Singapore today launched a national programme to build capabilities in artificial intelligence, particularly in providing solutions in the field of healthcare, finance and city management solutions.
SGD150 million will be invested into this programme, called AI.SG, with a target to come up with 100 AI projects to solve real world problems. National Research Foundation will delimit the funds over five years into this programme.
The programme will be helmed by several government agencies, including the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office, Infocomm Media Development Authority and Integrated Health Information Systems
Making this announcement at annual tech conference Innovfest, Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information of Singapore, said, “AI.SG will do three key things – first, address major challenges that affect society and industry, secondly, invest in deep capabilities to catch the next wave of scientific innovation, and finally, grow AI innovation and adoption in companies.”
He also added that the programme will address major challenges affecting society, such as healthcare issues with an ageing population, or how to improve traffic management during peak hour.
In addition to this, the programme will invest in deep technology, such as next-generation AI systems with human-like learning abilities.
On the occasion, Dr Yaacob also announced the setting up of the Singapore Data Science Consortium, which will deepen research in data science, and encourage industry adoption in this area.
The Consortium will be the key platform in Singapore for companies to access the latest technologies in data science, and will link companies with research institutions so that they can tap on their expertise to create solutions using data science.
The Minister, added, “AI and data science are key frontier technologies that the Singapore Government will harness and build capabilities in. In the longer run, such investments will enhance the economic opportunities for all Singaporeans.”