Temasek Polytechnic (TP) is set to enhance campus-wide digitalisation efforts as the first Institute of Higher Learning in Singapore to implement Wi-Fi 6E in partnership with Cisco. This is in alignment with TP’s Digitalisation Plan to become a fully digital institution and enable learning in a highly personalised and flexible manner.   

Students and staff can now leverage on this advanced wireless technology to carry out their academic, research and administrative work more effectively with faster connectivity in a sustainable manner. The implementation, scheduled to commence in January 2024 ahead of the annual Joint Admissions Exercise (JAE), will see Wi-Fi 6E being set up across all the academic schools within TP within the year.

Approximately 50% of TP students, including new students admitted in this year’s JAE are expected to benefit from Wi-Fi 6E by mid-2024. The implementation of the wireless technology throughout the entire campus is expected to be finalised by end-2024.

The key benefits to students and staff include:

• Enhanced Campus Learning & Experience

Faster data transmission with lower latency for smooth high-resolution streaming of applications like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

• Secure User Experience

Enhanced speed and user experience in accessing applications and online services that are compatible with existing devices on Wi-Fi4/5/6. There will be built-in security with every access point to detect security threats on the campus network. This ensures that connectivity remains secure.
 

• Wireless for Innovation
  

Accelerated digital transformation with the new IoT portal that allows students to experiment new use cases and projects which leverages on location analytics and IoT sensor telemetry. Artificial Intelligence (AI) network analytics are used to continually monitor and optimise operations.

• Green Campus
  

Power-save mode in access points when not in use promotes energy-saving. It serves as built-in environmental sensors that leverage insights like occupancy and space utilisation to optimise energy efficiency.

The project is in partnership with key partners, including Cisco, the technology partner providing the Wi-Fi6E access points and ensuring secure access for students and staff with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), NCS as the systems integrator and key hardware provider of Cisco’s wired and wireless appliances, and ST Engineering as the provider of hardware for Cisco’s security module. Cisco’s leading network technology and NCS’ proven capabilities in network architecting, implementation, and maintenance will enable TP to establish a secure and robust networking infrastructure that can support the campus’ networking needs over the next five years.

"As the first Institute of Higher Learning in Singapore to implement Wi-Fi 6E, this effort marks a significant milestone for Temasek Polytechnic’s digital transformation. It underscores TP's commitment to fostering an advanced and digitally-driven educational ecosystem. Wi-Fi 6E will play a crucial role in supporting key projects within TP's Digitalisation Plan. The collaboration with our technology partners is a significant step in our Digitalisation Plan to enhance the learning experience for students and improving efficiency for our staff." said Acting Director of IT Services, Temasek Polytechnic, Serena Tai.

“Secure connectivity plays a critical role in teaching and learning today, from fostering collaboration through seamless hybrid learning experiences for students to ideation and innovation such as experimenting with AI and other emerging technologies. We are thrilled to be the technology partner to Institutes of Higher Learning like TP as they transform to provide the best opportunities and experiences for their students and staff, enabling them to fully reap the benefits of a connected future.,” said Bee Kheng Tay, President, Cisco ASEAN.

“We are excited to partner Temasek Polytechnic to usher in a new era of connectivity with the implementation of Wi-Fi 6E. This collaboration will tap into NCS’ end-to-end technology services, including our deep experience and expertise in IT infrastructure. Together, we are able to create a digitally-empowered learning environment and enhance education and innovation on campus,” said Sam Liew, Managing Partner, Gov+, NCS.

TP's Digitalisation Plan, formalised in late 2020, aims to create a digital culture on campus, develop staff's digital capabilities, and leverage digital tools and technology to transform teaching, learning, and administrative processes. As of end-2023, TP has made significant progress in the DP through enhancing students’ employability by uplifting their digital competencies and increasingly adopting AI tools to enhance teaching and learning. TP has also fostered more cross-collaboration across schools to build upon shared resources for better learning outcomes.