Singapore has set its sights on cultivating a robust AI talent pool through the introduction of an accelerated master’s program and visiting professorships, as announced by the Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo on March 1st.
In a strategic effort to enhance its capabilities in artificial intelligence, Singapore plans to inject S$7 million into an AI Accelerated Masters Programme, designed exclusively for Singaporean citizens, in partnership with local universities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract and develop leading talents in AI, alongside the introduction of the AI Visiting Professorship program. This program is aimed at bringing distinguished researchers to Singapore to foster collaboration and innovation. Initially, five visiting professors will be selected for a pilot phase, committing at least 20% of their time to work with local partners, mentor junior researchers, and supervise students within the country.
The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) highlighted that these visiting professors would play a crucial role in aligning research with Singapore’s national AI research agenda, enhancing training opportunities for local students, and stimulating further research activities.
This announcement follows Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s statement during his Budget 2024 speech, revealing the government’s commitment to invest over S$1 billion (US$743.7 million) in the next five years towards AI computing, talent, and industry development. This investment supports the newly updated National AI Strategy (NAIS) 2.0, launched in December of the previous year.
Minister Teo emphasized the integral role of technology in the lives of Singaporeans, noting the widespread acknowledgment of digital technologies easing daily routines and the willingness among the majority to embrace new technological advancements.
The AI Accelerated Masters Programme (AMP), with an investment of S$7 million, aims to support 50 Singaporean students over three years, with applications opening from March to May this year. The program’s goal is to nurture a pipeline of local research talent ready for industry AI research roles or further academic pursuits in AI PhD programs.
Furthermore, Minister Teo disclosed plans to significantly expand Singapore’s AI practitioner base, aiming to triple the number to 15,000 within five years. This growth targets a broad spectrum of professionals, including data scientists and machine learning engineers, essential for applying AI across various sectors of the economy.
As a preliminary step towards achieving this ambitious goal, the Infocomm Media Development Authority has committed to investing more than S$20 million over the next three years. This investment will enhance AI practitioner training for students, offering more AI-related Singapore Digital Scholarships and opportunities for international internships in AI roles. These scholarships are designed for students passionate about AI, providing them a pathway to work in the industry post-graduation and the flexibility to choose their AI career path in Singapore’s vibrant landscape.
