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The conference will take place at UTown, National University of Singapore. UTown is a vibrant hub that brings together students, faculty, researchers and visitors in a dynamic and collaborative environment. As an ideal venue for international conferences, UTown offers world-class facilities, including modern auditoriums, flexible seminar rooms and inviting social spaces, set amidst lush greenery and a lively campus community. With its blend of teaching, research and recreational amenities, as well as diverse dining options, UTown provides delegates with the perfect setting for professional engagement, cultural exchange and meaningful networking.

UTown, NUS

Address

Stephen Riady Centre
University Town,
National University of Singapore
2 College Ave West,
Singapore 138607.

Getting there

From Changi Airport:

  • Train: The East-West MRT Line connects the airport to the city center. From Changi Airport (East-West Line), transfer at Tanah Merah towards Buona Vista. At Buona Vista, switch to the Circle Line to Kent Ridge. Exit at Kent Ridge Station Exit A and take the NUS Internal Shuttle Bus D2 (~1 hour 20 min).
  • Taxi: Taking a taxi/ride-hailing is the fastest option (30 – 40 min). While metered taxis are available, ride-hailing apps provide a fixed price in advance (~$ 40).

From The Ridge:

  • NUS internal shuttle bus D1 (~15 min)
  • NUS internal shuttle bus D2 (~17 min)
  • Walk (~30 min)

From nearby stations:

  • From Kent Ridge MRT Station (Circle Line), take the NUS Internal Shuttle Bus D2 boarding from Kent Ridge Stn Exit A.
  • Public buses 33, 96, 96A, 151, 183 and 196 alight at UTown – Cendana / Yale-NUS College / Aft Clementi Ave 1.
  • Public buses 97, 97e, 188, 189, 196, 197, 198 and 963 alight at NUS High Sch / Aft NUS High Sch / Blk 610.

Printing services nearby

Xorex Press (Dover MRT)

200 Commonwealth Ave West,
#02-03 Dover MRT Station,
Singapore 138677.

Mondays to Saturdays: 10am to 7pm
Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed

Xorex Press (West Coast Plaza)

154 West Coast Road,
#02-30 West Coast Plaza,
Singapore 127371.

Mondays to Sundays: 11am to 9pm
Public Holidays: 11am to 8pm

Arrival and Immigration

immigration

It is essential to ensure your passport has a minimum of six months' validity from your scheduled departure date from Singapore. Visitors from certain countries may need a visa, and it is recommended to check the requirements on the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore (ICA) website.

Singapore maintains strict laws regarding imported goods. Information on prohibited items is available on the official ICA website, and a smooth customs process can be expected. All visitors must complete the SG Arrival Card online within three days prior to their arrival. This is a complimentary, brief form that can be submitted at your convenience before proceeding through immigration.

Changi Airport (SIN) serves as the primary international gateway. The airport is well-connected with regular flights to most major global cities. This guide presumes attendees arriving by land or sea from Malaysia or Indonesia are familiar with the necessary immigration procedures.

Getting Around Singapore

Singapore's public transportation system is efficient and affordable. Fares can be paid using your foreign-issued Mastercard® and Visa contactless bank cards (admin fees apply for foreign-issued bank cards), as well as your mobile wallets (Apple Pay or Google Pay) for the payment of public transport fares in Singapore. No registration is required.

Alternatively, you can purchase an Adult Stored-Value Smartcard (EZ-link) or Singapore Tourist Pass. For more information, please visit https://www.smrt.com.sg/public-transport/getting-around/visiting-singapore/how-to-pay/.

  • MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The MRT is an extensive metro system, often the most efficient way to travel. The Kent Ridge MRT station, located on the Circle Line, provides direct access to the NUS campus.
  • Bus: The bus network is frequent and reliable. Board the bus at the front, tap your card upon boarding, and tap again when exiting from the rear door.
  • Taxi/Ride-hailing: Metered taxis are available. Ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek, and Zig are popular and offer both fixed-fare and metered-fare options.
Garden_by_the_Bay-2

Travel Requirements for Singapore

  • Passport Validity: Your passport must have a minimum of six months' validity from your scheduled departure date.
  • Visa: Travelers from certain countries may require a visa. Please verify your specific requirements before your trip.
  • SG Arrival Card: This is a mandatory, free, and short form that must be submitted online or via the MyICA app within three days prior to your arrival.
  • Currency Declaration: If you are carrying S$20,000 or more, or its equivalent in foreign currency, you must declare it electronically via the Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI) declaration.
  • Immigration Clearance: Upon arrival, you can use iris, facial, or fingerprint biometrics for immigration clearance after a one-time enrollment.
  • Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass): An electronic visit pass will be sent to you via email after you clear immigration, replacing the traditional physical arrival stamp.

Practical Information for Your Stay

  • Language: English is the most commonly used language in Singapore.
  • Weather: The climate is hot and humid, with the possibility of occasional rain.
  • Power Plug: Singapore uses Type G power sockets, which are the same as those in the UK and Ireland.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Singapore.
  • Public Transport: The public transport system, including the MRT and buses, is highly efficient and affordable. Contactless cards or an EZ-Link card can be used for payment.
  • Ride-Hailing: Apps such as Grab and Gojek are popular for booking rides.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Singapore Dollar (S$). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, it is advisable to have some cash for smaller purchases, especially at hawker centers.
  • Digital Payments: Digital wallets like GrabPay are widely used and can be loaded with funds via card payment. ATMs are readily accessible throughout the city, and major banks offer currency exchange services. You can also find independent money changers at Changi Airport and in shopping malls.
  • Tourist SIM Cards: Tourist SIM cards and eSIMs are available from major local providers such as Singtel and M1 at Changi Airport. Passport is required for purchasing a local SIM card. Be prepared to show your passport at the counter.

Things to Do and See

Iconic Attractions

  • Explore the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Observe local wildlife, such as otters, monitor lizards, and various primates, which can sometimes be spotted even on the NUS campus.
  • Stroll through Chinatown to admire the traditional shophouse architecture.
  • Visit the iconic Gardens by the Bay.
  • Enjoy panoramic views from the CÉ LA VIE SkyBar atop the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. While a ticket to the Observation Deck is S20,aS35 ticket to the SkyBar can be redeemed for food and beverages.
  • Take the cable car to Sentosa Island, which also features a thrilling luge ride.
  • Experience a local meal at a classic hawker center, such as Maxwell Food Centre or the Old Airport Road Food Centre.
  • Dine at Lau Pa Sat, a well-known food market near the central business district. Its "Satay Street" becomes particularly lively after 7 PM.

Beyond the Mainstream Attractions

  • Take a ferry to Pulau Ubin, an excellent destination for birdwatching.
  • Visit Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to observe families of otters in their natural habitat.
  • Hike the Treetop Walk and observe wildlife at Macritchie Reservoir, a popular spot for seeing primates.
  • Trek through the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where you might be fortunate enough to spot a flying lemur.
  • Take a ferry to St. John's and Lazarus Islands, which feature nice beaches and offer opportunities to see macaques.
  • Cycle along the scenic Rail Corridor. Bicycle rentals are available via sharing apps such as Anywheel.