1. How Singapore's Enterprise Compute Initiative (ECI) can help turn companies’ AI ambition into action
Companies in Singapore can gain access to a slew of new strategic programmes designed to accelerate the adoption and integration of artificial intelligence into their businesses.
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), and leading global technology firms—Google Cloud, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services (AWS)—are collaborating to offer comprehensive support to empower companies in their AI pursuits.
These initiatives are part of the government's broader Enterprise Compute Initiative, which allocates significant resources to help local businesses leverage AI for growth and competitiveness. Each programme is tailored to meet specific needs, offering a spectrum of support to help companies build in-house AI capabilities, such as:
- The Google Cloud and DISG AI Cloud Takeoff programme This initiative aims to wassist 300 digitally mature, Singapore-based companies in establishing AI Centres of Excellence. This includes financial incentives of up to $500,000, technical consultancy, cloud credits, and implementation support to develop AI-driven products and services.
- The Microsoft and DISG Agentic AI Accelerator Another programme designed to help 300 companies with co-developing AI roadmaps and leverage human-AI collaboration in their business functions. This programme offers up to $250,000 in credits to Azure cloud – Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, training, and tools, with additional services of up to $700,000 for select firms.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) and DISG’s AI Springboard 300 eligible enterprises, from large corporations to startups, will receive support to scale AI across their operations. Participants can receive up to $600,000 in total cloud credits and training, along with access to implementation partners and technical guidance from the AWS Generative AI Innovation Centre.
Together, these initiatives offer companies access to a robust ecosystem of support, ensuring that the resources, expertise, and funding are available for companies to navigate their AI transformation journey and unlock new revenue streams. For a more detailed look into how your company can tap into these resources, check out this social post >>
2. Singapore’s AI Trailblazers programme: Visa, DP architects and Ocean Network Express tackle use cases at speed
Singapore’s AI Trailblazers Initiative has supported up to 84 organisations and 100 use cases since its inception in 2023. It is designed with the aim of helping businesses bridge gaps in talent and skills as well as data and infrastructure to implement AI solutions quickly and confidently.
Back in its second edition this year, the initiative helped three new companies blaze their own trail to AI success. Companies like Visa and DP Architects designed advanced AI models to enhance customer experiences and streamline architecture design processes, while Ocean Network Express is improving customer service through an intelligent chatbot. The AI Trailblazers initiative underscores Singapore's commitment to fostering a collaborative ecosystem where businesses can access cutting-edge technology and expertise to drive productivity and innovation. Uncover the outcomes and benefits these companies have achieved through AI Trailblazers >>
3. Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Google and Alcon are deepening their roots in Singapore
Leading technology firms are choosing Singapore to serve as a launchpad for their AI initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region. MNCs gain access to a strategic ecosystem in Singapore which enables companies to not only grow their regional presence but also develop cutting-edge solutions that address global challenges and opportunities. The latest industry moves include:
- Microsoft’s first Southeast Asia AI lab, Microsoft Research Asia in Singapore. The lab's focus on inclusive and impactful AI applications aligns with Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0. and highlights the country's leadership in science, engineering, and digital governance. Learn more >>
- AWS establishing its first AWS Innovation Hub in the APAC region. The multi-million-dollar facility is designed to fast-track digital and AI transformation for both public and private sector organisations. This hub leverages Singapore's robust cloud infrastructure and offers a collaborative space for CEOs and business leaders to develop practical roadmaps for addressing regional challenges. The tech giant has also announced that it will be investing US$9 billion (S$11.6b) into Singapore’s cloud infrastructure by 2028. Learn more >>
- Google Cloud is expanding its presence in Singapore and strengthening its commitment to Enterprise AI. The tech giant is making its powerful Gemini models and AI tools available in the Singapore cloud region. This means companies using Google's AI services can be sure that all the data they use and process will stay physically located on computer servers within Singapore’s borders in compliance with privacy laws and regulations. Learn more >>
4. Morgan Stanley Report: 70% of companies in Singapore have adopted AI
A recent Morgan Stanley report has projected that Singapore is poised to achieve a three per cent GDP growth this year, largely attributed to the strategic adoption of AI tools by leading enterprises and key enablers within the country.
The report also found that over 70 per cent of Singapore’s companies have adopted AI, with top use cases in labour savings, product development, and supply-chain efficiencies. Companies like Singtel, Keppel, and Sembcorp Industries have been identified as "enablers" providing the foundational infrastructure for AI development.
On the other hand, companies like Grab, Sea Group, and Singapore Airlines have been seen as top “adopters”, deploying AI to drive product innovation, operational efficiency, and organisational growth.
5. How Singapore’s Blueprint for Global AI Adoption is attracting businesses and investments
As AI usage and adoption increases, businesses find themselves grappling with a fragmented global regulatory landscape concerning data privacy and security. These issues underscore the need for a principled approach to AI that balances innovation with responsibility.
To this end, EDB’s Executive Vice President Chan Ih-Ming outlined key steps that Singapore is taking to support global businesses in tackling this issue at the Semafor Tech conference in San Francisco in May. Ih-Ming explained that by establishing initiatives like the AI Verify foundation, Singapore is pioneering a principles-based approach to AI governance, which aims to create common regulatory standards and build trust.
Singapore is also working closely with industry leaders across different fields to support AI capabilities. This close partnership ensures that companies can confidently pilot, validate and scale AI applications with measurable results, and do so in a suitable environment that can help inform wider adoption efforts in Southeast Asia. Discover the other steps Singapore is taking to support your business in realising its AI ambitions >>
6. Download this recommended report:
Discover the growth sectors spurring MedTech AI development in Asia
This report, a collaboration between APACMed and Bain & Company with support from the Singapore Economic Development Board, offers a comprehensive look at how businesses can leverage AI to drive MedTech innovation. It reveals the rising demand for 'bilingual talent'—professionals with both healthcare and technical AI expertise, noting that less than 10 per cent of MedTech professionals in the Asia-Pacific region currently have this dual skillset. Adoption of AI is also on the rise from managing regulatory filings to predictive maintenance.
The report surfaces how AI is reshaping R&D, manufacturing and patient care. Get the full details >>
