AECOM Opens AI Innovation Centre in Singapore for Underground Infrastructure Design
AECOM, a trusted global leader in infrastructure consulting and design, has announced the establishment of its Underground Infrastructure AI Innovation Centre in Singapore. This major initiative, backed by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), is a clear demonstration of AECOM’s long-term commitment to supporting Singapore’s vision of becoming a global leader in smart, sustainable, and resilient urban development. By focusing on optimizing the use of underground space—a critical yet complex element of city planning—AECOM is aligning its expertise and technology with Singapore’s future needs.
Why Underground Infrastructure Matters in Singapore
Singapore, as one of the world’s most densely populated countries, faces unique challenges when it comes to land use and infrastructure planning. With limited surface space and a growing population, the city-state has had to innovate and expand into underground spaces for utilities, transportation, storage, and even commercial purposes. This has made subterranean planning and design a vital element of Singapore’s urban development strategy.
However, working underground presents major technical and logistical hurdles. Planners and engineers must account for existing utilities, geological conditions, safety, maintenance, and long-term feasibility. Data on underground conditions is often fragmented, inconsistent, or outdated, which can cause delays, cost overruns, and avoidable risks. The need for accurate data, efficient mapping, and advanced planning tools is therefore greater than ever.
AECOM’s new AI Innovation Centre directly addresses these challenges, providing digital solutions that combine artificial intelligence, geographic information systems (GIS), and advanced survey technologies.
Purpose of the AI Innovation Centre
The Underground Infrastructure AI Innovation Centre will serve as a hub for research, development, and application of cutting-edge AI-powered tools. Led by digital professionals with expertise in urban planning, civil engineering, and data science, the Centre’s main objectives include:
- Improving Data Quality – By applying AI algorithms to analyze and validate underground utility data, the Centre will reduce uncertainties and inconsistencies in available datasets.
- Enhancing Utility Mapping – High-resolution mapping tools will help planners and engineers visualize underground space more clearly, identify potential conflicts, and plan accordingly.
- Safeguarding Underground Space – With Singapore’s increasing reliance on subterranean infrastructure, the Centre will focus on strategies that ensure safe and sustainable usage of underground corridors, balancing current needs with future growth.
- Accelerating Infrastructure Delivery – Automated design checks and predictive modeling will reduce manual workloads, speed up regulatory approvals, and help prevent costly project delays or abortive work.
- Collaborative Development – Beyond internal innovation, the Centre will partner with universities, industry players, and government agencies to develop solutions, train future professionals, and create shared digital ecosystems.
Statement from AECOM Leadership
“Infrastructure planning in dense urban environments like Singapore demands innovation,” said Jee Yi Ying, AECOM Singapore Managing Director. “The Underground Infrastructure AI Innovation Centre represents a bold step forward in how we harness digital tools to solve complex underground design challenges. With the support of the EDB, we’re accelerating the future of infrastructure delivery and building capabilities that benefit Singapore and beyond.”
This vision highlights how the Centre is not only about local impact but also about establishing Singapore as a global hub for digital engineering excellence.
AI-Powered Solutions for Utility and Corridor Planning
One of the most ambitious aspects of the new Centre is its plan to develop a suite of advanced software solutions. These digital tools will automate critical parts of the underground utility design and survey process.
Traditionally, infrastructure developers must cross-check numerous utility plans, trench reports, and survey data manually. This labor-intensive process often leads to duplication of effort and increases the risk of errors. AECOM’s AI-enabled tools will:
- Systematically assess accuracy of existing underground data.
- Highlight areas of severe space congestion where underground facilities compete for limited space.
- Offer recommendations to optimize underground space usage in line with constructability, maintainability, and long-term feasibility.
- Streamline corridor studies, which play a crucial role in planning large-scale infrastructure projects such as metro lines, tunnels, and utility networks.
These capabilities will not only enhance efficiency but also minimize abortive work, reduce unnecessary excavation, and lower the environmental footprint of construction activities.
Supporting Singapore’s Economic and Urban Vision
The EDB’s support for this initiative underscores its importance for Singapore’s broader economic and technological development strategy. By backing AECOM’s investment, the EDB is helping to position Singapore as a world-class centre for AI-driven innovation in infrastructure and the built environment.
“AECOM’s AI Innovation Centre demonstrates the transformative potential of AI-powered engineering for smarter and more efficient urban planning and development,” said Junie Fo, Vice President and Head, Professional Services, EDB. “The Innovation Centre will support the development of local talent with advanced digital and engineering capabilities, strengthen Singapore’s position as a global hub for AI innovation, and drive innovation in our built environment sector.”
This partnership also aligns with Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative, which emphasizes the use of digital technologies to improve quality of life, create economic opportunities, and build a more sustainable environment.
Global Alignment with AECOM’s TechEx Strategy
The Underground Infrastructure AI Innovation Centre is also a key element of AECOM’s global Technical Excellence (TechEx) program, which promotes innovation and high-quality solutions across its global network. By channeling resources into AI, GIS, and advanced digital surveying, AECOM is strengthening its ability to deliver next-generation infrastructure projects.
The Centre will also focus on training and upskilling professionals, ensuring that both current employees and the next generation of engineers gain the necessary digital literacy and technical expertise to thrive in the evolving industry.
Digital talent from multiple disciplines—including civil engineering, geospatial sciences, AI development, and project management—will be invited to participate in training programs and innovation challenges hosted by the Centre. This approach will create new career pathways and help ensure a robust pipeline of talent for Singapore’s construction and infrastructure sector.
Long-Term Benefits
The establishment of this Centre offers numerous benefits for Singapore and beyond:
- Faster project delivery by reducing manual design checks and accelerating approvals.
- Greater reliability of underground data through AI-powered verification processes.
- Improved sustainability by minimizing unnecessary excavation and construction waste.
- Enhanced safety through better planning of utility layouts and reduced risks of service disruptions.
- Knowledge transfer and talent development that will empower local professionals and attract global expertise to Singapore.
