Singapore to Invest $779 Million in Public AI Research Through 2030

Singapore to Invest $779 Million in Public AI Research Through 2030

Singapore has announced a major strategic initiative to strengthen its position in the global artificial intelligence (AI) sector. The government will invest over S$1 billion in public AI research by 2030, equivalent to approximately $779 million USD. This announcement, made on January 24, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the country’s technology and innovation policy.

According to government sources, the investment aims to enhance Singapore’s national AI capabilities, improve global competitiveness, and ensure the effective and responsible use of AI across key economic sectors. The funds will support not only research but also human resource development, educational programs, and industrial applications of AI.

The government highlighted that a major focus of this investment will be responsible and resource-efficient AI technologies, ensuring AI deployment adheres to ethical standards and social values. Training programs will be offered at every level—from pre-university education to higher education—to equip the workforce with AI skills aligned with future technological demands.

A significant portion of the funding will be allocated for practical AI implementation in industries. The government expects that AI adoption will lead to higher productivity, reduced costs, and accelerated innovation, particularly in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and public services.

This initiative continues Singapore’s existing AI strategy. Previously, in 2024, the government allocated S$500 million for high-performance computing infrastructure to strengthen both public and private sector AI research and innovation capabilities.

Singapore has already spent over S$500 million under the AI Singapore program to develop deep and autonomous AI capabilities. In 2023, the program introduced the Sea‑Lion open-source large language model, funded with S$70 million, which has since been adopted by several regional companies, including Indonesia’s GoTo.

In October 2025, a new version of the Sea‑Lion model was released, adding support for multiple Southeast Asian languages such as Burmese, Filipino, Indonesian, Malay, Tamil, Thai, and Vietnamese. This model is based on Alibaba’s Qwen Foundation Model, adapted for regional needs.

Experts believe this new investment will not only position Singapore as a global AI hub but also establish a regional technology leadership example. By 2030, the initiative is expected to deliver long-term benefits in research, innovation, and socio-economic development, preparing Singapore for the digital future.