• Launch of the SMRT Kaizen Centre - a living space which showcases SMRT’s commitment to Kaizen
• With savings from our Kaizen projects, SMRT is giving back to the community by supporting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in their daily commute on public transport with pre-loaded NETS FlashPay cards
• A key example of a cross-departmental Kaizen project across SMRT Trains and STRIDES Technologies is Depot 4.0

As the pioneer rail operator, SMRT is proud to announce the launch of two transformative initiatives, the SMRT Kaizen Centre and Depot 4.0.

Launched today at Bishan Depot and graced by the Guest of Honour, Mr Jeffrey Siow, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance, these initiatives mark a significant milestone in SMRT’s journey to enhance productivity in operations and maintenance.

Driving A Culture of Excellence: Launch of SMRT Kaizen Centre

Located at Bishan Depot, the SMRT Kaizen Centre is a living chronicle of SMRT’s transformation journey since 2018. It will serve as a hub for learning, collaboration and innovation, showcasing award-winning projects in safety, sustainability and productivity.

The Centre highlights how ground-up initiatives and Kaizen principles have strengthened operational excellence with safety as a priority, enhanced train reliability, and built a resilient workplace culture. It aims to inspire staff, partners and visitors to embrace Kaizen to push boundaries, reinforcing SMRT’s commitment to delivering world-class transport services in Singapore and beyond. [Please refer to Annex A for the factsheet on Kaizen projects]

Doing Good with Kaizen Savings: NETS FlashPay Giveaway for Persons with Disabilities

Through cost savings generated from Kaizen efforts, SMRT will distribute a total of 18,000 specially designed SMRT-branded NETS FlashPay cards to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and their caregivers, enhancing their mobility and access across the public transport network. Each card has a stored value of $38, in celebration of SMRT's 38th Anniversary.

The cards will go towards supporting SG Enable's programmes, services and outreach efforts targeted at persons with disabilities, and their caregivers. Examples of such programmes include the Enabling Services Hubs and Enabling Business Hub.

In FY24/25, SMRT has generated over $165 million in Kaizen savings, which are not only reinvested to improve rail reliability and commuter experience but also channelled back into the community. This initiative reflects the spirit of Kaizen, as SMRT continues to serve others while driving continuous improvement.

“At SMRT, our guiding principles—Doing Right, Doing Good, and Doing Well—guide our decisions and shape how we operate each day. As we celebrate SG60 and SMRT’s 38th anniversary, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to turn Kaizen savings into something that truly matters, giving back to the community we serve. By supporting persons with disabilities and their caregivers, we hope this initiative helps build a more inclusive society— one where everyone is empowered through greater mobility and accessibility,” said Mr. Ngien Hoon Ping, Group Chief Executive Officer, SMRT Corporation.

This initiative is part of a strategic partnership between SMRT and SG Enable, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier this month. Beyond supporting transport needs of PWDs and caregivers in SG Enable's programmes, the MOU sets out the broader objectives of (i) promoting social inclusiveness for PWDs via SG Enable’s initiatives and SMRT’s ecosystem; (ii) collaborating to enhance job opportunities for PWDs in SMRT’s ecosystem; and (iii) collaborating to upskill in-service PWD employees in SMRT.

Launch of Depot 4.0: Setting New Standards for MRT Depots in Automation, Digitalisation and Application of AI

Depot 4.0 marks a significant milestone in SMRT’s rail journey towards digitalisation and maintenance automation. Developed in partnership with CRRC Sifang (Based in Qingdao, China) and endorsed by the Land Transport Authority, Depot 4.0 sets a new benchmark for MRT maintenance depot design and the conduct of maintenance; future-proofing Singapore’s rail infrastructure as the rail network expands, even as we continue to face an ageing workforce.

“STRIDES Technologies is proud to deliver Depot 4.0 through our close partnership with SMRT Trains and CRRC Qingdao Sifang. As a solutions provider built on deep expertise in railway maintenance and engineering, we understand the industry's practical challenges and constraints. Together, we built a customised solution that streamlines and optimises processes, reduces labour and improves quality control. This is a huge step forward for Singapore rail. We will not rest here. We will continue to innovate and build even smarter solutions with our partners,” said Mr Andy Chiang, Managing Director, STRIDES Technologies.

With this transformation, the depot’s train overhaul capacity will double from two to four trains per month, optimising resource allocation and freeing up 30% of the manpower previously required. We accomplished this by fully leveraging the existing overhaul facility, without expanding its footprint.

Depot 4.0 integrates technologies such as autonomous Rail Guided Vehicles (RGVs) and Automated Turntables strategically positioned along the overhaul line. Working in tandem, these innovations maximise productivity by reducing waiting time and improving work ergonomics. Beyond productivity gains, Depot 4.0 enhances rail reliability by improving maintenance quality through the use of advanced digital tools and test sets. [Please refer to Annex B for the factsheet on Depot 4.0 features]

“Depot 4.0 marks a bold leap forward in rail maintenance for Singapore. By integrating automation and digitalisation, we are transforming our oldest train depot, Bishan Depot, into a smart facility that doubles overhaul capacity and raises productivity. More importantly, Depot 4.0 is about investing in our people, equipping them with advanced skills and tools to deliver safer rides for commuters. In the spirit of Kaizen, Depot 4.0 exemplifies SMRT Trains’ commitment to engineering excellence, safety and innovation,” said Mr Lam Sheau Kai, President, SMRT Trains.

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