RSN and SUTD Sign MOU to Advance Design·AI Training and Applied Innovation

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on training, applied innovation and talent development. The MOU allows the RSN and SUTD to strengthen collaboration by leveraging Design Thinking and Artificial Intelligence to solve real-world problem statements in the RSN, as well as to spark interest in naval engineering careers.

Head Naval Engineering & Logistics (HNEL) ME7 Khoo Koh Giok (2nd from left) and Senior Director, Office of Innovation & Enterprise (SUTD) Mr Dennis Ling (2nd from right) signed the MOU, witnessed by Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat (1st from left) and President of SUTD Professor Phoon Kok Kwang (1st from right).

The MOU was signed on 25 February 2026 at the Navy Museum, RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base (CNB) by RSN's Head Naval Engineering & Logistics (HNEL) ME7 Khoo Koh Giok and SUTD's Senior Director, Office of Innovation & Enterprise Mr Dennis Ling.

The signing was witnessed by Chief of Navy (CNV) Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat and President of SUTD Professor Phoon Kok Kwang.

At his opening address, Prof Phoon (bottom photo) highlighted his confidence that SUTD's strengths in deep technology and Design·AI capabilities can be meaningfully applied to real-world operational needs of the RSN. RADM Wat (top photo) also expressed confidence and excitement that the MOU would create pathways for Navy personnel to develop practical and future-ready competencies.

Under this partnership, RSN and SUTD will explore opportunities to upskill the Navy's workforce in Design Thinking and Artificial Intelligence, apply SUTD’s research and technological capabilities to address operational and engineering problem statements within the RSN, and share best practices and emerging technologies to promote active learning for personnel from both organisations.

The collaboration will also seek to engage SUTD students through exposure to naval engineering, sponsorship opportunities and applied learning projects, with the aim of nurturing interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and creating potential career pathways within the RSN.

RADM Wat (front row, 4th from left) and Prof Phoon (front row, 4th from right), in a group photo with our senior leadership from the RSN and representatives from SUTD who attended the MOU signing.

Our sailors hosted the SUTD delegation for a ship visit on board our Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart.

Following the signing, the SUTD delegation visited Formidable-class frigate RSS Stalwart to better understand our operational environment, and explore potential areas for applied learning and technology trials.

The MOU marks a step towards strengthening the linkage between education, research and operational needs, enabling the growth of a naval workforce that is ready for the future and the development of engineering professionals for the RSN.

Photos courtesy of LCP Russell Yim and PTE Pia Shakti (NIC).