At an eldercare centre in Singapore, a group of seniors gather for “travel” sessions—not to board a plane, but to don virtual reality (VR) headsets that whisk them away to the bustling streets of Rome or the tranquil temples of Kyoto.
It’s a moment of pure joy. For many of these seniors, long-distance travel is no longer feasible. But through immersive VR experiences, they are reconnecting with memories, exploring new places, and engaging in therapy that brings connection, conversation and laughter.
Most would applaud VR for creating the experience. But what truly makes it possible is something far less visible: the digital infrastructure working quietly in the background. Without a reliable, intelligent network, this form of therapy would not be possible. The videos would lag, the connection would drop, and the moment would be lost.
This is the paradox of innovation, where the most transformative experiences often rely on the technology we don’t see.
What it really takes to enable today’s innovative experiences
From healthcare to education, modern experiences depend on purpose-built infrastructure. At St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC), VR therapy and internet of things (IoT) health-monitoring tools have become part of daily care routines. But ensuring that they work consistently across more than 30 centres, from rehabilitation facilities to active ageing hubs, requires more than just devices. It takes secure access to data, seamless connectivity, and network-wide reliability.
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“We can use technology to make a difference in elder care, but we can’t do it without a strong, robust infrastructure,” says Dr Alan Wong, chief operating officer at SLEC. “Our staff benefits from a network that is safe and gives them easy access to the applications they need to take care of the elders.”
These are the innovations that often go unnoticed, yet they quietly redefine care.
Similarly, at James Cook University (JCU) Singapore, students expect seamless hybrid learning, campus-wide connectivity, and location-aware services. To meet those expectations, the university didn’t just upgrade its tech — it modernised its entire network architecture to support smarter, more adaptable learning.
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In both cases, the outcomes are visible. But they are made possible by strategic planning and the efforts of IT professionals who build resilience into every connection.
The unsung enablers of Singapore’s digital future
Today’s essential services are increasingly digital at their core. From virtual healthcare to public transport, from government platforms to power grids, infrastructure determines whether these systems work as intended, or don’t work at all. Yet the professionals tasked with managing these networks rarely take centre stage, even as their responsibilities grow more complex.
They must balance performance with security, scalability with cost efficiency, as well as manage rising demand with lean teams and enable services that society increasingly relies on.
Fortunately, networking technology is evolving too. AI-native networking, like that used at SLEC and JCU, is helping automate routine troubleshooting, adapt performance in real time, and scale digital services without creating operational bottlenecks. At SLEC, this means caregivers stay focused on care, not connectivity issues. At JCU, smarter infrastructure means the IT team can spend less time fixing problems and more time enhancing the students’ learning experience.
We must empower people, not just platforms
The network’s role isn’t just to connect devices; it’s to enable outcomes. It’s what allows a clinician to retrieve patient records in seconds, a student to find their lecture hall easily, or an elder to revisit a cherished place.
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This is where innovation delivers its real value: in the quality of care, accessibility of education, and ease of everyday experiences.
The expansion of organisations like SLEC will rely on this foundation. Not because the technology itself is the goal, but because it enables what matters most: helping people live better, more connected lives.
Building the foundations of innovation
As Singapore deepens its digital capabilities and prepares for an AI-enabled future, it is the networks behind the scenes and the people who manage them that will determine how far innovation can go.
The apps and experiences we rely on every day are only as strong as the infrastructure that supports them. Often invisible, yet absolutely essential, these digital foundations are what turn ideas into impact.
Lee Ming Kai is the head of Systems Engineering at Juniper Networks
