AI applied in airports, health, and trade under new funding push
Singapore will invest more than S$1 billion in artificial intelligence research from 2025 to 2030 as the city-state seeks to strengthen its position as a global AI hub, the Ministry of Digital Development and Information announced.
Minister Josephine Teo unveiled the National AI Research and Development Plan at the Singapore AI Research Week 2026 Gala Dinner. The five-year initiative marks the government’s second major funding commitment to public AI research and development, following an initial investment of over S$500 million from 2019 to 2023, The Strait Times reported.
The funding draws from Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise plans for 2025 and 2030, the ministry said.
Three-pronged strategy
The NAIRD Plan focuses on three areas: fundamental AI research, applied AI research, and talent development.
The government will establish Research Centres of Excellence (RCEs) at public research institutions to tackle priority areas, including responsible AI, resource-efficient AI, emerging AI methodologies, and general-purpose AI.
Teo said the centers will comprise research teams focused on long-term challenges and will collaborate with local and international partners.
“We expect them to partner actively with others in our local ecosystem and internationally,” Teo said. “We also want their research discoveries to be shared openly, to contribute to the global knowledge commons.
The RCEs will complement Singapore’s existing network of more than 60 AI Centres of Excellence launched by technology firms with government support, The Straits Times reported.
Applied research and talent
Singapore will build capabilities to support AI adoption in key industries, including manufacturing, trade, health, urban solutions, and sustainability.
Teo cited Jewel at Changi Airport as an example of applied AI, where the airport uses AI in security screening, automated baggage handling, and robotics for inspections and cleaning, according to The Straits Times.
The funding will also support talent development at all levels, from pre-university students to faculty positions. Scholarships and research opportunities will expand for students pursuing competitive PhD, post-doctoral, and faculty positions at top institutions.
The investment will fund the AI Visiting Professorship program, which allows world-class overseas researchers to collaborate with Singapore institutions on projects aligned with the national AI research agenda. Launched in 2024, the program has supported eight projects to date, the ministry said.
The announcement coincides with Singapore AI Research Week 2026, running Jan. 19-27 alongside the 40th Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence Conference. The week features 40 events organised by more than 25 partners from government, research institutions, and industry.
