Singapore Unveils National AI Strategy 2.0: What To Know

Singapore’s Advanced National AI Strategy 2.0 Unveiled

Singapore has launched an updated iteration of its national AI strategy, revealing plans to bolster governmental expertise, cultivate a smart nation, and enhance computational capabilities. The Singaporean government announced the release of its revamped national strategy for artificial intelligence, AI 2.0.

The updated plan aims to embrace innovation and address the complexities associated with AI technology. This initiative follows the introduction of Singapore’s initial AI strategy back in 2019.

The renewed strategy delineates a three-tiered approach, categorized as “people and communities,” “activity drivers,” and “infrastructure and environment.” It is structured around ten pivotal “enablers” supported by 15 actionable steps to facilitate their implementation.

Cultivating AI Excellence

Key among these steps is the establishment of new AI “Centers of Excellence” (CoEs) within companies operating in Singapore, fostering advanced AI value creation and utilization across key sectors. Additionally, the plan involves improving government agencies by adding specialized knowledge, technical prowess, and regulatory tools to elevate AI proficiency among public officers.

Singapore’s vision involves leveraging its governmental capacity to bolster resources supporting AI adoption in the public sector. Part of this vision includes the goal of developing 15,000 local AI practitioners through specialized training programs and technology pipelines while remaining receptive to global talent.

The report highlights successful tech training programs focused on AI development that have already placed over 2,700 individuals in gainful employment.

Escalating Computational Capacities And Global Trends

Furthermore, Singapore aims to escalate its computational capabilities, mirroring worldwide efforts. This includes deeper collaborations with industry giants such as chipmakers and cloud service providers (CSPs), alongside backing local compute industry firms.

The outlined action steps are slated for implementation over the next 3-5 years, aligning with Singapore’s aspirations in the AI sector. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom recently announced a £300 million investment to procure and operate two AI supercomputers, bolstering its presence in the global AI landscape.

Similarly, OpenAI has teamed up with G42 in Dubai to expand its influence in the Middle East. Meanwhile, the United States is tightening export controls on specific technology to power high-level AI systems, underscoring the intense global competition.

AstraZeneca Collaborates With AI Firm To Develop Cancer Antibodies

In other AI news, AstraZeneca, renowned for its COVID-19 vaccine development, is set to join forces with the United States-based AI biologics company Absci to craft antibodies targeting cancer cells. Reports indicate that AstraZeneca pledged an investment of up to $247 million (paid in milestones) for research and development and an initial fee for Absci.

The primary objective of this partnership is to engineer a zero-shot generative AI model dedicated to inventing novel cancer antibody therapeutics and advancing existing treatments. However, the specific cancer types were not explicitly outlined.

AstraZeneca’s Senior Vice President, Puja Sapra, mentioned that AI is boosting the speed and success of their biologics discovery process and expanding the range of biologics they uncover. Meanwhile, Sean McClain, CEO of Absci, highlighted AstraZeneca’s role in amplifying the AI-driven efforts.

AI’s Impact On Healthcare

It is worth noting that the healthcare sector is witnessing a burgeoning adoption of AI technology as it promises accelerated innovative research and bolsters accuracy in data analysis. For instance, the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong initiated an AI test program to address superbugs or multidrug-resistant organisms last month.

The AI-driven analysis of clinical data aims to curtail the overuse of antibiotics, a primary cause behind the emergence of drug-resistant superbugs in the region.