Singapore, the Southeast Asian hub for major technology corporations, aims to increase its artificial intelligence (AI) expertise dramatically. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the plan to enhance the nation’s AI capabilities by tripling its pool of specialists to 15,000.
The roadmap to a technological leap
Singapore’s focus is not just on quantity but also on quality. The plan involves attracting and nurturing talent in machine learning and engineering fields. This growth is supported by the national AI strategy, which aims to position Singapore at the forefront of the AI revolution.
The government is committed to fostering a conducive environment for AI growth. This includes enhancing high-performance computing resources through strategic partnerships with leading chipmakers and cloud service providers. Such steps are crucial, given the recent US$2.7 billion revenue generated from Singapore by Nvidia, a major player in the sector.
Education and reskilling: Key drivers of AI growth
Singapore recognises the role of education in achieving its AI goals. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the importance of local AI training programmes and the operation of a supply of graphics processing units (GPUs) for research purposes. This initiative is bolstered by a US$52.3 million (S$70 million) project by Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority to develop Southeast Asia’s first large language model.
Educational institutions are also playing a pivotal role. The National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are introducing more AI-related courses and degrees, equipping students with the necessary skills to enter this evolving field.
Singapore’s competitive edge in AI
Singapore’s AI strategy is about more than just expanding the workforce. It’s a comprehensive approach to maintaining a competitive edge. Deputy Prime Minister Wong highlighted Singapore’s strengths, including a highly skilled workforce and a reliable ecosystem, making it an attractive destination for AI development.
Singapore’s technological advancements have already made it a hotspot for over 1,100 tech-related start-ups, and the presence of global giants like Google and Microsoft underlines its status as a regional tech hub.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s announcement is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to AI. The nation’s efforts to boost its AI talent pool, infrastructure, and educational initiatives position it well to achieve its ambitious goal and cement its place as a leading AI hub.
