Singapore is setting the stage for the next phase of its national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, with a clear focus on three primary areas: enhancing AI use across various sectors, broadening its adoption among enterprises and the workforce, and reinforcing the nation’s ambition to become a leading AI hub. This strategic refresh, articulated by Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, was announced during the ATxSummit event and builds upon the National AI Strategy 2.0 launched in December 2023.
The new framework outlines ten strategic priorities across industry, government, research, talent development, and international partnerships. This approach aims to adapt Singapore's AI strategy to the evolving demands of the sector. A key element of the strategy is the introduction of National AI missions focused on advanced manufacturing, financial services, connectivity, and healthcare—sectors that collectively accounted for approximately 40% of Singapore's GDP in 2025.
To facilitate the shift from experimental to operational AI integration, the National AI Impact Programme will assist 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over the next three years. The Champions of AI programme targets leading local firms, while Catalytic AI Projects will develop AI solutions tailored for logistics, manufacturing, and wholesale trade.
Strengthening Public Sector AI
The Singaporean government is committed to embedding AI into public sector workflows. Tools such as Pair, SmartCompose, Transcribe, and AIBots will be standard for officers, and all public workers will undergo AI literacy training. The government is also updating guidelines on generative AI, focusing on enhancing data security and establishing accountability for higher-risk applications.
In workforce development, the strategy aims to equip 100,000 workers over the next three years with both domain expertise and AI capabilities, starting in fields like accountancy and law before expanding into marketing and human resources. Plans are also in place to upskill 40,000 technology professionals, enhancing their roles from coding to orchestrating AI systems.
Investment in Research and Infrastructure
The commitment to research funding remains central to the updated strategy. Earlier this year, Singapore allocated over $1 billion for public AI research and talent development from 2025 to 2030, as part of the National AI R&D Plan. This funding will support both fundamental and applied research, ensuring Singapore stays competitive in the global AI arena.
Infrastructure is another key focus, with plans to boost local research compute capacity through the National Supercomputing Centre Singapore's ASPIRE 2B supercomputer. The government is also prioritizing the development of energy-efficient data centres, with a forthcoming Digital Infrastructure Act aimed at establishing higher sustainability standards.
Data Access and International Collaboration
Data access is vital for the success of the National AI missions. The government emphasizes that the availability of datasets must align with privacy, security, and commercial considerations. Additionally, Singapore plans to create Kampong AI at One-North, its first dedicated AI park, to foster collaboration among AI enterprises, researchers, and entrepreneurs while enhancing connections with Singaporean talent abroad.
On the international front, Singapore aims to strengthen its position as a trusted hub for AI partnerships and exchanges, especially as it prepares to assume the Asean Chair in 2027. This ambition aligns with its broader goal of contributing to global AI initiatives and fostering regional cooperation.
Singapore's refined national AI strategy reflects a comprehensive approach to AI integration across sectors, workforce enhancement, and infrastructural development, positioning the country as a pivotal player in the global AI arena.
