INNOVATION
INNOVATION: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures
by Portfolio Magazine
25 Feb 2025
25 Feb 2025
How innovation has helped reshape varied industries such as mobility, fitness, and biomedical science in Singapore.
Innovation serves as the lifeblood of progress, driving industries forward and transforming societies. In Singapore, a trio of visionaries we’ve had the pleasure of featuring on our covers – Joshua Goh, Alfred Sim, and Dr Pauline Erica Tay – exemplify this spirit by pioneering advancements in mobility, fitness technology, and biomedical science, respectively. Their endeavours not only highlight individual brilliance, but also underscore the nation's commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem that nurtures cutting-edge developments.
- ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
- MERGING FITNESS WITH VIRTUAL REALITY
- ADVANCING BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
- FOSTERING AN ECOSYSTEM OF INNOVATION
At the helm of Scorpio Electric, Joshua Goh is steering the automotive industry toward a sustainable future. Rooted in a family deeply connected with Singapore's automotive sector, Goh's passion for vehicles was ignited at a young age, with memories of sitting in a Lamborghini and going on go-kart races with his father. This early exposure laid the foundation for his current mission: To revolutionise urban transportation through electric motorcycles.
Scorpio Electric's flagship model, the X1, embodies this vision. Designed as a fully electric vehicle, the X1 aims to offer a blend of performance, style, and sustainability. Goh envisions a future where electric motorcycles become commonplace on roads, reducing carbon emissions and alleviating urban congestion. His approach goes beyond merely introducing a new vehicle; it represents a paradigm shift in how society perceives personal transportation, emphasising environmental responsibility without compromising on performance or aesthetics.
- ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
- MERGING FITNESS WITH VIRTUAL REALITY
- ADVANCING BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
- FOSTERING AN ECOSYSTEM OF INNOVATION
Merging Fitness with Virtual Reality
In the realm of fitness technology, Alfred Sim broke new ground by integrating virtual reality with physical exercise. As the co-founder of Exergame4D, Sim introduces a novel approach to fitness that combines high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with immersive gaming experiences. This innovation transforms traditional workout routines into engaging, interactive sessions that motivate users to maintain regular physical activity.
Exergame4D's platform utilizes advanced technology to create virtual environments where users can participate in various fitness challenges. By gamifying exercise, Sim addresses common barriers to fitness, such as monotony and lack of motivation. Participants are not only working out, but also enjoying a gaming experience, making fitness both fun and effective. This fusion of technology and exercise exemplifies how innovative thinking can redefine industries and promote healthier lifestyles.
- ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
- MERGING FITNESS WITH VIRTUAL REALITY
- ADVANCING BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
- FOSTERING AN ECOSYSTEM OF INNOVATION
Advancing Biomedical Science
Dr Pauline Erica Tay's journey from aspiring doctor to stem cell researcher and biotech consultant showcases her dedication to bridging the gap between science and commercialization. As the Chief Operating Officer of Celligenics, an A*STAR spinoff specializing in stem cell technology, Dr Tay leads efforts to develop treatments with enhanced therapeutic capabilities. Her work focuses on extracting specific subpopulations of stem cells from umbilical cords to produce cell-free extracts that promote self-regeneration and wound healing, with potential applications in anti-cancer therapies.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr Tay has played a pivotal role in shaping Singapore's biomedical landscape. She founded the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH), a platform connecting international entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and industry professionals across various fields. Her belief in the power of deep tech — transformational technology based on scientific discoveries and engineering innovation — has been instrumental in positioning Singapore as a competitive player in the global biomedical industry.
- ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
- MERGING FITNESS WITH VIRTUAL REALITY
- ADVANCING BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
- FOSTERING AN ECOSYSTEM OF INNOVATION
Fostering an Ecosystem of Innovation
The achievements of Goh, Sim, and Dr Tay are not isolated successes, but are indicative of Singapore's broader strategy to cultivate an environment conducive to innovation. The nation's emphasis on research and development, coupled with supportive policies and infrastructure, has created a fertile ground for groundbreaking ideas to flourish.
For instance, initiatives like SWITCH provide platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange, essential components for a thriving innovation ecosystem. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, such events facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas, leading to novel solutions and ventures.
Furthermore, the government's support for deep tech startups reflects a strategic move to invest in areas with high barriers to entry, ensuring long-term competitiveness. Dr Tay's advocacy for deep tech aligns with this vision, highlighting the need to maintain an edge in science and engineering to stay ahead in the global arena.
The pioneering work of these three individuals illustrates the multifaceted nature of innovation. Collectively, they demonstrate how individual visionaries, supported by a nurturing ecosystem, can drive transformative change. As Singapore continues to champion innovation, the endeavours of these trailblazers serve as inspiring examples of what is possible when passion meets opportunity.
Revisit the cover stories of Joshua Goh, Alfred Sim, and Dr Pauline Erica Tay here
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