issues.

As we continue to refine and expand AskODP's capabilities, I'm eager to see how it would revolutionise facility management practices in JTC estates.

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?

When faced with a choice between two paths, opt for the one that seems to create more avenues for serendipitous outcomes or unexpected opportunities in the future. This isn't about relying on chance, but about creating conditions where “lucky” breaks are more likely to occur and being prepared to capitalise on them when they do. It requires a balance of foresight, calculated risk-taking and adaptability. Ultimately, the path that feels like it will produce the most luck is often the one that offers the greatest potential for growth, learning and unexpected positive outcomes.

4. What's a tool or technique you're excited to explore in 2025?

I'm enthusiastic about exploring the potential of Agentic AI systems and their integration with our existing AskODP platform. This emerging and increasingly significant field of AI presents exciting opportunities to significantly enhance our current capabilities and push the boundaries of smart district management. Agentic AI systems, characterised by their ability to operate autonomously, make decisions, and take actions to achieve specific goals, can revolutionise our approach to smart district management in several ways. Unlike traditional AI, which is typically one-directional and task-driven, Agentic AI can proactively identify issues in the district and act autonomously to suggest or implement a string of solutions without human intervention. These systems can also dynamically adjust resource allocation (eg energy and manpower) based on real-time conditions and predicted future needs. Integrating Agentic AI with AskODP could transform it from a powerful query tool to an intelligent, autonomous assistant capable of not just answering questions but anticipating needs, proposing solutions, and taking action when appropriate.

However, this integration would need to be approached thoughtfully, considering ethical implications, establishing clear boundaries for AI decision-making authority, and ensuring transparency and accountability in the AI's actions.

5. Everybody's talking about Al today - give us your hot take on Al and what it means for the public sector.

As AI transitions to the scaling phase, the focus will shift from the development of increasingly powerful Large Language Models (LLMs) to the critical areas of AI engineering and ethics. I foresee AI engineering becoming increasingly important as more AI applications are built on top of LLMs, with the design and building of AI systems taking up a larger proportion of AI development work moving forward. This evolution is particularly pertinent for the public sector as we scale AI solutions to serve citizens more effectively.

The other key consideration could be the governance of these AI applications – principles such as fairness and equity, transparency and accountability need to be established within a framework and used to guide the design and development of AI applications, in particular those with a direct bearing on citizens’ lives.

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6. What are your priorities for 2025?

I'm excited to return to JTC in January 2025, following an enriching stint as a data scientist at DBS's Analytics Centre of Excellence. This experience has provided me with valuable insights into how a leading financial institution approaches both Generative AI and traditional AI/ML projects, from both governance and technical perspectives.

By combining DBS's cutting-edge practices with JTC's domain expertise and existing AI initiatives like AskODP, we have a unique opportunity to push the boundaries of AI application in the public sector. I envision developing AI solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also significantly contribute to Singapore's sustainability goals and smart nation initiatives.

Moreover, I'm excited about the potential to position JTC as a leader in responsible AI adoption within the public sector, setting benchmarks for how government agencies can leverage advanced AI technologies to create tangible value for citizens and the environment in the area of building and facilities management.

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators?

Understand your purpose, execute with agility and embrace rapid learning. This philosophy of knowing the why, building fast and failing fast, combines strategic thinking with efficient execution. Encouraging calculated risk-taking and quick iteration allows the public sector to stay agile in fast-changing environments. By combining a clear sense of purpose with swift execution and a willingness to learn from setbacks, teams can navigate complex challenges more effectively and achieve breakthrough results.

8. Who inspires you today?

Tan Su Shan, the CEO-designate of DBS Bank, is a source of inspiration for me. She exhibited courage in making the unconventional choice of accepting a seemingly “demoted” role and challenged traditional notions of career advancement. I am inspired by her confidence in her abilities as taking a step back requires immense self-assurance and trust in her capabilities. Her willingness to forgo a higher position in favour of a role where she could contribute more significantly also showcases a commitment to value creation. Her decision paid off, leading to greater responsibilities and impact, validating her long-term vision.

Her example serves as a powerful reminder that career success is not always about climbing a linear ladder, but about strategically positioning oneself for maximum impact and growth. It's an approach that I strive to emulate in my own professional journey, always keeping an eye on the bigger picture and being willing to make bold moves for long-term success.