First, a tie-up with OceanX brings science off the YouTube screen and onto the deck of OceanXplorer, billed as one of the most advanced marine research and media vessels on the planet. Secondary school students will step aboard to see ocean tech and robotics at work, then carry that curiosity back to HMGICS for hands-on workshops in sustainable mobility.

In 2026, OceanX will fold into the HMGICS Annual Hackathon with a robotics brief, mentorship and judging duties. The idea is to show young minds the planet they’re trying to save, then hand them the tools to start saving it.

Second, there’s a new memorandum of understanding with Temasek Foundation, anchored on TF-SCALE where 240 students from Singapore’s ITE and four ASEAN schools will take immersive Learning Journeys through HMGICS.

Cross-cultural teams, future-of-work skills, real-world sustainability projects; it’s leadership training with oil under the fingernails. Beyond TF-SCALE, both sides are exploring longer-term initiatives to keep the pipeline of talent wide and inclusive.

“HMGICS was founded with a human-centric mission: to redefine future mobility and create value that extends beyond the product. By investing in young people and enabling real-world access to science, engineering, and sustainability, we aim to contribute to Singapore’s innovation economy and empower future generations across the region.”

Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS

A Year of Rolling Up Sleeves

HMGICS has seeded multi-year programmes with ITE, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, SIT, SUTD and LASALLE. Programs such as EV donations of made-in-Singapore IONIQ 5s for technical learning are the sort of lab-to-industry line-of-sight students rarely get.

Add to that Smart Farm produce for The Food Bank Singapore, support for disadvantaged youths and students with special needs, Discovery Tours, a Smart Food Lab and even SPOT robot coding workshops.

Participation in Go Green SG and programming around 50 years of Singapore–South Korea diplomatic relations signals a centre that understands culture as a catalyst, not a backdrop. The technology may be cutting-edge, but the values are very much old-school: build trust, share knowledge, give back.

Why This Matters (Beyond the Factory Gates)

HMGICS exists to fuse production, R&D and customer experience in one place. The centre’s mission sits comfortably alongside Singapore’s vision for an innovation-driven, low-carbon economy, with programmes designed to equip youths not just to get jobs, but to create them.

With OceanX bringing the deep ocean into sharp focus for students, and Temasek Foundation pushing leadership and collaboration across ASEAN, year two looks less like consolidation and more like acceleration. Expect more hack-challenges, more cross-border cohorts, and more of that useful friction where creative young people meet hard engineering constraints.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

First shown to the world at CES 2024, DICE isn’t the usual “here’s a sleek silhouette, please clap” routine. Instead, it asks a more useful question: what if a vehicle could be tailored to you, in the moment, by intelligence that understands context as well as it understands code?

In practice, that means a focus on artificial intelligence, spatial computing, and modular design.

DICE slots neatly into HMGICS’s mission to explore, iterate, and refine with people at the centre.

Of course, a concept is only as convincing as the context around it. That’s where HMGICS’s ongoing Discovery Tour and Skytrack ride come in, public-facing programmes that let visitors see how the sausage is made: transparent production spaces and interactive exhibits.

Does this mean your next Hyundai will sprout wings and read your diary? Hardly.

What it does suggest is a more personalised, intelligent, and sustainable kind of mobility, one where the cabin becomes less of a fixed sculpture and more of a responsive companion, and where energy, space, and attention are all treated as resources to be managed with care.

By presenting early-stage concepts like DICE in a live environment, HMGICS underlines its role as a living testbed where experimental ideas are allowed to breathe, fail a little, improve a lot, and eventually find their way into the mainstream.

And because this happens in full view of the public, the feedback loop includes the one constituency that matters most: the people who’ll actually use the technology.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

Most kids today are more familiar with the iPad menu than the idea of where their meals come from. Ask a six-year-old where lettuce grows, and you’re likely to hear, “Cold Storage?” But Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) wants to change that, with the kind of hands-on fun that smells like basil and feels like soil.

Running every weekend from 21 June 2025, this hour-long Smart Food Lab programme at HMGICS gives children aged 3 to 6 the chance to touch, sniff, listen to, and taste the science and story behind the food on their plate.

If you’ve ever wished your child would voluntarily choose broccoli over biscuits, this may be your moment. The Smart Food Lab is an extension of the existing Discovery Tour that HMGICS offers to families, now beefed up with even more tactile discovery, guided experimentation, and a wrap-making session using crops harvested fresh from the in-house Smart Farm.

Each child, with a parent in tow, will explore food not just by taste but also by texture and even sound. Ever heard the squelch of a cherry tomato or the crinkle of kale? Neither have most of us. But the Smart Food Lab turns those micro-moments into macro-lessons in sustainability and sensory learning.

HMGICS sees this workshop as a launchpad for cultivating broader values: curiosity, environmental awareness, and social cooperation. Children are encouraged to share their observations, engage in open conversations, and yes, make a mess.

“It’s about connecting food with technology, nature, and culture,” says Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS. “We hope this experience will inspire the next generation to appreciate innovative, sustainable food practices and spark their interest in science and technology.”

Each session accommodates up to eight children, and each little learner must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is just $15 per child. Not only does that cover the session, but all proceeds will be donated to the President’s Challenge.

The venue is HMGICS itself, nestled at 2 Bulim Avenue. Booking is essential, because spaces are limited.

Coming soon is a kids’ coding workshop featuring a miniature version of SPOT, the four-legged robot from Boston Dynamics that’s normally deployed to inspect assembly lines. 

To sign up or find out more, visit: https://www.hyundai.com/sg/experience/reservations/kidsworkshop

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

Taking top honours at the 2025 PR Awards by Marketing Interactive, HMGICS clinched Gold in the ‘Best PR Campaign: F&B category for its thoughtful, seasonally driven communications strategy around Na Oh.

Launched in June 2024 within the heart of HMGICS, Na Oh introduced Singaporeans to a modern reinterpretation of Korean cuisine, built around a vertical smart farm and a philosophy of “seed to table.”

Across four meticulously timed seasonal menus — Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring — the HMGICS team kept diners and media alike coming back for more. Each new chapter added a reason to return. And, judging by the restaurant’s consistently packed reservation list, Singaporeans were listening.

“Na Oh was created as a living expression of our vision to blend innovation with tradition,” said Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS. “This award shows the story has found its audience.”

The campaign garnered widespread coverage, culminating in The Straits Times naming Na Oh its “Best New Restaurant of 2024”. The PR Awards, judged by a panel of client-side marketing leaders across Southeast Asia and Oceania, recognised HMGICS’s campaign for its media engagement, public interest, and enduring relevance.

What sets the Na Oh campaign apart is a case study in how brands can connect with audiences beyond the traditional product pitch by offering experiences that are human, immersive, and meaningful.

Andrew Roberts, Head of Global PR at Hyundai Motor Group, put it best: “This award reflects the creativity, collaboration and cultural insight behind the campaign, as well as our ongoing commitment to thoughtful, human-centric engagement.”

Visitors to HMGICS today can tour the plant in VR, hop onto a rooftop test track, learn about sustainable manufacturing, then sit down for a carefully composed Korean meal made with ingredients grown metres away. A tour that feels as fresh as the dishes themselves.

So, what’s next? More seasons, more stories, and perhaps a few more awards on the shelf. Even when the product isn’t a car, it’s a bowl of pickled radish, plated with precision.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

The IONIQ 5, the first electric vehicle manufactured in Singapore, will now serve as a key learning tool for SIT students and faculty. It will be integrated into research projects and academic programmes, ranging from undergraduate studies to Continuing Education and Training (CET).

The inclusion of this EV in SIT’s curriculum will enable students to gain hands-on experience in crucial areas such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies, advanced diagnostics, energy storage systems, power electronics, and the development of EV charging infrastructure.

Beyond the vehicle donation, the partnership between HMGICS and SIT extends to industry attachment opportunities for both students and faculty members at HMGICS, alongside knowledge-sharing initiatives and the development of CET courses for HMGICS staff.

“At HMGICS, we believe that the future of mobility is shaped not only by technology but by the people driving progress forward,” said Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS. “By integrating real-world applications into education, we aim to equip students and professionals with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving mobility sector.”

Professor Chua Kee Chaing, President of SIT, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the IONIQ 5 will enhance applied learning and research in sustainable mobility. “This state-of-the-art EV enables authentic learning experiences for our students while providing a valuable platform for our faculty to innovate sustainable mobility solutions further.”

This collaboration is part of HMGICS’ broader strategy to engage with local institutions and industry partners, supporting integrated workforce development and promoting knowledge-sharing.

By bridging academia and industry, HMGICS and SIT are creating a strong talent pipeline that will drive Singapore’s transition to sustainable mobility.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

Ms Min Ling Chan brings more than two decades of experience in digital transformation, process optimisation, and industrial automation across Asia Pacific, Europe, and Australia.

Before joining Hyundai, she was instrumental in shaping engineering and operational strategies at Ford Motor Company Asia Pacific, where she spearheaded regional process enhancements from Australia.

She has led digital transformation initiatives at Mondelēz and Schaeffler, championing Industry 4.0 technologies such as industrial automation, cybersecurity, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and data governance.

At HMGICS, her role will be pivotal in shaping the company’s digital infrastructure. She will focus on integrating data across Hyundai’s innovation ecosystem, driving automation and intelligent systems to enhance operational efficiency, and strengthening the backbone of Hyundai’s smart mobility solutions.

“I am honoured to join HMGICS at this transformative stage of its journey,” said Ms Chan. “I look forward to accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies, redefining smart manufacturing, and contributing to Hyundai Motor Group’s vision towards innovative mobility solutions for the benefit of all.” 

HMGICS is Hyundai’s first global open innovation hub, dedicated to exploring next-generation EV business models, advanced R&D partnerships, and intelligent manufacturing solutions. The goal is to create a fully connected, autonomous, and data-driven production ecosystem.

Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS, expressed his confidence in Ms. Chan’s leadership, stating that her expertise and ability to drive innovation will be key to advancing HMGICS’s mission of shaping the future of manufacturing and mobility. He emphasised that her leadership will ensure Hyundai remains at the forefront of industry transformation.

At the heart of this vision is Hyundai’s Industry 4.0-driven smart factory, where AI, IoT, and robotics work in harmony to create a seamless, efficient, and sustainable automotive production process.  

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on YouTube and on TikTok!

Fast forward to December 2024, and the centre is celebrating its first anniversary in a style befitting its visionary ambitions.

This milestone was commemorated with a town hall meeting led by Executive Chair Euisun Chung, who lauded HMGICS for its pivotal role in reimagining mobility, manufacturing, and customer experiences.

At the town hall, Executive Chair Chung set an optimistic tone, describing the centre as a hub for groundbreaking ideas and sustainable solutions.

“Our journey has been impressive so far, but the best is yet to come,” he declared, crediting the centre’s success to its people and their unwavering commitment to progress for humanity.

Jaehoon Chang, Hyundai Motor Company’s CEO and incoming Group Vice Chair, reinforced this vision by emphasising the strategic importance of HMGICS in Hyundai’s long-term plans.

He noted, “We will proactively develop essential technologies for future factories, such as AI, robotics, and automation, and verify their effectiveness through concrete projects.” These innovations will soon find their way into Hyundai’s global operations, including facilities in Georgia and Ulsan.

In its first year, HMGICS has become a testbed for state-of-the-art technologies, from intelligent cell-based production systems to AI-powered logistics and digital twin technology. 

The centre has also pioneered the production of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Singapore’s first locally built EV, and the debut of the IONIQ 6 in 2024. Both models have earned accolades for their cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious manufacturing processes.

The centre offers visitors immersive Discovery Tours that showcase its advanced EV production process, complete with VR experiences and test rides on its Skytrack. Adding a touch of culinary artistry, its on-site smart farm supplies produce to Na Oh, a Korean restaurant helmed by three-Michelin-starred Chef Corey Lee.

True to its mission of creating shared value, HMGICS has increased its local workforce by 30% in 2024, focusing on R&D and engineering roles. The centre also partners with universities and research institutions to provide internships and practical learning opportunities in advanced manufacturing and innovative technologies.

With its focus on technological innovation, customer-centric solutions, and community development, the centre embodies Hyundai’s ethos of “progress for humanity.”

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Central to this initiative was the inaugural IONIQ 6 design competition, a playground for LASALLE students to flex their artistic muscles and reimagine vehicle decals.  

Five finalists from LASALLE’s Diploma in Design for Communication and Experiences programme were tasked with creating decal designs that encapsulate the car’s sleek, modern essence.

Under the mentorship of Singaporean artist Toby Tan, better known as @tobyato, these young talents had the rare chance to marry creative flair with industry insights.  

Students developed their concepts, iterated through feedback, and even brainstormed social media strategies to showcase their work. Toby Tan, whose own vibrant designs have graced Hyundai’s IONIQ 5, brought a wealth of expertise and a collaborative spirit to the table, pushing the students to stretch their limits.  

For 17-year-old Ngo Quynh Phuong, a first-year student at LASALLE, the competition turned into a life-changing opportunity. Her design not only won the judges over but also earned her an all-expenses-paid trip to Seoul, South Korea.

There, she dived headfirst into Hyundai’s design philosophy, visiting the famed Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang and interacting with the creative minds behind the IONIQ 6.  

Phuong’s reflections encapsulate the essence of this initiative. “Meeting the designers of a world-class car was surreal. It brought my studies to life and showed me how art and innovation can reshape the world,” she shared.  

This partnership with LASALLE is part of a broader strategy to empower youth and elevate Singapore’s creative landscape. Beyond honing artistic skills, Hyundai provides experiences (branding, marketing, and real-world design challenges) that prepare students for a dynamic industry.  

Dr Hyun Sung Park, CEO of HMGICS, summed it up best: “We’re committed to shaping a sustainable future where creativity and technology redefine mobility. By empowering local talent, we are co-creating a future that combines innovation and beauty.”  

The winning IONIQ 6 design will be publicly showcased in early 2025.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

Welcomed at Changi Airport with a few notable dignitaries (Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong, Singapore’s Catholic leader Cardinal William Goh, and former cabinet minister Lim Boon Heng) Pope Francis’ arrival was a heartwarming affair.

Children performed “Singapore Town” and presented him with flowers, and he made a short visit to Jurassic Mile at Changi, where a crowd of 1,000 Catholics had gathered to greet him.

Interestingly, a white Hyundai Ioniq 5 was prepared for his arrival, and he was seen touring around Singapore in the front passenger seat of this EV.

It’s been almost four decades since a pontiff last visited Singapore (the late Pope John Paul II in 1986), and it seems fitting that the current pope would continue his trend of using mass-market cars instead of luxury sedans, sticking true to his message of humility and environmental responsibility.

For the keen-eyed, you’ll notice that the license plate of the Ioniq 5 has a special ‘SCV 1′ designation. This stands for ‘Status Civitatis Vatican’, a nod to the Vatican City.

So why the Hyundai Ioniq 5?

While we obviously don’t have a direct quote from Pope Francis on his car choice, we suspect that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 was chosen due to its significance being made in Singapore. This is further supported as he was seen in Indonesia making his rounds in a white Toyota Innova, a vehicle produced locally there.

The Ioniq 5 would also fit his broader message of caring for the planet. Since taking office, Pope Francis has made tackling climate change one of the central themes of his papacy, so using an electric vehicle aligns with his ethos of sustainability.

Though Hyundai has kept tight-lipped about the specific details of their cars being used by the pope, they did confirm that the vehicles were supplied by the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS).

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

This year, it’s happening at Wheeler’s Estate in Seletar, from 31 August to 1 September 2024.

If you missed out last year, here’s your chance to jump behind the wheel of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. Throughout the event, attendees can take these electric vehicles for a spin. Plus, there’s a little something extra for those who complete a test drive; complimentary Hyundai merchandise and free drinks and dessert to enjoy.

This year’s Ioniq Brews & Drives promises much more, blending technology, fun, and a bit of friendly competition. Explore interactive displays featuring the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, and get your cameras ready because the Ioniq Brews & Drives photo contest is back.

Snap your best shot with any of the Ioniq vehicles or stations, post it on Instagram, tag @hyundai.innovation.sg, and don’t forget to include the hashtag #HMGICS.

Not only could you win bragging rights, but you might also walk away with some fantastic prizes. Make sure your account is set to public to qualify, and keep an eye out on 9 September 2024 for the winner announcement.

Attendees who decide to purchase an Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 6 during the event also stand a chance to win retail vouchers worth up to $300, along with exclusive Hyundai merchandise like Ioniq 5 diecast models and diffusers.

Event Details

Date: 31 August – 1 September 2024
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Venue: Wheeler’s Estate, 2 Park Lane, Singapore 798386
Parking: On-site visitor parking is available

And don’t worry about leaving anyone behind. Ioniq Brews & Drives is designed to be kid- and animal-friendly, so bring the whole family along for a weekend of entertainment and electric excitement.

For more information about the event, and to sign up for a test drive, visit this helpful bit of highlighted text.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!