Inside Singapore’s AI push: Lighthouses, rice importers and robot labs

Singapore has a tradition of announcing its future in stages. At the Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong introduced the latest AI initiatives, orchestrated by Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG). These measures aim to reach every stage of AI-readiness, from key players to small businesses and researchers using robot labs.

The initiative is built on three main pillars: a Champions of AI programme for industry leaders, two tracks for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and MARVEL-AI, a materials discovery platform backed by SGD150 million (about US$116 million) in public funding. However, the most crucial support measures for SMEs, detailing comprehensive assistance, will not be released until early the following year.

The Champions of AI programme begins with 24 companies selected to serve as models for their sectors. EnterpriseSG will work closely with these companies to develop long-term AI transformation strategies, provide access to specialized AI expertise and solution providers, and assist with workforce redesign and change management. These companies include major local banks, airlines, telecommunications firms, ports, and industrial conglomerates, but there are no startups.

This decision is justified, as these businesses possess the necessary data, budgets, and supplier networks to demonstrate tangible results. However, they were already heavily investing in AI before the government's involvement, and the announcement provides no information regarding funding or success measurement. The clause to watch is the one concerning supply chains, as it will determine whether businesses incorporate AI into their networks or merely add more paperwork.

EnterpriseSG offers support to SMEs through two entry points: "Driving Entrepreneurship with AI" workshops for micro-entrepreneurs and small business owners, and the Catalytic AI Solutions track for sector-wide challenges. Workshops have already helped over 280 small businesses develop AI prototypes in marketing, sales, and customer service.

However, many participants already experiment with AI but lack the technical expertise and resources to refine, integrate, and deploy their solutions. EnterpriseSG plans to explore last-mile deployment support. SMEs often face challenges in scaling AI pilots, as a recent survey found that 57% of Southeast Asian firms cannot scale their AI pilots.

The Catalytic AI Solutions track focuses on advanced manufacturing, logistics, and trade, aiming to improve inspection, quality control, routing, fleet allocation, and procurement processes. MARVEL-AI, the most concrete and ambitious initiative, is a materials discovery platform led by A*STAR's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering.

Funded under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) plan, MARVEL-AI aims to create a closed loop where AI models propose candidate materials, design experiments, and self-driving laboratories test and analyze the results. Early results show impressive improvements in sample throughput and efficiency, with the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, energy, and chemicals.