Singapore Sets $52 Million AI Initiative to Develop Southeast Asian Large Language Models
Singapore is launching a $52.3 million initiative to develop large language models (LLM) that are specifically tailored to Southeast Asian languages and cultures. The National Multimodal LLM Program (NMLP), a collaboration between Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), AI Singapore, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, aims to address the current lack of LLM models that cater to the region. The program, funded by Singapore’s National Research Foundation, will focus on enhancing the country’s AI research and innovation capabilities while leveraging high-performance computing resources.
LLM models have predominantly been developed with a Western perspective, which creates a gap when it comes to understanding Southeast Asian languages and cultural nuances. The NMLP will develop a base model that incorporates regional context and unique linguistic characteristics, particularly those found in Singapore. By doing so, the initiative aims to bridge the gap and contribute to the growth of the Southeast Asian ecosystem.
This effort will enhance the nation’s capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation, leveraging high-performance computing resources by the National Supercomputing Centre. This program marks a significant leap forward in building the next bounds of AI capabilities for Singapore and the region, stated the collaborative partners.
The NMLP is part of Singapore’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan and aligns with the country’s national AI strategy 2.0. The strategy, launched by Lawrence Wong, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, seeks to position Singapore as a global leader in AI solutions by 2030. This will be achieved through developing and deploying scalable AI solutions in sectors that provide high value to citizens and businesses.
The NMLP aims to foster AI talent in Singapore by providing funding and access to high-end computing for local researchers and engineers. It also aims to support the growth of the AI industry, enabling the development of LLM-enabled solutions that enhance productivity and create new opportunities for businesses. Additionally, the program will contribute to building a trusted environment for AI usage, as the research conducted in this initiative will advance the understanding of LLMs and further AI governance.
Dr. Ong Chen Hui, Assistant Chief Executive of Biztech Group at IMDA, emphasized Singapore’s commitment to becoming a global AI hub. By investing in talent and developing large language AI models for regional languages, Singapore aims to foster cross-border industry collaboration and drive the next wave of AI innovation in Southeast Asia.
The initiative reflects the growing importance of AI on the global stage and aligns with the discussions taking place at the ongoing Singapore Media Festival. As Singapore moves forward with its AI ambitions, the National Multimodal LLM Program is set to play a key role in developing the necessary language models to unlock the full potential of AI in the Southeast Asian region.
