Think you know what’s happening in Singapore’s AI scene? Here are five facts that might surprise you.
Fact #1: Singapore Just Opened the World’s Digital Toolbox
In September 2025, Singapore launched the Singapore Digital Gateway (SGDG) at the United Nations—a first-of-its-kind online platform giving global policymakers free access to over 30 digital resources that powered Singapore’s transformation. This isn’t just document-sharing; it’s a strategic play to export governance frameworks. The platform includes AI Verify (for testing AI systems), Project Moonshot (one of the world’s first comprehensive toolkits for testing Large Language Models), and even the Singpass digital identity architecture. Minister Josephine Teo announced this in partnership with the UN, World Bank, and UNDP, positioning Singapore as the go-to resource for nations navigating digital and AI governance.
Fact #2: 2,000 Companies Are Getting AI-Powered in Three Years
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) isn’t playing small ball. Through its enhanced Digital Leaders Programme, IMDA is supporting 2,000 digitally mature local enterprises to harness AI over the next three years. This isn’t just training—it’s about turning digital ambition into measurable impact. Take iHub, a homegrown SME using data and AI to transform supply chains with predictive insights that help customers stay ahead of disruptions. The programme focuses on revenue growth, productivity gains, and capturing new markets through AI adoption.
Fact #3: Singapore’s AI Startups Raised $8.4 Billion—Far Ahead of Regional Peers
While Malaysia attracted $371 million and Thailand $255 million in AI venture capital, Singapore’s AI startups collectively raised $8.4 billion. That’s not a typo. With over 944 AI startups operating in the city-state, Singapore captures approximately 15% of ASEAN’s AI market share despite having just 5.9 million people. The National AI Strategy 2.0, launched in 2023 with over $1 billion in government funding over five years, is catalyzing this explosion. The generative AI segment alone is projected to grow at 46.26% annually, reaching $5.09 billion by 2030.
Fact #4: Microsoft Doubled Down with Strategic AI Collaborations
In March 2025, Microsoft expanded its AI Pinnacle Program with new partnerships across CapitaLand, ofi (Olam Food Ingredients), SATS, Singtel, and SJ Group—covering real estate, food, aviation, telecommunications, and construction. But here’s the kicker: new IDC research shows that 82% of Singapore organizations are using or planning to invest in AI (above the 75% global average), with an average ROI of $3.40 for every $1 spent within just 14 months. Microsoft is also launching world-class research collaborations with AI Pinnacle Program members to discover sector-specific AI solutions for manufacturing, financial services, transportation, health, and sustainability.
Fact #5: Singapore Generates 15% of NVIDIA’s Global Revenue
Despite having a population smaller than many cities, Singapore accounts for approximately $2.7 billion quarterly in NVIDIA revenue—making it the chipmaker’s fourth-largest market worldwide. That translates to roughly $600 per capita spent on NVIDIA chips alone, ten times the U.S. rate and 200 times China’s. With $1.6 billion in government AI funding and $26 billion in tech giant investments, Singapore leads ASEAN in AI investment and infrastructure spending, positioning itself as the world’s third-ranked AI nation after the United States and China.
The Bottom Line
Singapore isn’t just participating in the AI revolution—it’s architecting it for the region. From exporting governance frameworks globally to creating unprecedented ROI for businesses, the city-state is proving that strategic government backing, robust VC ecosystems, and focused enterprise programmes can punch well above a nation’s population weight.
Sources:
- GovInsider: “Singapore launches gateway to provide countries access to digital resources” (September 25, 2025) – https://govinsider.asia/intl-en/article/singapore-launches-gateway-to-provide-countries-access-to-digital-resources
- IMDA: “Singapore Ramps Up AI Push for 2,000 Local Enterprises to Turn Digital Ambition into Real-world Impact” (September 19, 2025) – https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/press-releases-factsheets-and-speeches/press-releases/2025/sg-ramps-up-ai-push-to-turn-digital-ambition-into-real-world-impact
- AI News Hub: “Top 5 AI Startups and Tools in Singapore to Watch in 2025” (August 3, 2025) – https://www.ainewshub.org/post/top-5-ai-startups-and-tools-in-singapore-to-watch-in-2025
- Microsoft News: “Microsoft Expands AI Pinnacle Program with Public and Private Sector Collaborations” (March 11, 2025) – https://news.microsoft.com/en-sg/2025/03/11/microsoft-expands-ai-pinnacle-program-with-public-and-private-sector-collaborations-for-ai-adoption-at-scale-in-singapore/
- Introl.com: “Singapore’s $27B AI Revolution Powers Southeast Asia 2025” (August 7, 2025) – https://introl.com/blog/singapore-ai-revolution-27-billion-investment-2025
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