Government aims to boost AI infrastructure and expand talent pipeline
Singapore is committing up to S$500 million to enhance its high-performance computing resources for artificial intelligence (AI), alongside a S$27 million investment in AI training initiatives for students. These efforts, announced by Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary, are aimed at supporting AI-driven innovation across multiple sectors, including finance, healthcare, and logistics.
Expanding AI computing capacity
The investment will help address the growing demand for powerful computing resources, particularly graphics processing units (GPUs) used in training and deploying AI models. The government plans to either lease AI compute services from external providers or establish its own AI computing facilities in collaboration with research partners.
Minister Puthucheary stated that the funding is expected to catalyse further industry investment in AI infrastructure, fostering long-term growth in Singapore’s AI ecosystem. However, details on the allocation of compute resources and cost-sharing mechanisms have yet to be disclosed.
Growing the AI talent pool
To meet increasing AI demand, Singapore is also aiming to triple the number of local AI practitioners to 15,000 within five years. As part of this effort, the government will invest:
S$20 million over three years to expand AI-related SG Digital scholarships, supporting undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. This includes overseas internship opportunities in AI-focused roles.
S$7 million for the AI Accelerated Masters Programme, launched in collaboration with local universities, enabling undergraduates to fast-track their research-based master’s degrees. This initiative will support 50 students over three years, with applications opening between March and May.
AI Visiting Professorship programme
Singapore is also introducing an AI Visiting Professorship programme to attract top AI researchers to collaborate with local institutions. The initiative will initially fund five visiting professors, requiring them to partner with Singaporean researchers and dedicate at least 20% of their time to local AI projects.
Communications and Information Minister Josephine Teo highlighted Singaporean AI researcher Dr. Koh Pang Wei as an example of the kind of expertise the country hopes to attract. Currently based at the University of Washington, Dr. Koh’s work on AI models that handle imperfect data proved valuable during the pandemic.
By strengthening both AI infrastructure and workforce capabilities, Singapore is positioning itself as a regional leader in artificial intelligence development and adoption.
