Singapore says US offered limited help in its probe of AI chip deals

Singapore's Home Affairs Ministry revealed on Thursday that the United States had provided limited assistance in its investigation of AI chip deals involving Nvidia and its former CEO Alice Huang. The ministry explained that the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) conducted a shipment verification check at Megaspeed, an Nvidia customer in Singapore, in June 2025.

This was the first time Singapore was aware of the US's interest in Megaspeed and Huang, and the police subsequently interviewed her and seized her passport. The ministry clarified that the investigation did not involve espionage. Singapore initiated an independent investigation in February 2025 into several companies, including Megaspeed, over potential false declarations in server purchases and other related offenses.

The ministry also stated that US AI server maker Super Micro Computer was under investigation, though it did not clarify if this was linked to the Megaspeed case. Super Micro had reportedly provided limited cooperation, leading Singapore to request repeated assistance from the US Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Despite these requests, Singapore has received limited information or support related to Super Micro. The ministry emphasized that Megaspeed, a non-Super Micro customer, had not cooperated and cited insufficient evidence to establish Huang's guilt, though she had provided inaccurate information to police during the investigation.

Huang left Singapore in February 2025 after her passport was returned and she was barred from re-entry, reportedly living in Beijing with security officials' consent. US Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the Justice Department had not yet concluded whether Huang was a Chinese spy. Singapore reiterated its commitment to maintaining a business environment free from fraud and dishonest practices and expressed willingness to cooperate with foreign authorities as needed.