Singapore pours $786 million into race to become AI powerhouse

Singapore will pour in more than S$1 billion ($786 million) to fund public artificial intelligence research over the next five years, accelerating a bid to bolster a homegrown AI industry in a field dominated by US and Chinese players.

The government is betting the investment will help strengthen its position as an AI research hub, Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo said in a speech at an industry event in the city-state Saturday. The investment will be used to set up research centers, build AI capabilities and develop the nation’s talent pipeline.

Singapore is part of a growing cohort of nations racing to make sure AI doesn’t leave their industries or workers behind.

South Korea is sponsoring a tournament in a bid to support homegrown AI, while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are leveraging their massive capital to acquire advanced computing infrastructure and to fund domestic models such as Falcon.

Others, including Japan, Canada and India, are also working on their own sovereign AI strategies and capabilities.

“Research serves as a key activity driver in our AI efforts, advancing the nation’s deep technical capabilities and ensuring Singapore remains at the forefront of AI innovation,” Teo’s ministry said in a statement.