In 2017, the city-state of Singapore launched AI Singapore (AISG), a national initiative to invest approximately US$109 million over five years in its AI ecosystem, including startups and research.
The Singapore government also announced the National AI Strategy in 2019, which outlines plans to use AI to transform the economy. On December 4, 2023, Singapore launched the National AI Strategy 2.0 (NAIS 2.0).
NAIS 2.0 introduces three key shifts to position Singapore as a leader in AI
Reposition AI as a necessity: Shift from viewing AI as an optional opportunity to recognizing it as a fundamental tool for social and economic progress, emphasizing AI’s important role in solving challenges and promoting innovation.
Shift to a global perspective: Foster collaboration and partnerships at the international level to contribute to and benefit from the collective advancement of AI, emphasising Singapore’s participation and leadership in the global AI ecosystem.
Build a comprehensive AI infrastructure: Shift from isolated AI projects to building a robust and interconnected AI ecosystem, with an emphasis on developing standardized frameworks, research, and resources to ensure sustainability and scalability across industries.
These changes are aimed at ensuring Singapore remains at the forefront of the global AI competition, driving economic transformation and enhancing societal well-being.
Main Participants
Singapore's government-supported research and development (R&D) spending has surpassed that of the United States, reaching 16% of its GDP by 2023. Singapore's investment in AI reaches US$1.9 billion in 2023. Singapore enhances AI research, development, and skills training through different programs and initiatives. Key initiatives such as 100 Experiments (100E) and Tech@SG have played an important role in promoting R&D activities and attracting top talent into the AI field.
In addition to government initiatives, Singapore’s AI ecosystem is also characterized by local and international investors and AI startups. Among them, some AI unicorn companies, such as Trax and Advance Intelligence Group (AIG), have attracted significant global investment and are valued at over US$1 billion.
This diverse AI ecosystem not only promotes innovation, but also enhances Singapore’s competitiveness in the global AI market, further consolidating its position as a hub for AI development.
Rax has received considerable financial support, becoming one of the top 10 most funded AI unicorns in Asia. It has received support from international investors such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, and is valued at over one billion US dollars. Similarly, **Advance Intelligence Group (AIG)** has also expanded its business with the support of international investors, especially from China.
Singapore aims to reposition AI from an optional opportunity to an indispensable tool for social and economic progress, emphasizing its key role in addressing challenges and driving innovation. In addition, Singapore embraces a global perspective, recognizes the impact of AI, and actively participates in international cooperation to contribute to and benefit from collective progress.
Finally, the strategy focuses on building a comprehensive AI infrastructure, moving from isolated projects to an interconnected ecosystem. As Singapore advances this new phase of its AI strategy, these changes demonstrate Singapore's commitment to leading in technological innovation and actively contributing to the global AI ecosystem, promoting a collaborative and interconnected future for AI development.
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