![[FA] SIT One SITizen Alumni Initiative_Web banner_1244px x 688px.jpg](/sites/default/files/2024-12/%5BFA%5D%20%20SIT%20One%20SITizen%20Alumni%20Initiative_Web%20banner_1244px%20x%20688px.jpg)
This year’s edition of the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) Community Challenge rallied young innovators to develop STEM-based solutions to enhance safety and reduce escalator incidents at train stations – a concern for Singapore’s growing aging population.
Young innovators rose to the SIT Community Challenge, brainstorming STEM solutions for safer escalators at train stations. (Photo: SIT/ Keng Photography)
Singapore’s rail network moves millions daily, but one group remains especially vulnerable on moving escalators – seniors. Last year, more than 55% of escalator incidents across Singapore involved users over 60 years old.
The top user behaviours causing escalator incidents were unsteady footing, feeling dizzy or unwell, or struggling with bulky items such as luggage and prams.
To address this, the question of how technology can enhance escalator safety in train stations was posed to participants of the SIT Community Challenge 2025, held from 27 to 31 October 2025 at the SIT Punggol Campus.
This year’s challenge was supported by industry partners SBS Transit and STMicroelectronics. Participants came from eight secondary schools: Edgefield Secondary School, Greendale Secondary School, Loyang View Secondary School, Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School, Punggol Secondary School, St Hilda Secondary School, Yu Ying Secondary School and Yusof Ishak Secondary School.
Innovation in Motion: Imparting Knowledge, Empathy and Teamwork
During the week-long challenge, 136 students forming 34 teams learnt about design thinking, artificial intelligence and coding. Mentored by our SIT faculty and student mentors, as well as industry experts from SBS Transit and STMicroelectronics, the teams ideated solutions to improve escalator safety and created a working prototype using AI kits sponsored by STMicroelectronics. Judges were looking for the most innovative STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) solutions that could detect potential hazards among escalator users and help mitigate them.
Beyond technology and prototypes, the challenge gave young innovators a hands-on opportunity to see how STEM can make everyday spaces safer and more accessible. It was also a reminder that innovation has its greatest impact when it benefits the community.
Industry partners echoed the value of this real-world learning and affirmed the value of early exposure to authentic engineering challenges. “At STMicroelectronics, we actively support the development of young talents in STEM. The fresh ideas and new perspectives that young students bring help companies like ours to innovate and view challenges in different ways,” said Mr Koh Leong Chye, Director at STMicroelectronics.
Mr Koh Leong Chye, Director at STMicroelectronics addressing the students at SIT Community Challenge 2025. (Photo: SIT/ Keng Photography)
Eight of the most outstanding teams were shortlisted to present to the final judging panel on 31 October, with the champion team walking away with $1,500 worth of prizes.
Together with the first runner-up team, the champion team was also invited to showcase their project at STMicroelectronics on 1 November 2025, as part of their Innovation Week.
Here are the top three projects that won the judges’ praise.
Re-Imagining The Escalator
The Champion Team: Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School (Loo Yi Xun, Jaden Lee Zong Han, Dayan Lee Quan Zhi, Chen Yao Yu
The winning team from Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School. (Photo: SIT/ Keng Photography)
The winning team’s solution had several measures to enhance escalator safety. Their proposed escalator design has extractable handles on one side to help steady frail and elderly commuters with balance issues. There would also be hazard lights to highlight gaps in the escalators where loose clothing and footwear risk getting caught. Lastly, an AI camera detects if an elderly person is about to ride the escalator. When this occurs, the escalator automatically slows down and hazard lights switch from green to yellow to alert others about the change in speed.
AI Air Pressure Escalator System
1st Runner-Up Team: Yusof Ishak Secondary School (Lee Zi Shan Isabelle, Bryan Lim Bing Rui, Wong Wei Zhe and Tay Shao Hong Ryan)
1st Runner-up Team from Yusof Ishak Secondary School and Mr Lee Yam Lim, Chief Executive Officer, SBS Transit Rail Business and Head of Downtown Line (right) (Photo: SIT/Keng Photography)
The first runner-up’s solution caters to elderly commuters who would benefit from slower escalator speeds. By tapping their senior citizen concession cards on an AI camera, an air pressure system would adjust the escalator’s speed smoothly, giving the elderly more time to board the escalator and get a firm grip on the handrail.
SafeSteps
2nd Runner-Up Team: Yusof Ishak Secondary School (Ang Yi Kai, Teo Jia Qi, Irfan Anaqi Bin Khairul Anwar and Bryan Heng Jing Rui)
Mr Lee Yam Lim with the 2nd Runner-up team from Yusof Ishak Secondary School. (Photo: SIT/ Keng Photography)
The second runner-up team’s solution proposed structural changes to escalators to enhance their safety. First, safety bollards would physically prevent strollers and trolleys from getting on the escalator. Second, an extended flat step section would give more time to commuters with slower reflexes to step on and off the escalators safely. Next, installing coloured LED lights under the handrails would give commuters a visual signal for when the escalator speeds change or come to an emergency stop. Lastly, an anti-item gate, similar to anti-theft gates, would flash red when a bulky item is detected. An audio alert would sound to advise the person to take the elevator instead.
Industry partners affirmed the importance of young innovators experiencing how hands-on engineering challenges can shape meaningful, real-world solutions that benefit the wider community.
“Through the SIT Community Challenge, SBS Transit aims to spark students’ interest in STEM by providing them with insights into the challenges and exciting opportunities within the rail industry. By partnering with SIT, we can leverage the expertise and enthusiasm of each talented student mentor to guide participants in developing their interest in STEM and strengthening their problem-solving skills,” said Mr Lee Yam Lim, Chief Executive Officer, SBS Transit Rail Business and Head of Downtown Line.
More Than a Competition
In his closing remarks, Mr Bernard Nee, Deputy President (Industry & Community), SIT noted that the SIT Community Challenge is more than a competition. It is a bridge between academia, industry and community, paving the way for future innovations and social impact.
Mr Bernard Nee, Deputy President (Industry & Community) addressing students at the SIT Community Challenge. (Photo: SIT/ Keng Photography)
Addressing the students, Mr Nee said, “STEM isn’t just for a few of us–it’s for all of us. You’re never too young to make a difference. What you learn in class can change the world. And yes, your ideas matter. SIT Community Challenge is your launchpad, where you start building the future not someday, but now.”
He added, “So keep creating, keep asking ‘what if?’ and keep showing the world what your generation can do. Let’s continue to build, innovate and inspire together.”
