Media OutReach
SMART launches new research group WISDOM to pioneer technologies that will help machines “see” like humans
- Multi-million-dollar, three-and-a-half-year programme to advance Singapore’s optoelectronics and photonics capabilities and semiconductor industry, which generated over S$133 billion in 2023 and accounts for approximately 7% of Singapore’s GDP
- Bringing together over 20 Singapore and US-based researchers, this is the first time a programme will study the combination of three integral components: optics, optoelectronics and electronics
- WISDOM supports Singapore’s Future of Microelectronics (FME) national initiative, and has key partnerships with leading research institutions including the National Semiconductor Translation and Innovation Centre (NSTIC)
- The IRG’s research endeavours are expected to benefit industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, healthcare, and space travel and sample collection – including applications in autonomous driving, augmented reality, robotics and high-speed data communication
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 May 2025 – Imagine creating 3D-sensing technologies so lightweight, compact and high-performance that they could take us to planets beyond Mars. The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART), Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) research enterprise in Singapore, has launched a new interdisciplinary research group (IRG) focused on developing next-generation 3D-sensing technologies for practical use across industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and healthcare, among others.
Jointly led by faculty from MIT and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), the Wafer-scale Integrated Sensing Devices based on Optoelectronic Metasurfaces (WISDOM) IRG will focus on developing ultra-thin, scalable sensing devices – systems that allow machines such as autonomous vehicles and robots to perceive depth, shape and spatial detail safely and with more versatility, much like human vision.
3-Dimensional (3D) sensing is essential for many modern applications, from autonomous vehicles and robotics to augmented reality and medical diagnostics. However, current systems still fall short of human-like perception capabilities, which pose limitations such as contextual unawareness and decision errors.
Today’s optical systems are also often bulky, expensive and difficult to mass-produce due to reliance on complex components and manual assembly. While new materials called optoelectronic metasurfaces — which are ultra-thin and can control light in powerful new ways — show great potential, it has been difficult so far to turn them into practical, widely used products, due to challenges in how these materials are combined with other technologies and manufactured at large scale.
SMART WISDOM will be helmed by Co-Lead Principal Investigators Prof Juejun Hu, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT, and Prof Tan Chuan-Seng, Professor of Electronic Engineering at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at NTU Singapore.
“What makes me really excited about WISDOM is that we’re putting together pieces that haven’t been combined before – to benefit a ton of industries and use cases. For example, think how a super light and powerful LiDAR system could make trips to planets beyond Mars a reality. It’s like having a whole new set of eyes for exploration, and about making the seemingly impossible, possible,” said Prof Juejun Hu, Co-Lead Principal Investigator, WISDOM.
Combining expertise from five leading institutions
SMART brings together top researchers from leading institutions in the United States and Singapore, including MIT, NTU Singapore, National University of Singapore (NUS), Stanford University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), to redefine how optical metasurfaces are designed, integrated and manufactured.
This multi-million, multi-year effort, supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) programme, brings together leading experts across disciplines in photonics, materials science and semiconductor engineering to position Singapore at the forefront of global innovation in sensing technologies and advanced manufacturing.
World-first approach to pioneering 3D-sensing and next-generation applications
WISDOM will capitalise on wafer-scale integration using standard silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes to revolutionise how meta-optical systems are produced. This is the first time a programme is put together to study the combination of these three separate elements: optical metasurfaces, optoelectronic devices with a focus on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and vertical surface emitting laser arrays (VCSELs); and silicon CMOS electronics.
At the heart of WISDOM’s pioneering research is their world-first approach that integrates the three elements into a wafer-scale platform. This tri-element integration seeks to unlock entirely new functionalities in optical metasurface technology, enabling next-generation sensing systems with multi-modal illumination and detection, advanced displays with built-in high-speed communication, and biomedical devices with versatile light sources for diagnostics and therapeutics.
“The launch of WISDOM marks an exciting chapter in SMART’s and MIT’s long legacy in Singapore – bringing together the best in their fields from US, Singapore and the region for interdisciplinary research and collaboration to drive world-class research and innovation with commercial and societal impact for Singapore and beyond. The first-of-its-kind research will pioneer groundbreaking advancements for next-generation sensing systems, enabling transformative solutions across industries such as automotive, healthcare, aerospace and consumer electronics,” said Bruce Tidor, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Interim), SMART.
WISDOM’s inaugural project aims to develop a high-performance, metasurface-enabled LiDAR prototype, addressing key challenges in scalability, integration and performance. By combining metasurface optics, optoelectronic devices, and CMOS electronics on a single silicon substrate, WISDOM seeks to redefine the capabilities of LiDAR systems. This innovation promises to enhance detection accuracy, extend range and field-of-view, and reduce motion artifacts, with transformative implications for industries such as automotive, healthcare, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Beyond improving safety in autonomous vehicles and navigation in drones, it also opens doors to revolutionary applications like glasses-free 3D displays and high-speed optical communication, laying the groundwork for smarter, more efficient technologies that will shape the future.
“WISDOM represents a paradigm shift in how meta-optical systems are integrated – from discrete assembly to wafer-scale packaging. Even at the research stage, we have a clear objective to bring our innovations to market and societal impact – enabling transformative sensing technologies for mass-market applications. WISDOM is designed to streamline manufacturing by eliminating costly and intricate die-to-die assembly, significantly improving throughput,” said MIT Prof Hu Juejun.
“By combining NTU’s two decades of expertise in electronics engineering and wafer packaging with MIT’s strengths in optical systems, we aim to create a new platform for large-scale manufacturing of optical metasurfaces using industry-standard CMOS processes. NTU is known for translating fundamental research into real-world technologies, and this collaboration builds on that strength. Ranked top in the world for Electrical and Electronic Engineering1, we are well-placed to deliver innovations that are both scalable and commercially viable, while also training the next generation of engineers to lead in areas like Augmented Reality, robotics and consumer technology,” said NTU Prof Tan Chuan-Seng.
As MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, SMART is dedicated to driving innovation that powers future industries and transforms global technological landscapes. WISDOM adds on to SMART’s continuing commitment to advancing cutting-edge and translational research in fields such as artificial intelligence, agriculture, antimicrobial resistance, cell therapy and more. In addition to advancing scientific understanding, the IRG’s work is expected to contribute to intellectual property development, technology licensing, and the creation of Singapore research spin-offs and startups in related industries.
Hashtag: #SMART
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About Wafer-scale Integrated Sensing Devices based on Optoelectronic Metasurfaces (WISDOM)
WISDOM is an interdisciplinary research group (IRG) launched in April 2025 by SMART, MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore. WISDOM is the first research and industry endeavour to study and integrate optical metasurfaces, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and vertical surface emitting laser arrays (VCSELs), and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) electronics for industry and commercial application. By developing innovative 3D-sensing technologies that enhance system performance, scalability and cost efficiency, WISDOM aims to revolutionise optoelectronics and photonics, and address key challenges in semiconductor manufacturing and other key industries. These 3D-sensing technologies will deliver impactful advancements that drive progress in sensor innovation while fostering opportunities for commercial applications and societal benefits in Singapore and globally.
About Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) [新加坡-麻省理工学院科研中心]
Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (
SMART) is MIT’s Research Enterprise in Singapore, established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in partnership with the National Research Foundation of Singapore (NRF) since 2007. SMART is the first entity in the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) developed by NRF. SMART serves as an intellectual and innovation hub for research interactions between MIT and Singapore. Cutting-edge research projects in areas of interest to both Singapore and MIT are undertaken at SMART. SMART currently comprises an Innovation Centre and five Interdisciplinary Research Groups (IRGs): Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Critical Analytics for Manufacturing Personalized-Medicine (CAMP), Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP), Mens, Manus and Machina (M3S), and Wafer-scale Integrated Sensing Devices based on Optoelectronic Metasurfaces (WISDOM).
SMART research is funded by the National Research Foundation Singapore under the CREATE programme.
For more information, please visit http://smart.mit.edu
Media OutReach
Celebrating Hearts at Home: Eden Grace’s Annual Award Ceremony Recognises Meaningful Partnerships
Celebrating Excellence, Empathy, and Everyday Impact
The annual award ceremony aims to recognise the dedication, resilience, and compassion that helpers bring to their work, as well as the support and understanding employers provide in return. Through this event, Eden Grace hopes to inspire stronger, more respectful partnerships between domestic workers and families.
This year’s Heart of the Home Awards will feature several categories designed to appreciate individuals who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. These include:
- Helper of the Year – Awarded to domestic helpers who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment, professionalism, and a caring attitude toward the households they serve.
- Employer of the Year – Presented to employers who exemplify empathy, fairness, and support in their relationships with their helpers, creating a respectful and welcoming work environment.
- Character Trait Awards – Special awards that celebrate the core values of kindness, patience, integrity, and responsibility. Nominees are put forward by employers who wish to recognise the unique strengths of their helpers.
What sets these awards apart is the non-competitive format, there are no “winners” and “losers.” Instead, every nominated house helper or employer is considered a finalist, as long as their nomination includes a thoughtful justification. The goal is to encourage appreciation and build confidence, rather than compare accomplishments.
Nominees for this annual award ceremony are evaluated based on a well-rounded set of criteria, including communication skills, initiative, work ethic, adaptability, and the impact they’ve had on household harmony. The judging panel comprises representatives from Eden Grace who carefully review each submission to ensure fair and heartfelt recognition.
This approach supports Eden Grace’s belief that even the smallest efforts and quietest acts of kindness deserve acknowledgement.
Fostering a Supportive and Uplifting Community
As a long-term initiative, this annual award ceremony aligns closely with Eden Grace’s commitment to improving domestic work conditions and strengthening bonds within households. By honouring both helpers and employers, the agency affirms its vision of fostering mutual respect, trust, and care, essential ingredients for a happy and healthy home.
Eden Grace’s spokesperson shared, “This annual award ceremony is our way of saying thank you. It’s about celebrating the heart behind the work, on both sides. We hope it inspires more households to cultivate meaningful relationships.”
In line with its future plans, Eden Grace is also exploring the possibility of expanding the award categories in the coming years to better reflect the evolving roles and stories within the domestic employment community. These may include recognition for long-term service, cultural understanding, or mentorship between helpers.
Beyond the awards, Eden Grace continues to provide ongoing support and training for maids to develop their skills and build fulfilling careers. The agency also educates employers on best practices in household management and ethical employment, reinforcing its role as a bridge-builder between both parties.
At its core, the Heart of the Home Awards is a celebration of humanity, of people who care, who listen, and who support each other in the shared space they call home.
“To all helpers and employers, thank you for making Singapore a more compassionate and harmonious place. Let’s continue building an uplifting and respectful community, one home at a time.”
Hashtag: #EdenGrace
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About Eden Grace
Established in 2013, Eden Grace is a leading Christian maid agency in Singapore, having proudly served over 5,000 clients with dedication and excellence. More than just a placement agency, Eden Grace is driven by a passion to build meaningful connections between households and domestic helpers. With a client-centric approach rooted in trust and transparency, they empower lives through comprehensive training programmes and ongoing support. At Eden Grace, the team is committed to redefining the domestic service experience, one of passion, integrity, and lasting impact.
Elevating the Shopping Experience for KrisFlyer Members
Through this partnership, LussoCitta’s selection of branded and designer bags is now available on KrisShop’s omnichannel e-commerce site KrisShop.com. KrisFlyer members are eligible for special discount rates during selected promotional campaigns and may also redeem products using KrisFlyer miles, providing alternative methods of purchase.
Additional product collections and designer labels are expected to be introduced progressively on KrisShop.com, in alignment with future promotional periods.
A Win-Win Collaboration for Growth
The collaboration is aligned with both brands’ objectives of expanding customer engagement and increasing market reach. By integrating its product offerings into KrisShop’s retail ecosystem, LussoCitta aims to increase exposure among a broader demographic, including frequent travellers and KrisFlyer members.The partnership allows LussoCitta to offer accessible luxury while providing KrisFlyer members with a convenient way to redeem their miles
For KrisShop, the inclusion of LussoCitta’s range introduces a new product category focused on luxury products and accessories to its existing catalogue. This aligns with its strategy of offering merchandise across different price points and categories.
The initiative is also consistent with LussoCitta’s business approach of building partnerships with established local platforms to support market expansion. By working with recognised entities like KrisShop, the retailer seeks to continue developing its operations in Singapore while maintaining a focus on accessible luxury.
Looking Ahead
LussoCitta plans to develop the partnership in phases over the coming months. Initial efforts will focus on integrating new product lines and seasonal collections into KrisShop’s platform. Promotional activities, including targeted campaigns and member-exclusive offers, are expected to be introduced at regular intervals to maintain customer engagement and drive sales.
Further updates regarding new campaigns, brand partnerships, and expanded product offerings will be announced through official communication channels as they are confirmed.
Hashtag: #LussoCitta #KrisShop
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About Lussocitta
Established in 2009, LussoCittà is a Singapore-based company offering a selection of branded and designer handbags through a single online platform. The company emphasises product authenticity and customer service, providing customers with access to luxury bags through a streamlined and secure shopping experience.
Regional links enhanced and 24 bilateral accords reached
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2025 – A delegation of more than 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China, led by Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee, concluded a fruitful visit to Kuwait yesterday (May 14), reaching a raft of bilateral accords and paving the way for closer links between Hong Kong and Middle East.
“We are here to better understand the opportunities of Kuwaiti business and investment. To explore how Hong Kong, Mainland China and Kuwait, working together, can create long-term mutual opportunities,” Mr Lee told nearly 300 local business leaders attending a luncheon themed “Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Adder'”.
At the luncheon, government departments, enterprises, and organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Kuwait exchanged and announced 24 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and co-operation agreements, covering areas such as economy and trade, investment, financial services, technology, legal co-operation, cargo clearance and flow, aviation, post-secondary education and sports. These include a new MOU signed between the Airport Authority Hong Kong and Kuwait Airways, aimed at enhancing aviation connectivity between the two regions.
Mr Lee further announced that, from today (May 15) the United Arab Emirates will grant Hong Kong 30-day visa-free access, while Oman will extend its visa-free period from 10 to 14 days.
Hong Kong is exploring closer ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Kuwait currently holding presidency. Mr Lee said the country wields significant influence in the region’s development.
“Hong Kong’s trade with the GCC last year reached nearly US$20 billion, up 53 per cent over the past four years. And that robust growth is underpinned by our mutual will to advance trade ties,” Mr Lee said. “Indeed, our burgeoning trade and investment co-operation, I believe, could well add momentum to the possibility of a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the GCC.”
Earlier, (May 13) Mr Lee met with the Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, and Acting Prime Minister His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah, to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Kuwait including areas such as finance, trade, and innovation and technology.
Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong enjoys the advantage of connecting China with the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. He welcomed the Kuwaiti Government and enterprises to utilise Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to explore new opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative for mutual benefit.
The Chief Executive led delegation members on several company visits in Kuwait. These included Bukhamseen Group Holding Company, where he introduced Hong Kong’s development opportunities and its highly internationalised and market-oriented business environment with its pool of professional services talent.
Mr Lee and the delegation also visited Zain Group, a major mobile telecommunications company, to learn about its business in innovative technologies and digital communications, and exchange views on topics such as drones, AI, and smart city development.
On the cultural front, Mr Lee toured the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre to learn about Kuwait’s arts and culture projects and developments. He noted that both Hong Kong and Kuwait place importance on arts and culture development, and he said he looks forward to further deepening connections and co-operation in cultural exchanges between the two places.
Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #collaboration #partnering #Kuwait #beltandroad
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