SMU’s Living Analytics Research Centre (LARC) is researching the FOODAi system, with the aim to correctly identify over 900 kinds of local food through its visual recognition technology. Once completed, this system would be incorporated into the "Healthy 365" application by the Health Promotion Board, to help Singaporeans better understand the nutritional value of local food, and make it easier for patients such as diabetics to choose food that is suitable for their condition.

SMU announced that they have received $25 million in research grant from the National Research Foundation, which will be used to fund LARC's research projects over the next four years. LARC's Director Professor Lim Ee-Peng pointed out that in line with Singapore’s Smart Nation drive, the centre is looking for ways in which technology can improve the quality of Singaporeans’ lives by leveraging technology and research analysis. “Through our research outcome and data analysis, we aim to develop new applications and systems that would benefit consumers, the government and society."

The centre is also working on a research project – Bus.Sense – a system that collects feedback and suggestions on the social media about our bus services. SMU Associate Professor of Information Systems Zheng Baihua, who is overseeing this research, explained that it is driven by the objective of "personalised urban commute", adding the system would "advise suitable transport option based on real-time data and the commuter’s habits."