Hyundai Motor Group and NTU Singapore collaborate on sustainable energy and manufacturing solutions

Hyundai Motor Group and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have signed a three-year collaborative research agreement focused on hydrogen energy business and advanced energy systems to aid in achieving carbon neutrality. The partnership aims to leverage Hyundai’s advanced energy technologies.

The signing ceremony took place on October 8 at the Singapore-Korea Business Forum held at the Ritz Carlton, Singapore. Key figures attending included Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company; Young-Joon Yoon, President and CEO of Hyundai Engineering & Construction; Hyun Sung Park, Vice President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS); Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry) of NTU; Professor Madhavi Srinivasan, Executive Director of Energy Research Institute at NTU; Duk-geun Ahn, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Republic of Korea; and Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore.

Focus on Plastic-to-Hydrogen and Waste-to-Hydrogen technologies

A significant focus of the research collaboration will be the study and adoption of hydrogen production technologies and businesses in Singapore. This includes the implementation of Hyundai Motor Group’s innovative resource-cycle hydrogen production technologies, such as Plastic-to-Hydrogen (P2H) and Waste-to-Hydrogen (W2H) systems. The W2H system utilises organic waste like food and sewage sludge to produce hydrogen, while P2H uses non-recyclable plastic.

Regarding advanced energy system research, Hyundai Motor Group and NTU aim to develop solutions suited for urban countries like Singapore. These systems offer the advantages of easy installation and high safety levels due to their modular design, playing a crucial role in achieving carbon neutrality.

Focus on innovative manufacturing

On the same day, a joint signing ceremony was held for the establishment of a tripartite research center between HMGICS, NTU, and the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR). The Corporate Lab Program will focus on research in innovative manufacturing domains, including AI, robotics, and 3D printing.

Hyun Sung Park, Vice President, and CEO of HMGICS, said, “HMGICS is a global hub for Hyundai Motor Group’s future mobility innovation. Through this partnership, we aim to accelerate our research in the field of innovative technologies, ultimately enhancing the commercial viability of our sustainable mobility solutions.”

Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry) of NTU, said, “The research partnerships between NTU Singapore and Hyundai Motor Group reflect how close collaboration with industry is vital in developing innovative and relevant solutions to address real world issues, including the race to carbon neutrality. We will continue to build on our long-standing partnership with Hyundai Motor Group, leveraging NTU’s core strengths in areas such as sustainable energy, AI, robotics, 3D printing, and advanced materials, to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for Singapore and the global society.”

The collaboration between Hyundai Motor Group, NTU, and A*STAR highlights HMGICS's focus on manufacturing and customer experience. This partnership aims to create innovative and sustainable mobility solutions benefiting all parties involved.

Frederick Chew, CEO of A*STAR; Professor Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive of the Science and Engineering Research Council at A*STAR; Duk-geun Ahn, Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy of the Republic of Korea; and Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, were also present during the ceremony.