Distinguished Guests,

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Good morning.

 

Introduction

 

 1. I am delighted to be here at the launch of the Google Cloud AI Cloud Take-Off Programme, or AI CTO programme.

 

2. The AI CTO programme is the first in a series of MTI’s efforts that form part of the Enterprise Compute Initiative, or ECI, announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in this year’s Budget. It reflects the close partnership between Google and the Singapore Government in driving enterprise innovation.

 

3. I spoke about the ECI at MTI’s Committee of Supply debate in March. Administered by the Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), it encourages enterprises to take up AI-driven transformation projects. AI can spur enterprise and workforce transformation. It enables firms to automate manual business processes and augment workers' skills, raising productivity, driving innovation, and further growing business revenue. Through this initiative, we hope to anchor more AI teams and innovation mandates in Singapore.

 

Singapore’s National AI Strategy and Efforts to Drive AI Adoption

 

4. Singapore strongly believes in the transformative impact of AI. We support its widespread use and adoption across sectors. In both editions of our National AI Strategy, we emphasise the need to harness AI sustainably. We seek to create meaningful impact, and uplift and empower Singaporeans and Singapore businesses through AI technologies.

 

5. To support our key industries, we have launched sector-specific AI Centres of Excellence, such as the AI Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing. These centres bring together researchers, start-ups, and manufacturers to co-develop impactful AI solutions and build deep, domain-specific capabilities.

 

6. We also work with companies to establish their own Company AI Centres of Excellence. These in-house centres of Excellence serve as engines of innovation and help scale the use of AI across operations. We want to grow a strong pipeline of 100 such AI Centres of Excellence, each serving as a catalyst for broader industry transformation.

 

7. For SMEs keen to explore AI, I am happy to share that there are several government programmes that help small businesses capture the AI potential. For example, IMDA’s Advanced Digital Solutions and SMEs Go Digital programmes offer ready-to-use, AI-enabled solutions that help companies adopt digital tools quickly and confidently, without having to start from scratch.

 

8. For more ambitious firms ready to push the AI frontier, the ECI provides targeted support to build a minimum viable product. This has the potential to spark innovation and grow our next generation of Company AI COEs. These centres will anchor AI excellence within organisations and uplift the broader ecosystem.

 

9. Together, these efforts form a strong foundation for Singapore to become a leading hub for AI-driven enterprise innovation.

 

Role of the AI CTO Programme in accelerating companies’ AI journey

 

10. Now, let me touch on the AI CTO programme. This is a powerful launchpad for companies on their AI innovation journey – from early experimentation to full-scale transformation. Companies with the drive to pursue AI innovation and eventually establish AI Centres of Excellence in Singapore can tap into Google’s robust AI ecosystem to accelerate their journey.

 

11. Under the AI CTO programme, participating companies will receive cloud credits from Google to access Google’s cloud computing services relevant to their operations. Companies will also be trained to use Google Cloud's cutting-edge enterprise AI technologies like the Vertex AI platform. This platform allows companies access to large generative AI models that can be evaluated, fine-tuned and tailored to specific business needs.

 

12. The Government will also work with partner system integrators to offer consultancy services to participating companies. Companies can receive funding support for 70% of consultancy costs, capped at $105,000 per company.

 

Success case from pilot programme – YCH Group

 

13. I am glad that today’s launch of the AI CTO programme builds on the success of its pilot run. The pilot had supported YCH Group, a home-grown logistics conglomerate, in developing an AI solution to improve port operations. Through the programme, YCH developed an AI-powered X-Ray image analysis tool that automates the traditionally labour-intensive task of monitoring cargo X-ray scans. This has raised productivity and reduced compliance costs for the company.

 

14. I look forward to seeing more such success stories of Singapore companies using AI effectively to increase automation and operational efficiency. I hope participating companies find the AI CTO programme useful in developing AI solutions tailored to their unique needs. The programme also serves as a springboard for future innovations.

 

15. Thank you, Google, for cooperating closely with the Singapore Government in launching the AI CTO Programme. We have come a long way - from a pilot programme between DISG and Google, to today’s expanded initiative that will benefit many more enterprises.

 

Future opportunities

 

16. I am also pleased to share that Google will launch future cohorts of the AI CTO Programme throughout the year.

 

17. Ultimately, we aim to help companies chart their long-term AI innovation roadmaps and bring impactful AI projects to life. I encourage companies to gear up with the passion, ambition, and drive to be a part of Singapore’s AI ecosystem. I urge you to look out for the many upcoming opportunities coming your way.

 

Conclusion

 

18. We can look forward to the benefits and transformative impact that the AI CTO Programme will bring. I hope the support and partnerships it offers will encourage more companies to develop and deploy AI solutions. Let’s continue to explore and pursue the opportunities AI brings as we build a brighter, more innovative future for Singapore.

 

19. Thank you.