More than just a route to modern conveniences and enhanced productivity, technology can inspire our imagination. Besides being a paradise for foodies and a tapestry of diverse cultures, our island is also home to a host of inspiring modern innovations.

Plan your trip to Singapore with these modern marvels of technology in mind, and get a glimpse into the vast potential of the future.

Hotels with high-tech aquaponics

Besides being stellar accommodation and a home away from home for travellers to Singapore, some of our island’s world-class hotels are delving into the intricacies of aquaponics to grow their own food.

The Fairmont Singapore and Swissotel The Stamford are providing guests with farm-to-fork dining experiences and the freshest of produce.

Employing farming technology, the establishments’ aquaponics garden combines fish and vegetable farming with no soil required. Tilapia fish, lettuce and mint are just some of the produce being nurtured in this verdant space, supplying restaurants like Michelin-starred establishment JAAN and modern grill Skai.

Adorable robots and A.I. abound

As you make your way around our city and admire our many attractions, keep an eye out for robotic denizens who’ve been programmed to keep our streets clean and to remind us of the importance of social distancing.

Jewel Changi Airport—a sparkling entertainment and retail complex right next door to Changi Airport—boasts 15 robots that can scrub, mop and even offer concierge services. You’ll find similar robots rolling around National Gallery Singapore and Resorts World™ Sentosa.

These chirpy robots exude unique personalities, and are able to wink, rap and even ‘converse’ with passers-by. By scanning a QR code on the robot, you’ll be able to ask it questions about its name and its function.

Travellers visiting Bedok and MacRitchie Reservoir may also run into O-R3, an autonomous robot that broadcasts safe distancing measures to joggers in the park. If you’d like to learn more about travelling safely before planning your trip to Singapore, check out our guide to social distancing measures and hygiene.

Adventures into virtual reality

Real thrills meet virtual reality in Singapore, with a whole host of futuristic arcades for action seekers to pick from—Don a virtual reality headset and be transported to new realms as part of a virtual reality simulation.

Headrock VR at Resorts World™ Sentosa boasts 11 immersive rides for the bold of heart, with horror, fantasy and adventure-themed settings. The rides are suitable for children above the age of six, making this a great way to bond with the family.

Alternatively, head to Hologate at Funan. This virtual reality arcade comes decked out in a range of simulations that’ll have you commandeering a tank, blasting robots and experiencing nautical adventures on the high seas.

Modern retail meets cutting-edge technology

Shopaholics visiting our island’s modern malls will find a range of boutiques that have adopted state-of-the-art technology to enhance your shopping experience.

Besides selling elegant threads for your wardrobe, homegrown label Love, Bonito has tapped on the power of the internet and Augmented Reality technology at their brick and mortar store at Funan.

An augmented-reality walkway transforms the shop’s aisle into a space of blooming sunflowers with the scan of a QR code, numerous selfie-centres spaced and screens that allow you to browse their extensive catalogue online.

Urban farming and the future of food

Despite being an urban metropolis, farming is a thriving facet of the Lion City, with a whole range of modern and high-tech farms employing the latest agricultural innovations.

For a behind the scenes look at how crops are grown amidst the high-rise buildings of our metropolis, sign up for a tour at Kok Fah Technology Farm.

This family-run hydroponics farm has been growing a range of crops for over three decades, and employs a range of fascinating technology like automated seeding and composting togrow their crops..

The farm also boasts a weekend market, and visitors can sign up for guided tours of their greenhouse.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to try your own hand at farming, pay a visit to Edible Garden City. This collective of urban farmers holds weekly workshops that will teach you the basics of farming, tool maintenance and even kombucha-making classes.