Singapore boosts AI research with new government initiative
A new programme that aims to boost Artificial Intelligence capabilities in Singapore, AI.SG, has been announced by Yaacob Ibrahim, minister of communications and information.
SIngapore launches program to boost AI capabilities
In his speech at Innovfest Unbound 2017, Yaacob announced the programme, a joint partnership between the National Research Foundation (NRF), Smart Nation and Digital Government Office, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), SGInnovate and the Integrated Health Systems.
The new programme will do three things according to Ibrahim:” One, address major challenges that affect society and industry, two, invest in deep capabilities to catch the next wave of scientific innovation and three, grow AI innovation and adoption in companies.”
The NRF will invest up to $150m over five years in AI.SG. “AI.SG builds on the current AI knowledge and capabilities that we have built up across our Singapore-based research institutions with our past R&D investments,” said Professor Low Teck Seng, chief executive officer, NRF.
“I am confident that the modality of AI.SG will fully integrate existing R&D and facilitate the translation of R&D into business commercialisation and better provision of public services,” he added.
AI.SG will also harness AI capabilities in the industry, including startups and corporate laboratories, as well as nurture a local community to utilise AI to tackle real-world challenges.