NUS Innovates with Singapore’s First University-Based Integrated Operations Centre for a Smart, Safe, and Sustainable Campus

The National University of Singapore (NUS) has established Singapore’s first university-based Integrated Operations Centre (IOC), a development that signifies a notable advancement in campus operations and the digital transformation of the institution. Situated at Prince George’s Park, the IOC became fully functional in January 2025, with the objective of transforming the management of campus services.
Integration of Operations
The IOC integrates real-time data from multiple essential systems, including security, emergency services, and building management, onto a unified digital platform. This integration grants NUS comprehensive oversight of its operations, which supports a diverse community of over 64,000 students, faculty, and staff.
Strategic Tool for Enhanced Management
Koh Yan Leng, Vice President of Campus Infrastructure at NUS, described the IOC as a strategic tool that enhances campus operations management by consolidating information into a single source. This centre plays a crucial role in NUS’ ongoing Smart Campus initiatives, showcasing the benefits of aligning digital transformation with operational efficiency.
Development and Implementation
The IOC concept was initiated in 2022 as part of the university’s Smart Campus vision, aiming to address challenges such as fragmented legacy systems and manual processing. The system underwent a pilot phase at NUS University Town in May 2024 before its full rollout this year. With capabilities focused on security, emergency response, facilities management, transport, housing, and sustainability, the IOC leverages digital twin technology, enabling operators to visualize campus environments and manage incidents effectively in real time.
Improvements in Incident Management
Leonard Li, Head of IOC, noted that the centre enhances incident detection and response times, leading to substantial improvements in operational efficiency. Preliminary data suggests that response times for urgent incidents have improved by 45%, while non-urgent issues have seen a 57% decrease. Additionally, emergency dispatch times have been reduced by up to 50%, resulting from enhanced incident prioritization.
Sustainability Focus
Sustainability is another critical focus of the IOC, with the implementation of real-time alerts for utility consumption that exceeds predefined thresholds, facilitating timely corrective actions. Future objectives include expanding IOC operations to additional NUS campuses and incorporating advanced technologies such as Wi-Fi-based crowd sensing and AI analytics to further optimize campus services.
Conclusion
The IOC represents a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the university’s operational capabilities while addressing the needs of an expanding and dynamic campus community.
(Source: NUS News)