How Singapore can ride the AI wave into the future
WHEN Singapore gained independence in 1965, it quickly embarked on a rigorous industrialisation programme to boost economic development. In 10 years, manufacturing's share in Singapore's gross domestic product rose from 14 per cent to 22 per cent.
People who grew up in kampungs and could not afford school textbooks were now working steady corporate jobs, bringing unprecedented resources home to the family. We had built a substantial industrial base, and Singaporeans rode the wave.
One of the smallest countries in the world has carved a reputation for itself as Asia's key economic and financial centre.
Singapore has come far, but it does not stop here. By embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, the country will enter a new age of smarter industries – from kampung to corporate, from conventional corporate to the AI revolution. These are the three starting steps as Singapore moves into Industry 4.0.
Build a strong ecosystem of tech partnerships with the private sector
Just as how the government played a crucial role in catalysing private-sector growth in the 1960s and 1970s, so must the public and private sector join in tandem now to work through fresh regulations, build unfamiliar networks and form new models of partnerships that might not have existed before.
For instance, IBM, Samsung Electronics and M1 worked together to form the IBM Industry 4.0 Studio, which combines advanced 5G connectivity with AI, hybrid cloud and edge computing capabilities, to develop and test Industry 4.0 solutions locally and regionally.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign Up
Sign Up
This initiative is supported by Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority, as part of the Republic's 5G journey to test applications that can be deployed in the manufacturing sector, while measuring and optimising the performance of enterprise 5G for industrial use.
Continued synergy between sectors will create a fertile environment for growth. Research institutions such as the National University of Singapore and A*Star are also developing real-world AI applications, from smart robotics in precision engineering to AI-powered healthcare diagnostics, strengthening Singapore's innovation ecosystem.
Deploy AI and automation in surprising corners
AI and automation will be implemented across the corporate and tech worlds, but to optimise these tools, Singapore must continue its momentum in new areas.
In post-fire investigations, the Singapore Civil Defence Force has started using smart glasses, AI and augmented reality technologies, so that commanders on the ground have live access to fire investigation specialists through real-time augmented annotations video interactions.
And at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, AI-powered robots roam the park, sending food to birds, conducting safety patrols and interacting with visitors. These concierge robots can physically lead visitors around the park, give directions, recommend activities and alert park-goers to changes in weather.
These projects are examples of different sectors coming together to form tech partnerships. To truly optimise AI and automation, Singapore must be willing to take calculated risks, deploying them in innovative – even fun – ways. The broader our use of AI and automation, the more insights we gain into optimising these tools.
Avoid technological lag
Singapore has the potential to become Asia's most technologically advanced city, but that progress will be hollow if its people are left behind.
Technological lag happens when tech evolves rapidly and social institutions, such as education systems and government policies, fail to keep up. When tech outpaces institutional adaptation, a country faces issues such as job displacement, growing wealth disparity and social unrest.
This happened during the industrial revolution, but we can learn from those mistakes.
Programmes such as SkillsFuture Level-Up and the Jobseeker Support Scheme must continue to be developed, so that the society can advance along with tech. Education systems must prioritise digital literacy, critical thinking and adaptability.
Labour laws and policies must protect workers from sudden job displacement. Private companies, such as IBM with its SkillsBuild programme, must also do their part to equip the next generation with the essential tech and AI skills.
It is also imperative that underserved communities be cared for, so they do not fall between the cracks. This is not an effort solely for governments. While collaborations between tech organisations and educational institutions are already in place, they must become something routine – built into the foundations of regular curriculum – to match the rapid pace of technology .
Build an equitable future with AI
The fact of the matter is that today's world is entirely different from the early days of Singapore's independence. The industrial revolution was a wave that swept across most of the world – and now, AI and automation will likely do the same, reshaping industries, economies and the very nature of work.
These are just a few important considerations. It will take a mammoth, collaborative effort from sectors across the board to build an AI-driven future that truly acts as a rising tide, lifting all boats rather than leaving some stranded. Governments, businesses and researchers must work together, to ensure that progress benefits society as a whole.
Just as visionary leadership transformed Singapore from a fishing village into a global hub, today's leaders and experts must now steer us into the new era, embedding ethics and equity into the make-up of every policy, debate and strategy.
Singapore has the potential to lead not just in innovation, but in trust – shaping a model on how governments and organisations can build a safe, trustworthy foundation from which we can rise to new heights.
The writer is general manager and technology leader at IBM Singapore
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Singapore Law Watch
15 hours ago
- Singapore Law Watch
How Singapore can ride the AI wave into the future: Opinion
How Singapore can ride the AI wave into the future: Opinion Source: Business Times Article Date: 05 Jun 2025 Author: Tan Siew San The public and private sector must join in tandem now to work through fresh regulations, build unfamiliar networks and form new models of partnerships that might not have existed before. When Singapore gained independence in 1965, it quickly embarked on a rigorous industrialisation programme to boost economic development. In 10 years, manufacturing's share in Singapore's gross domestic product rose from 14 per cent to 22 per cent. People who grew up in kampungs and could not afford school textbooks were now working steady corporate jobs, bringing unprecedented resources home to the family. We had built a substantial industrial base, and Singaporeans rode the wave. One of the smallest countries in the world has carved a reputation for itself as Asia's key economic and financial centre. Singapore has come far, but it does not stop here. By embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, the country will enter a new age of smarter industries – from kampung to corporate, from conventional corporate to the AI revolution. These are the three starting steps as Singapore moves into Industry 4.0. Build a strong ecosystem of tech partnerships with the private sector Just as how the government played a crucial role in catalysing private-sector growth in the 1960s and 1970s, so must the public and private sector join in tandem now to work through fresh regulations, build unfamiliar networks and form new models of partnerships that might not have existed before. For instance, IBM, Samsung Electronics and M1 worked together to form the IBM Industry 4.0 Studio, which combines advanced 5G connectivity with AI, hybrid cloud and edge computing capabilities, to develop and test Industry 4.0 solutions locally and regionally. This initiative is supported by Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority, as part of the Republic's 5G journey to test applications that can be deployed in the manufacturing sector, while measuring and optimising the performance of enterprise 5G for industrial use. Continued synergy between sectors will create a fertile environment for growth. Research institutions such as the National University of Singapore and A*Star are also developing real-world AI applications, from smart robotics in precision engineering to AI-powered healthcare diagnostics, strengthening Singapore's innovation ecosystem. Deploy AI and automation in surprising corners AI and automation will be implemented across the corporate and tech worlds, but to optimise these tools, Singapore must continue its momentum in new areas. In post-fire investigations, the Singapore Civil Defence Force has started using smart glasses, AI and augmented reality technologies, so that commanders on the ground have live access to fire investigation specialists through real-time augmented annotations video interactions. And at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, AI-powered robots roam the park, sending food to birds, conducting safety patrols and interacting with visitors. These concierge robots can physically lead visitors around the park, give directions, recommend activities and alert park-goers to changes in weather. These projects are examples of different sectors coming together to form tech partnerships. To truly optimise AI and automation, Singapore must be willing to take calculated risks, deploying them in innovative – even fun – ways. The broader our use of AI and automation, the more insights we gain into optimising these tools. Avoid technological lag Singapore has the potential to become Asia's most technologically advanced city, but that progress will be hollow if its people are left behind. Technological lag happens when tech evolves rapidly and social institutions, such as education systems and government policies, fail to keep up. When tech outpaces institutional adaptation, a country faces issues such as job displacement, growing wealth disparity and social unrest. This happened during the industrial revolution, but we can learn from those mistakes. Programmes such as SkillsFuture Level-Up and the Jobseeker Support Scheme must continue to be developed, so that the society can advance along with tech. Education systems must prioritise digital literacy, critical thinking and adaptability. Labour laws and policies must protect workers from sudden job displacement. Private companies, such as IBM with its SkillsBuild programme, must also do their part to equip the next generation with the essential tech and AI skills. It is also imperative that underserved communities be cared for, so they do not fall between the cracks. This is not an effort solely for governments. While collaborations between tech organisations and educational institutions are already in place, they must become something routine – built into the foundations of regular curriculum – to match the rapid pace of technology . Build an equitable future with AI The fact of the matter is that today's world is entirely different from the early days of Singapore's independence. The industrial revolution was a wave that swept across most of the world – and now, AI and automation will likely do the same, reshaping industries, economies and the very nature of work. These are just a few important considerations. It will take a mammoth, collaborative effort from sectors across the board to build an AI-driven future that truly acts as a rising tide, lifting all boats rather than leaving some stranded. Governments, businesses and researchers must work together, to ensure that progress benefits society as a whole. Just as visionary leadership transformed Singapore from a fishing village into a global hub, today's leaders and experts must now steer us into the new era, embedding ethics and equity into the make-up of every policy, debate and strategy. Singapore has the potential to lead not just in innovation, but in trust – shaping a model on how governments and organisations can build a safe, trustworthy foundation from which we can rise to new heights. The writer is general manager and technology leader at IBM Singapore Source: The Business Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
Online Citizen
2 days ago
- Online Citizen
Clinic defends S$52k Tampines rent amid trend of high HDB tender bids for GP clinic spaces
SINGAPORE: A record-breaking rental bid for a general practitioner (GP) clinic space in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block in Tampines has sparked concern among Singaporeans and online commentators. The winning tender of S$52,188 per month, awarded for a 50 square metre ground-floor unit at Block 954C Tampines Street 96, was submitted by I-Health Medical Holdings. The bid was finalised after a sealed-envelope tender process that closed on 14 January 2025. The result, disclosed by HDB in March, quickly drew public attention after being highlighted on LinkedIn by Dr Hisham Badaruddin, who described the sum as 'obscene'. His post was later shared on Reddit's r/singapore forum on 1 June, triggering widespread concern about possible knock-on effects on healthcare affordability. Bid based on location strategy and future demand, says I-Health co-owner Andrew Chim, 37, co-owner of I-Health Medical Holdings, defended the bid in an interview with The Straits Times on 3 June. He explained that the decision was grounded in business logic and a comprehensive assessment of the unit's value and strategic location. Chim said the Tampines unit was the most attractive of all recent HDB offerings for GP clinics. He cited the presence of five Build-To-Order (BTO) projects housing around 5,000 households, as well as upcoming developments like a mixed-use project and a shopping mall, as reasons for the premium price. 'Our assessment is based on our understanding of the number of units in the area and the surrounding competition,' said Chim. He noted that there are around five other clinics nearby. Consultation fees to stay competitive despite record rental cost Despite the high rent, Chim confirmed that consultation fees at the Tampines clinic will remain competitive—ranging from S$30 to S$35, comparable to other heartland clinics. 'Our pricing will be commensurate with other clinic chains' – it has to be because Singaporeans are value-conscious,' he added. The Tampines clinic is scheduled to open on 26 June. It will operate from 8.30am to 3pm and 5.30pm to 10pm, including weekends and public holidays—offering more extensive hours than some nearby clinics. I-Health expects the clinic to reach 70 to 90 patients per day within a year. At that point, a second doctor will be deployed. Chim projects the clinic will become profitable within one-and-a-half to two years. This marks the first successful HDB tender for I-Health. The firm previously attempted to secure units in Bidadari and Tampines North but lacked sufficient cash flow at the time. 'Now that we have sufficient cash flow, we have confidence to go after the best locations,' Chim said. Responding to concerns that such high bids could inflate rents across the industry, Chim argued that landlords may still struggle to find tenants willing to match these prices. HDB tender records show rising rents for clinic spaces across estates The S$52k rent is not an isolated case. A review of recent HDB tender results reveals a pattern of high rental bids for clinic units. In January, a unit at Block 235B Tengah Garden Walk attracted a winning bid of S$40,088 from Dr Daphne Lee, beating seven other bidders. That same month, Caring Medical Clinic successfully secured a unit at Block 666 Tampines Street 64 with a S$25,388 bid. In another tender that closed in March, Normanton Healthcare Pte Ltd emerged as the sole bidder for a unit at Block 88A Telok Blangah Heights, winning the lease at S$16,800 per month. Meanwhile, a December 2024 tender for a unit at Block 568B Champions Way drew nine bids, with Caring Medical Clinic securing the lease for S$26,900 per month. Public voices concern over clinic rent sustainability and potential impact on healthcare access These figures underscore a growing trend of rising bidding for clinic spaces in HDB estates—likely reflecting increased demand for medical services in densely populated residential areas. While public reaction to the Tampines bid remains mixed, the underlying dynamics suggest a competitive healthcare property market where bidders are willing to pay a premium for strategic locations. Concerns have emerged online about the sustainability and implications of the record S$52,188 rent for the Tampines clinic. Some comments on The Straits Times Facebook page questioned whether such high bids are only viable for large, well-funded medical groups. One netizen calculated that if the clinic averages 100 patients daily, over 20% of an S$80 consultation fee would go towards rent. This sparked debate on whether such cost distribution is acceptable in the context of public healthcare. Another comment criticised the justification for the rent, arguing that high prices risk excluding patients who cannot afford care. An FB user estimated that with 70 patients daily and typical staffing costs, the clinic would need S$36 per patient just to break even. A self-identified real estate agent questioned why the government has not acted to stabilise rising clinic rents, despite success in cooling property prices. New rental tender approach for GP clinics On 8 May, Ministry of Health (MOH) and Housing Board announced a pilot scheme to jointly evaluate GP clinic tenders based not just on rental offers but also on service quality. Under the new Price-Quality Method (PQM), now being piloted at Bartley Beacon in the Bidadari estate, 70% of the evaluation will be based on the quality of the proposal, and only 30% on the rental amount. Factors such as care models, staffing standards, and operating hours will be assessed. To accommodate more comprehensive care services, the Bartley Beacon unit will be approximately 100 square metres—double the size of a typical HDB clinic space. The clinic is expected to begin operations in Q4 2025. MOH stated that the pilot aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and better serve residents under the Healthier SG initiative. Depending on its success, the approach may be extended to other clinic sites in the future.
Business Times
2 days ago
- Business Times
How Singapore can ride the AI wave into the future
WHEN Singapore gained independence in 1965, it quickly embarked on a rigorous industrialisation programme to boost economic development. In 10 years, manufacturing's share in Singapore's gross domestic product rose from 14 per cent to 22 per cent. People who grew up in kampungs and could not afford school textbooks were now working steady corporate jobs, bringing unprecedented resources home to the family. We had built a substantial industrial base, and Singaporeans rode the wave. One of the smallest countries in the world has carved a reputation for itself as Asia's key economic and financial centre. Singapore has come far, but it does not stop here. By embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, the country will enter a new age of smarter industries – from kampung to corporate, from conventional corporate to the AI revolution. These are the three starting steps as Singapore moves into Industry 4.0. Build a strong ecosystem of tech partnerships with the private sector Just as how the government played a crucial role in catalysing private-sector growth in the 1960s and 1970s, so must the public and private sector join in tandem now to work through fresh regulations, build unfamiliar networks and form new models of partnerships that might not have existed before. For instance, IBM, Samsung Electronics and M1 worked together to form the IBM Industry 4.0 Studio, which combines advanced 5G connectivity with AI, hybrid cloud and edge computing capabilities, to develop and test Industry 4.0 solutions locally and regionally. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up This initiative is supported by Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority, as part of the Republic's 5G journey to test applications that can be deployed in the manufacturing sector, while measuring and optimising the performance of enterprise 5G for industrial use. Continued synergy between sectors will create a fertile environment for growth. Research institutions such as the National University of Singapore and A*Star are also developing real-world AI applications, from smart robotics in precision engineering to AI-powered healthcare diagnostics, strengthening Singapore's innovation ecosystem. Deploy AI and automation in surprising corners AI and automation will be implemented across the corporate and tech worlds, but to optimise these tools, Singapore must continue its momentum in new areas. In post-fire investigations, the Singapore Civil Defence Force has started using smart glasses, AI and augmented reality technologies, so that commanders on the ground have live access to fire investigation specialists through real-time augmented annotations video interactions. And at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, AI-powered robots roam the park, sending food to birds, conducting safety patrols and interacting with visitors. These concierge robots can physically lead visitors around the park, give directions, recommend activities and alert park-goers to changes in weather. These projects are examples of different sectors coming together to form tech partnerships. To truly optimise AI and automation, Singapore must be willing to take calculated risks, deploying them in innovative – even fun – ways. The broader our use of AI and automation, the more insights we gain into optimising these tools. Avoid technological lag Singapore has the potential to become Asia's most technologically advanced city, but that progress will be hollow if its people are left behind. Technological lag happens when tech evolves rapidly and social institutions, such as education systems and government policies, fail to keep up. When tech outpaces institutional adaptation, a country faces issues such as job displacement, growing wealth disparity and social unrest. This happened during the industrial revolution, but we can learn from those mistakes. Programmes such as SkillsFuture Level-Up and the Jobseeker Support Scheme must continue to be developed, so that the society can advance along with tech. Education systems must prioritise digital literacy, critical thinking and adaptability. Labour laws and policies must protect workers from sudden job displacement. Private companies, such as IBM with its SkillsBuild programme, must also do their part to equip the next generation with the essential tech and AI skills. It is also imperative that underserved communities be cared for, so they do not fall between the cracks. This is not an effort solely for governments. While collaborations between tech organisations and educational institutions are already in place, they must become something routine – built into the foundations of regular curriculum – to match the rapid pace of technology . Build an equitable future with AI The fact of the matter is that today's world is entirely different from the early days of Singapore's independence. The industrial revolution was a wave that swept across most of the world – and now, AI and automation will likely do the same, reshaping industries, economies and the very nature of work. These are just a few important considerations. It will take a mammoth, collaborative effort from sectors across the board to build an AI-driven future that truly acts as a rising tide, lifting all boats rather than leaving some stranded. Governments, businesses and researchers must work together, to ensure that progress benefits society as a whole. Just as visionary leadership transformed Singapore from a fishing village into a global hub, today's leaders and experts must now steer us into the new era, embedding ethics and equity into the make-up of every policy, debate and strategy. Singapore has the potential to lead not just in innovation, but in trust – shaping a model on how governments and organisations can build a safe, trustworthy foundation from which we can rise to new heights. The writer is general manager and technology leader at IBM Singapore
