Singapore bets big on deeptech in the space sector

Building on its 2014 national 3D mapping project, the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is looking to work more closely with the Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTin) to explore the possibility of incorporating satellite data within the map.

OSTin is an agency set up under the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) in 2013 to leverage the economy opportunities in the space industry for Singapore.

The 3D mapping project, which is aimed at helping government agencies in their operations, planning, risk management and policy formulation, has seen improved real-world outcomes.

For example, the Public Utilities Board (PUB), uses the map’s terrain model to simulate flooding scenarios to plan risk management strategies, in order to ensure public safety.

Similarly, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) relies on building height information available in the map to optimise flight safety procedures around the airport.

The use of satellite data in SLA’s 3D map will improve the accuracy of tracking changes in coastlines, landscapes, streetscapes and vegetation over time, according to an official statement by SLA.

The collaboration was announced on the sidelines of the Global Space Technology Convention and Exhibition 2025 on February 26.

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Singapore’s deeptech advantage

Themed “bringing space to non-space sectors,” the event saw multiple agreements signed among public agencies, multilateral organisations, and private companies both in Singapore and beyond.

These partnerships positioned space as a technology that Singapore can leverage to its advantage.

“The world of space moves from getting up the robots and satellites to what you can do with data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) to get the insights.

“This becomes an opportunity for Singapore and the region to have a much bigger play than they have had in the past,” said Deloitte’s Asia-Pacific Innovation Leader, Co-Centre Leader, Centre for the Edge, Duleesha Kulasooriya, at a media briefing.

According to EDB’s Managing Director, Jacqueline Poh, Singapore wants to leverage its strengths in business and research and development (R&D) to unlock new economic opportunities in the global space economy.

The opportunity is accompanied by macro factors, including the lower cost of space technology and growing real-world needs.

Due to the country’s near equatorial position and satellite capabilities, Singapore is also well-placed to support the region with frequent and high-resolution data, said the official statement.

The Straits Times previously reported that Singapore has a niche in building high-tech space components and small satellites – as the country houses more than 60 local and international space-tech firms with over 2,000 professionals and researchers.

Geo-enabled solutions for climate mitigation

The partnership between SLA and OSTin will accelerate geo-enabled solutions to support Singapore’s sustainability agenda, added SLA’s CEO, Colin Low.

Another research agreement was signed between between SLA and the Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing (CRISP), an institute under the National University of Singapore (NUS), to enhance environmental monitoring capabilities and build a more climate-resilient city.

The partnership will leverage SLA’s 3D mapping data and CRISP's satellite imaging expertise for carbon biomass research and geospatial analytics.

SLA, alongside other public agencies like the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), would also become key partners of the Earth Observation Initiative (EOI).

EOI is a regional initiative led by OSTin to tap on remote sensing satellite technology to analyse and solve humanitarian challenges across Asia-Pacific, including food and water quality, disaster and disease monitoring, and forestry and land management.

Partners are expected to actively participate and drive the implementation of efforts within their respective domains to address real-world needs.

Building capacities and international partnerships

OSTin secured an additional S$60 million this year, on top of the S$150 million funding announced in 2022, to develop the local space sector.

The three key areas of OSTin’s focus would be to supportthe lifecycle of satellite tech projects from proof-of-concept (POC) to technology development; commercialisation and practical applications in the economy and society; and training partnerships with institutes of higher learning, research institutes and the industry.

The event also saw nascent efforts to establish international partnerships in the space sector.

One of which is a letter of intent signed between OSTin and the European Space Agency (ESA) to support the development of space commercialisation.

OSTin is also currently working to formalise an engagement with the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).

OSTin also signed a letter of intent with the Mekong River Commission to deepen discussions on the use of earth observation data and space technologies for sustainable water management, environmental sustainability and climate change innovation.

Mekong River Commission is an intergovernmental organization that works directly with the governments of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam to manage the water resources and sustainable management of the river.