UOB is investing more than $500 million to build its new global technology and innovation centre in Punggol Digital District (PDD), a 50ha business park and mixed-use space developed by JTC. Targeted to be completed by late 2026, the centre will be home to UOB’s digital platform, UOB TMRW, and The FinLab, an accelerator focused on digitalisation and sustainability across the region. Joining UOB in the PDD’s ecosystem are Delteq and Target Media Culcreative (TMCC).

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) is set to have its new campus in PDD, with 11,000 students and 500 academic staff. UOB has signed a MOU with SIT to set up a Fintech Innovation Lab and continued its existing support to SIT’s Work-Study Degree programmes.

Bukit Batok Town is conveniently connected to other parts of Singapore via MRT and buses, and Altura EC Bukit Batok is accessible by major expressways.

An environmentally-sustainable business park, PDD aims to achieve 30%-40% higher energy efficiency than standard commercial buildings, zero water wastage with eco-ponds to collect rainwater for landscape irrigation and complete recycling of food and horticulture waste into fertiliser. To further reduce energy consumption, UOB plans to install smart lifts, rooftop solar panels, air-conditioning systems with an environmentally-friendly refrigerant and more.

JTC, who spearheads the development of PDD, has activated phase two by introducing three new business park towers amounting 1.2 million sq ft of business park and commercial space. Companies, students and the public are also welcome to use the Open Digital Platform (ODP) operated by JTC to collect building data and environmental data. The digital twin created by the ODP will also allow businesses and students to perform simulations and rapid prototyping in a risk-free and lifelike environment.

The PDD will also offer integrated residential areas and vibrant public spaces, with retail, dining and leisure options. JTC and UOB have furthermore signed an MOU to jointly promote the adoption of greener business practices by local industrialists in 2H2023.

UOB’s move to invest in PDD reinforces its commitment to grow its Singapore core, and to support its customers in Singapore and across Asean on their digital journey. According to JTC, PDD is expected to create 28,000 jobs near more than 160,000 residents in the northeast. With companies, students and the public benefiting from the digitised infrastructure and energy-efficient solutions, the PDD is set to become Asia’s premier smart and sustainable business district.