On the morning of April 30, the 638th "Hong" Academic Lecture, organized by the Graduate School and the Graduate Work Department, hosted by the College of Geological Engineering and Geomatics, and co-organized by the University Graduate Science and Technology Association, was successfully held at the Academic Exchange Center of the North Campus of the South Campus. Academician Zhou Yingxin of the Singapore Academy of Engineering delivered a report titled "Development, Utilization, and Future Prospects of Singapore's Underground Space." The lecture was chaired by Professor Zhai Yue from the College of Geological Engineering and Geomatics, with a total of 140 faculty members and students from related colleges in attendance.

Academician Zhou Yingxin's report primarily focused on four aspects: Singapore's population growth and land demand, underground space legislation, planning integration, and a summary with future prospects. First, Academician Zhou Yingxin began by addressing Singapore's reality of land scarcity and the Singapore government's emphasis on the utilization and development of underground space. He then explored the future energy landscape, energy storage methods, and energy supply facilities. Subsequently, he delved into the advantages of underground space, feasibility studies on underground drainage and flood storage systems, and the strategic reserve of underground cavern space. He also presented a blueprint for the future utilization and development of urban underground resources, encompassing integrated planning, comprehensive utilization, master planning, urban geology, and the integration of resource and spatial development. Finally, Academician Zhou Yingxin emphasized that healthy and orderly development of underground space can only be achieved through simultaneous planning and utilization of both underground and above-ground resources, a full understanding of the complexity of underground space development, emphasis on preliminary organization and integrated planning, and scientific research support to reduce costs, ensure safe construction, and cultivate talent.