StarHub & NUS partnership to create a 'Borderless University'

StarHub and the National University of Singapore (NUS) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on creating Singapore’s first "Borderless University".

This initiative aims to provide uninterrupted, high-speed connectivity through advanced digital infrastructure, aligning with the University’s goals in education, research, and innovation.

The MOU was signed by Tan Shui-Min, Chief Information Technology Officer of NUS, and Tan Kit Yong, Head of Enterprise Business Group at StarHub. The "Borderless University" initiative is supported by Infinite Technology, leveraging StarHub's Enterprise 5G and multi-cloud solution, Cloud Infinity. This collaboration seeks to enhance the learning experience for NUS students by utilising advanced 5G technology.

The primary objectives of this partnership involve improving student learning experiences through the utilisation of Enterprise 5G for both teaching and research. It will also facilitate the sharing of expertise and industry knowledge between StarHub and NUS Information Technology (NUS IT). The benefits of this partnership include secure, uninterrupted connectivity for NUS students and staff across Singapore, enhanced network security, intelligent data analytics, and seamless global network connectivity for those travelling abroad.

“In line with our DARE+ initiative, the partnership with NUS will not only enhance the learning environment for NUS staff and students but also set a benchmark for the future of education and offer valuable learnings for other industry applications,” said Tan Kit Yong. “StarHub’s Enterprise 5G technology holds immense potential to transform higher education by enabling unprecedented levels of connectivity and innovation.”

A fundamental feature of the "Borderless University" is a private, dedicated data network established by StarHub for NUS. Through eSIM technology, users can instantly connect to NUS's private 5G network without the need for repeated Wi-Fi logins. This setup extends the learning environment beyond physical boundaries, ensuring continuous connectivity for staff and students throughout Singapore.

A direct benefit of the eSIM technology is the streamlined onboarding process for new users at NUS. Rather than deploying physical SIM cards, new users can activate their eSIM with a simple QR code scan, granting them immediate access to the network and internet resources.

Tan Shui-Min of NUS highlighted the benefits of the collaboration: "This collaboration with StarHub aligns with our vision for a future-oriented learning environment. Both staff and students will benefit from seamless access to NUS' resources and the Internet, wherever they are in Singapore; and in the future, overseas, without the need for VPN or other remote access technologies. Over time, we believe that the integration of 5G technology will empower educators to deliver more interactive and personalised learning experiences, such as virtual labs and augmented reality simulations. This innovation in borderless connectivity will reshape our NUS campus network, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution that reduces our carbon footprint."

Since 2022, StarHub and NUS have collaborated on initiatives in smart campus and connectivity technology, including the rollout of a comprehensive outdoor Wi-Fi network and a "Wi-Fi on the Move" solution powered by StarHub’s Enterprise 5G. This enhanced connectivity complements NUS's existing indoor network, providing a reliable and uninterrupted experience for students and staff across the campus.