SMU won the Automation – Education category at the 2026 Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards held in Marina Bay Sands

On 29 April 2026, Singapore Management University won the Automation – Education category at the Singapore Business Review Technology Excellence Awards 2026 for its in-house SMU Lost and Found App, developed through a close partnership between the Office of Safety and Security (OSS) and Integrated Information Technology Services (IITS). The digital platform replaces a time-consuming, paper-based process with computer vision and automated matching, allowing finders to log items via photos and users to submit lost reports online through QR codes. Since its launch in May 2025, documentation time has dropped from up to 10 minutes to under 60 seconds per item, staff effort has been reduced by about 75%, and time-to-return has shortened from days to hours. With improved accuracy, data integrity, and user convenience, the system has successfully facilitated an average of eight item returns per month, demonstrating how automation can significantly enhance campus services and operational efficiency.

Featured in the photos are the project team from OSS and IITS. (From L to R) Mr Goh Wee Sen, Mr Teenesh s/o Thanabalan, Mr Lim Boon Wee, Mr Lau Kai Cheong, Mr Le Chin Ek, Mr John Marapao, Ms Tang Ai Chee, Mr Ang Ker Chung and Mr Simon Hyett.