Staff from Republic Polytechnic (RP) took part in the National Innovation Challenge (NIC) hosted on the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Open Innovation Platform (OIP) by developing a prototype web application (https://kglam.life/). This prototype web application aims to provide a virtual experience of the Kampong Gelam precinct and the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) to visitors. The RP team developed the prototype for the National Heritage Board (NHB) and eventually won the NIC Open Call 2, bagging a S$50,000 award.

Through the use of a Digital Twin, the prototype web application introduces visitors to an integrated gamification experience where they could explore and immerse in the precinct’s heritage and culture. The Digital Twin is a replicated digital model of the precinct that lets visitors navigate the virtual space.

Key features of the prototype are:

• 360° street-view scans
• 3D virtual model
• Interactive gamification components

While these key features typically function in silo on different platforms depending on the nature of business, the prototype is a proof of concept that these features can be consolidated into a single platform that is conveniently accessible to visitors.

The digitalisation of the Kampong Gelam precinct aims to:

Provide Ease of Access

Both local and international visitors alike can experience the cultural and commercial offerings of Kampong Gelam remotely in the comfort of their own homes through this digitalised tourism experience. The prototype is also device agnostic and can be accessed via several platforms such as laptops, desktops, android devices, and iOS devices.

Promote Digital and Physical Tourism

Virtual tours facilitated by this prototype can be used to complement physical site visits as they can be used as introductory digital packages or marketing tools for a holiday. The suite of interactive game elements further enables and encourages easy transition between the virtual and onsite environment, while providing seamless phygital experiences.

Build Communities

The community of tour owners, platform owners and business owners can work together to create content and develop incentive programmes for visitors and tourists through the seamless phygital experience that the prototype offers. Such meaningful collaborations will keep the platform fresh with new content and help the community to continue engaging the visitors long after they have physically or digitally left the precinct.