Razer to hire 150 people for new Singapore AI centre of excellence
These employees – known as AI specialists – will be hired from different disciplines such as data science, engineering and game development, Razer said in a press release.
The Center of Excellence will be located within Razer's South-east Asia headquarters at one-north.
But Razer is on the hunt for more than just people with technical skills. Chief strategy officer Lee Li Meng said that the 'number one fundamental thing' the company is looking for when hiring is to ensure that these applicants play video games.
He noted that having experiences and opinions about the gaming industry will be beneficial in the development of Razer's products and services.
He added that the company is keen to hire both fresh graduates and those with work experience.
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
Why Singapore got the nod
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch event, Razer's co-founder and chief executive officer Tan Min-Liang said that one reason why Singapore was chosen as the location of its first centre of excellence was due to the country's available pool of talent.
Razer will work with AI Singapore and institutions of higher learning through initiatives such as the AI Apprenticeship programme and its industry-focused track, the company said in the press release.
Singapore was also favoured as it is where one of the company's headquarters is located, said Tan. The other one is situated in Irvine, California in the US.
He did not disclose the investment amount to set up the new centre.
As part of a broader plan to establish interconnected AI hubs, Razer said in its release that the Singapore facility 'sets the foundation' for future centres in Europe and the US, which will expand Razer's 'global reach and collaborative potential'.
Lee did not give a specific opening date or location of these future Centers of Excellence.
He added that the ecosystem, government support and partners are key considerations on whether a location is suitable for opening such a centre.
Beyond the gaming industry
At a separate media interview, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo said that the gaming industry is a crucial driver of the broadly applicable AI technologies.
She cited graphics processing units (GPUs) as an example, noting that despite being initially developed for gaming, GPUs are now used for powering AI.
Another example she mentioned was the quality assurance process of video games, which is also applicable in the manufacturing industry. Video games quality assurance is the process where flaws, or 'bugs', are identified and rectified prior to the official release of the game.
Teo emphasised that the opening of Centers of Excellence fits in with Singapore's national strategy, with the government keen to ensure AI can be used across different types of companies of various sizes, across many industries and sectors.
'We want them to use AI intensively, embed it into the core of their businesses,' Teo said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
3 hours ago
- Business Times
More Singapore companies charmed by US listing, but post-IPO trail not a pretty sight
[SINGAPORE] Interest in listing on US exchanges has surged among Singapore companies, with 13 initial public offerings (IPO) in H1 2025, nearly thrice the number over the same period last year. Yet, nine out of the 13 companies saw their share prices dipping below their initial listing prices, including one that has fallen by nearly 90 per cent. Looking at Nasdaq's IPO calendar, The Business Times counted 13 Singapore-based companies that launched their IPOs in the US in the first six months of this year. This was almost triple the five listings in H1 2024. The companies – 11 on Nasdaq and two on NYSE American – operate in various sectors including energy, healthcare, finance and technology. Their market capitalisation on Friday (Aug 8) ranged from US$8.2 million to US$295.4 million, with a median of US$102.8 million. Of the nine companies that are now trading below their offer prices, Antalpha Platform Holding – a fintech company – recorded the smallest decline of 4.5 per cent, down at US$12.22 on Friday. 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 Maritime digital technologies provider iOThree suffered the largest loss of 89.8 per cent, closing at US$0.41 on Aug 8. Among the four companies that have seen a stronger post-IPO performance, Smart Digital Group – a provider of digital marketing and Internet media services – recorded the largest gains of 154.3 per cent, reaching US$10.17. Small fish, big pond Analysts whom BT spoke to pointed to sector mismatch, small market capitalisation and limited publicity as some of the key reasons behind the weaker post-IPO performance of Singapore companies in the US, despite strong gains in the Nasdaq Composite Index. DBS Group Research analyst Foo Fang Boon said that the Nasdaq's rally was led by mega-caps such as Nvidia, Meta and Microsoft as artificial intelligence (AI) remains the dominant theme and offers earning visibility. However, many recent Singapore listings are from traditional sectors that lack the AI and technology appeal, leading to lower investor interest, he added. Head of OCBC Investment Research Carmen Lee attributed the underperformance of Singapore companies to their small market capitalisations. 'This is in line with the broader market. The benchmark S&P 500 Index is up 7.6 per cent year-to-date (as of Aug 7), but the smaller-cap index (Russell 2000) is down 0.7 per cent for the year,' she said. Jimmy Seet, PwC Singapore's capital markets partner, described the Singapore listings in the US as 'small fish in a big pond', which tend to go unnoticed by institutional investors unless they have a robust investor relations strategy or meaningful operational presence in the US. Amid weak prospects for Singapore companies on US exchanges, MoneyHero Limited and Trident Digital Tech Holdings – both listed on Nasdaq before 2025 – received notices in the first half of this year for breaching the exchange's minimum bid price rule. This was after their shares closed below US$1 for over 30 consecutive business days. The two firms had regained compliance by July. US remains attractive market Despite the mixed performance of past Singapore IPOs in the US, companies still chose to list there in H1 2025 due to several reasons, analysts said. Foo said that listing aspirants are drawn to the perceived advantages of higher trading valuations, access to deep liquidity and positive reception towards high growth stocks. 'However, there is no guarantee the aforementioned factors will come into play, as seen from the market's mixed responses (to the Singapore IPOs in the first half of this year),' he added. Stephen Bates, partner and head of deal advisory at KPMG in Singapore, noted that a listing in the US improves companies' brand credibility, which is 'instrumental' in raising capital, attracting talent and entering new markets for high-growth or tech-driven players. 'Additionally, there may be a degree of herd mentality at play,' said Seet, observing that a few Singapore firms listing in the US might encourage more to follow suit, despite evidence of mixed performance. EY's Asean IPO leader Chan Yew Kiang noted that in H1 2025, factors such as elevated interest rates and US tariff announcements have introduced uncertainties and dampened IPO activity in Singapore. Amid the uncertainties, most Singapore issuers chose to list on US exchanges, he added. Why US, not Asia In the first half of 2025, one Singapore company – biotech startup Mirxes – listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). Its shares closed at HK$32.86 on Friday, up 41 per cent from the IPO price of HK$23.30. Only a single firm launched its IPO on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) in the first half – automotive group Vin's Holdings, which closed at S$0.285 on Friday, slightly below the IPO price of S$0.30 in April. On why Singapore issuers perceive regional markets as less attractive than the US, Seet said that regional exchanges – such as the Stock Exchange of Thailand – traditionally cater more to local companies. In contrast, US investors are more receptive to international listings and more willing to engage with companies from diverse markets, said Bates. He added that international visibility tend to be limited for markets closer to Singapore, whereas 'US listings offer strong visibility even for small-cap IPOs, which can be critical for companies seeking to build international recognition'. Despite the low uptake among Singapore issuers, analysts highlighted the appeal of HKEX and SGX as listing venues. 'Companies that look to expand or reinforce their presence in mainland China would find it compelling to list in Hong Kong,' said Chan. Seet noted that Hong Kong led global IPO fundraising in H1 2025 with nearly US$14 billion raised, outpacing even Nasdaq. As for the SGX, Foo expects more companies to consider it as a potential listing venue, citing reasons such as strengthening IPO momentum, the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) policies to revive the equity market, and Singapore's stability amid global volatility. Specifically, the central bank's S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme could support the continued outperformance of small-mid caps relative to large-cap stocks. This may encourage more small-mid cap listings in Singapore. Seet added that MAS' proposed reforms could 'bolster interest in the SGX, particularly for local companies looking for a listing venue more closely aligned with their operational footprint'.
Business Times
7 hours ago
- Business Times
How to invest without remorse
REGRET is one of the most powerful emotions an investor can face. Whether it stems from taking a bold position too early or missing an opportunity entirely, feeling rueful often follows decisions made due to uncertainty. Our survey of more than 4,400 affluent and high-net-worth investors across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, conducted in partnership with business school Insead, reveals that investors tend to regret taking action more than not doing so. According to our findings, 40 per cent of investors who took action felt regret, compared to 35 per cent who stayed on the sidelines. This is more pronounced in Singapore, where 49 per cent of investors felt rueful for taking action versus 38 per cent who did not. Reasons for regret Why does taking action trigger regret more than missing an opportunity entirely? Many investors find themselves disappointed for emotional and practical reasons. Insights into these trends reveal that one of the biggest regrets is not having done enough research. A recent study conducted by investment firm Columbia Threadneedle found that almost a quarter of investors who've made a financial mistake admit that failing to do their research is their biggest financial regret. In addition, periods of heightened volatility since the start of the year – caused mainly by rising geopolitical tensions – have put investors on edge and could in turn lead to hasty decisions. This could result in selling too soon and missing out on gains, or even incurring losses. 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 The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), colloquially known as 'Wall Street's fear gauge', surged 118 per cent over a three-day period in April, revealing increased investor anxiety as markets experienced large swings, and a variety of asset classes fluctuated wildly. Furthermore, high fees, poor timing, or being locked into illiquid investments can also contribute to frustration and second guessing. In Singapore, where investors take a more conservative and cautious approach to their wealth decisions, the feeling of regret is amplified, especially if their actions result in their investments underperforming. This risk-averse mindset is also seen in our research, where 32 per cent of investors in Singapore are willing to take a risk if there is an equal chance of gaining or losing the same amount of money. This is lower than the average of 34 per cent across markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Regret can be valuable While uncomfortable, regret can be valuable. It is one of many behavioural biases exhibited during an investment journey, and can come with important lessons. Staying calm and not succumbing to emotions following market swings are critical. Having specific goals and a long-term mindset, rather than trying to time the market, deliver more consistent returns, while diversification helps spread risk and limit the impact of any single setback. Equally important is balancing risk and return, ensuring investments align with your goals and your risk tolerance. Meanwhile, in an increasingly unpredictable world, having protection in place whether through insurance, liquidity buffers, or robust wealth structures, can cushion the impact of unforeseen events. These principles can help reduce financial risk and soften the emotional blow when things don't go according to plan. Professional advice also plays a critical role. Our survey found that investors deciding against financial advice were more likely to lose on their investments. Of those that made losses, the number of investors that relied mostly on their own judgment was three times higher than those who sought professional guidance. Recognising behavioural biases, such as regret, is a good start to any investing journey. Sharper thinking, improved resilience and better investment decisions can help manage and protect your wealth. The writer is global head, advisory and managed investments, wealth solutions, Standard Chartered. This column is based on wealth research with Insead.
Business Times
7 hours ago
- Business Times
As global financial markets rewire, Singapore investors look to home
[SINGAPORE] Events this year make it clear that we are living in an unpredictable and complex world. For years, investors have operated under the assumption that the US would lead growth in developed markets, that policy changes were incremental, and economic disruptions were cyclical. However, a global transformation is underway and investors are considering the implications of various outcomes for the broader macro environment – including trade tariffs and the potential end of US exceptionalism, and how these factors will impact their investments. For investors in Singapore looking to rebalance their portfolios, the local market looks to be a safe haven. This is according to Fidelity International's Asia Pacific Investor Study 2025, which aims to provide a pulse check of investor behaviour in the region. The survey revealed that among Singapore investors holding US equities, 23 per cent have decreased their allocation since the start of the year and 46 per cent have held it at the same level. What is perhaps more interesting is that among those who have reduced their US equity exposure, 46 per cent have re-allocated assets back to the Singapore market. This was followed by the China (20 per cent) and global (10 per cent) markets. This is perhaps unsurprising given the efforts from the Monetary Authority of Singapore to boost the local market, including S$5 billion set aside under the Equity Market Development Programme. Equally intriguing was the fact that investors here maintained a risk-on sentiment. Almost half of equity investors indicated they would increase their allocation in the next 12 months, and just 13 per cent planned to decrease it. The many uncertainties in the world can present opportunities if investors know where to look. In these volatile times, the case for diversifying portfolios is more compelling than ever. 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 Identifying opportunities Investors should not overlook developments in the macro environment as they are crucial in evaluating opportunities across various sectors, companies and regions. While there is no crystal ball to offer a definitive answer, it is important to consider key factors such as GDP growth expectations, the trajectory of inflation, and the potential outcomes of different scenarios. In times of market uncertainty, such as we are experiencing today, it is important to continuously recalibrate for various potential scenarios. This involves having a clear grasp of the current key drivers and how they differ from a year ago, alongside delineating what a bull market case would entail compared to a bear market case. By attempting to identify options that are resilient across different scenarios – be it new tariffs, fluctuations in oil prices, or changes in macroeconomics and interest rates – you are ultimately seeking the most favourable risk opportunities. End of US exceptionalism Many investors are evaluating whether the era of US exceptionalism is drawing to a close and considering the implications for current and future investment strategies. Over the past 15 years, the US has emerged as an economic and financial leader. This trend has been driven in part by the rise of hyperscale companies which are now dominant constituents of the S&P 500 index. The robust earnings growth delivered by such companies has contributed significantly to market performance overall. However, a key consideration is whether these mega-cap companies can maintain their momentum and continue to generate sustainable growth. On a multi-year outlook, the companies are well protected from a moat perspective, and they have solid market share. However, investors should also consider whether they will continue to have an edge in innovation and the capital to re-invest down the track. The assumption that their historical returns and growth would continue to outstrip the rest of the world is starting to become a little bit more tenuous. Expectations for US GDP growth are being downgraded, while treasury markets are jittery as high fiscal deficits look likely to continue. Investors should reflect on developments in the rest of the world and assess whether the expectations for other markets are improving or declining. Europe looks promising, buoyed by fiscal and monetary policy stimulus across numerous European nations. Valuations are reasonable, and companies are demonstrating strong cash flows – all of which signal a positive investment environment. Similarly, in emerging markets, there is a notable combination of attractive valuations and, in some cases, advantages arising from a weaker US dollar. Additionally, certain markets, such as China, are demonstrating promising innovation cycles. The broad revitalisation observed in 2025 – exemplified by upstarts such as DeepSeek, which rolled out potentially market-leading products – highlights significant opportunities for investors. These developments warrant increased optimism and consideration for investment. Risk and diversification Uncertainty can be daunting, but it also presents opportunities for investment and global diversification. Maintaining an exposure to the US remains important due to the strength and reputation of its companies. However, ongoing questions regarding the US economy and the sustainability of mega-cap leadership suggest that investors should also consider diversifying into other regions worldwide. It is positive that many investors here already plan to do so. As we navigate ongoing market volatility, investors should seize the opportunity to identify and invest in companies with resilient cash flows, robust balance sheets and potential for re-investment. The writer is head of South-east Asia and country head of Singapore, Fidelity International
