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Social Innovation in Southeast Asia

Shaping What’s next: Hitachi R&D Turning Ideas into Impact

    Green Buildings: Intelligent, Energy-Efficient Spaces

    Green Mobility: Moving People, Protecting the Planet

    Green Finance: Funding a Sustainable Future

    What’s next?

    All across Asia, as cities and towns grow, so do the social challenges. Rising emissions, rapid urbanisation, and pollution call for urgent, sustainable solutions. Centred on sustainable urban development, green technology, and innovative solutions, Hitachi continues to lead efforts that respond to these increasingly alarming challenges.

    At the heart of these efforts lies Hitachi’s Research and Development (R&D) team – a driving force committed towards building a more sustainable and inclusive society. Leveraging the strength of the Hitachi Group, the R&D team has been working closely with customers, government agencies and industry partners to identify pressing issues in need of new and better solutions. Through close collaboration, the team has gained valuable insights that have translated to many innovative prototypes and solutions. This collaborative model not only adds value to the business but also drives social innovation that scales across ASEAN and beyond.

     

    Green Buildings: Intelligent, Energy-Efficient Spaces


    With ASEAN projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030, its urban skylines are rising fast. But so is the impact on the environment. As buildings and construction worldwide account for nearly 40% of our global CO2 emissions, the need for sustainable building design and operation is now more critical than ever.

    With support from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Hitachi’s R&D team has successfully enhanced the existing building management system. Leveraging AI and machine learning, the new intelligent system dynamically responds to changes in the environment and seamlessly integrates building sub-systems. Power usage, environmental settings, and lift operations are now optimised based on real-time usage patterns and demand – enabling greater energy efficiency without compromising the comfort and experience of those within.

    Green Mobility: Moving People, Protecting the Planet


    In growing cities like Singapore, transportation can be both a necessity and a challenge. To meet this growing demand sustainably, Hitachi’s R&D team has been actively working with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to develop smart, green mobility solutions that optimise commuter flow and reduce environmental impact.

    Aligned with the Singapore Green Plan and Land Transport Master Plan 2040 – which envisions a 45-minute city with 80% peak-period public transport modal share, Hitachi’s R&D team is committed to making this a reality. Through its People Flow Analysis Solution, the team has been able to analyse commuter patterns and develop predictive models to enhance operational efficiency. This includes forecasting commuter flow, optimizing train/bus headways, and improving service connectivity to match commuter demand. With Hitachi’s R&D expertise, the project continues to evolve, with new enhancements underway to unlock even greater efficiencies in railway operations.

    Green Finance: Funding a Sustainable Future


    In reality, green developments require more than just the right technology – it also needs the right financial support. Commissioned by BCA, Hitachi’s R&D team has developed a set of easy to use green financing tools like the AI-powered Building Energy Efficiency Assessment (BEEA) that simplify the otherwise long process of securing green loans. Designed to help building owners quickly assess energy performance and identify actionable next steps, these tools are helping to bridge the gap to real, sustainable change.

    What’s next?


    As customer needs evolve and the challenges become more complex, Hitachi remains committed to providing solutions that not only address today’s social needs but also anticipate those of the future. Whether it’s in infrastructure, mobility, or finance, Hitachi’s R&D team is always ready to lead the way forward.

    At Hitachi, we believe the answers to the world’s biggest challenges begins with a simple question: What’s next? It’s this spirit of pioneering that drives us to create solutions that improve lives now, and for many generations to come.

     

    Date of Release: August 2025