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Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
S'pore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo (right) spoke with Clay Chandler, executive editor of Asia at Fortune Magazine, on day one of the Fortune Brainstorm AI conference. SINGAPORE - Singapore plans to nurture an intrepid pool of artificial intelligence (AI) users to complement the data scientists and machine learning engineers it is currently training to take the nation into the digital future. 'We're talking about people who are in the professions - lawyers, accountants, doctors - who will become the early adopters of AI and then they show their peers how to make better use of it,' said Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo on July 22, the first day of the Fortune Brainstorm AI conference at The Ritz-Carlton. Mrs Teo was detailing how small states can develop their AI strategy to compete on a global stage dominated by large nations such as the United States and China during a fireside chat entitled 'Beyond scale: How small nations can lead in the age of AI'. The pool of AI users will have to far exceed the 15,000 AI practitioners whom Singapore already aims to nurture and hire, she said. She noted that the nation's workforce number about 3.5 million including those in manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. 'They can demonstrate how (AI) can create more value for their organisations,' said Mrs Teo, adding that more details to equip the workforce with AI skills will be announced in the future. Mrs Teo was responding to a question from Fortune magazine's executive editor of Asia Clay Chandler about manpower development, as part of a larger dialogue about how Singapore is distinguishing its AI strategy on a global stage as a small island state. Plans to triple Singapore's talent pool of AI practitioners to 15,000 was first announced in December 2023. The group includes data and machine-learning scientists and engineers who are the backbone of translating AI into real-world apps. Mrs Teo also said that small states can find their own niche to compete in a fast-changing market. In January 2025 , China's DeepSeek launched its generative AI model that the start-up claimed cost only US$5.6 million (S$7.1 million) to train. This is a fraction of the hundreds of millions US tech giants have poured into training their large-language models (LLMs). Since then, Chinese tech leaders have contributed to the market with several low-cost AI services. Said Mrs Teo: 'From the perspective of bringing down costs, innovations such as DeepSeek are very much welcome.' Citing how Singapore found its niche in a language model it developed for the region, she said there is room for innovation even for small states. 'I would also say this whole dynamic is not necessarily only a competitive one, it is also mutually reinforcing,' she said, referring to homegrown invention Sea-Lion. Developed by AI Singapore, Sea-Lion was trained on 13 languages i ncluding Javanese, Sudanese, Malay, Tamil, Thai and Vietnamese, as well as English and Chinese. 'We know that large-language models that are trained primarily on a Western will have difficulties being applied in the South-east Asian context,' said Mrs Teo. 'If you built AI tools on top of these LLMs that didn't incorporate the kind of data that can be found in our part of the world, naturally, the quality and the way it performs and responds to prompts, will perhaps not meet the requirements of Singapore as well as our neighbouring countries.' She added: 'Many companies, when they are thinking about how they can develop for example, chat assistance that could be useful in our context, they would use a combination of both.' Sea-Lion has been tapped by some businesses for its language features, with Indonesia's GoTo Group among the first enterprises to adopt it as a base to build its own AI system. Singapore's space to innovate is expanded when factors such as ways to bring down costs and how AI models can complement each other are considered, said Mrs Teo. Singapore will also continue to engage all countries to build bilateral foundations and make headway in new technological fields, said Mrs Teo. She said this in response to a question from Mr Chandler about how the country can maintain a stance that is strategically unaligned amidst growing tensions between US and China. She cited the country's dialogue with the US on critical and emerging technologies, and a dialogue with China on digital policy. She added: 'They cover different areas of interest that we mutually believe are important for our own countries, but it doesn't prevent us from seeking to understand each other's concerns better, and continuing to find ways to move forward. 'With ASEAN countries, even if we are not ready to move into the era of standards in AI governance, there's nothing to prevent us from agreeing on what the ethical principles could look like first.'
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo (right) spoke with Clay Chandler, executive editor of Asia at Fortune Magazine, on day one of the Fortune Brainstorm AI conference. SINGAPORE – Singapore plans to nurture an intrepid pool of artificial intelligence (AI) users to complement the data scientists and machine learning engineers it is currently training to take the nation into the digital future. 'We're talking about people who are in the professions – lawyers, accountants, doctors – who will become the early adopters of AI and then they show their peers how to make better use of it,' said Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo on July 22, the first day of the Fortune Brainstorm AI conference at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. Mrs Teo was detailing how small states can develop their AI strategy to compete on a global stage dominated by large nations such as the United States and China, during a fireside chat entitled 'Beyond scale: How small nations can lead in the age of AI'. The pool of AI users will have to far exceed the 15,000 AI practitioners that Singapore already aims to nurture and hire, she said. She noted that the nation's workforce numbers about 3.5 million, including those in manufacturing, healthcare and financial services. 'They can demonstrate how (AI) can create more value for their organisations,' said Mrs Teo, adding that more details on equipping the workforce with AI skills will be announced in the future. The minister was responding to a question from Fortune magazine's executive editor of Asia Clay Chandler about manpower development, as part of a larger dialogue on how Singapore is distinguishing its AI strategy on the global stage as a small island state. Top stories Swipe. Select. 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Mrs Teo also said small states can find their own niche to compete in a fast-changing market. In January 2025, China's DeepSeek launched its generative AI model that the start-up claimed cost only US$5.6 million (S$7.2 million) to train. This is a fraction of the hundreds of millions US tech giants have poured into training their large language models (LLMs). Since then, Chinese tech leaders have contributed to the market with several low-cost AI services. Said Mrs Teo: 'From the perspective of bringing down costs, innovations such as DeepSeek are very much welcome.' Citing how Singapore found its niche in a language model it developed for the region, she said there is room for innovation even for small states. 'I would also say this whole dynamic is not necessarily only a competitive one, it is also mutually reinforcing,' she said, referring to home-grown invention Sea-Lion. Developed by AI Singapore, Sea-Lion was trained on 13 languages including Javanese, Sudanese, Malay, Tamil, Thai and Vietnamese, as well as English and Chinese. 'We know that large-language models that are trained primarily on a Western will have difficulties being applied in the South-east Asian context,' said Mrs Teo. 'If you built AI tools on top of these LLMs that didn't incorporate the kind of data that can be found in our part of the world, naturally, the quality and the way it performs and responds to prompts, will perhaps not meet the requirements of Singapore as well as our neighbouring countries.' She added: 'Many companies, when they are thinking about how they can develop for example, chat assistance that could be useful in our context, they would use a combination of both.' Sea-Lion has been tapped by some businesses for its language features, with Indonesia's GoTo Group among the first enterprises to adopt it as a base to build its own AI system. Singapore's space to innovate is expanded when factors such as ways to bring down costs and how AI models can complement each other are considered, said Mrs Teo. Singapore will also continue to engage all countries to build bilateral foundations and make headway in new technological fields, said Mrs Teo. She said this in response to a question from Mr Chandler about how the country can maintain a stance that is strategically unaligned amidst growing tensions between US and China. She cited the country's dialogue with the US on critical and emerging technologies, and a dialogue with China on digital policy. She added: 'They cover different areas of interest that we mutually believe are important for our own countries, but it doesn't prevent us from seeking to understand each other's concerns better, and continuing to find ways to move forward. 'With ASEAN countries, even if we are not ready to move into the era of standards in AI governance, there's nothing to prevent us from agreeing on what the ethical principles could look like first.'
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Forward-thinking move for FFM34
THE 34th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM34) is making history with the introduction of a new category: the Best Stunt Performance Award. This marks a significant step in recognising the courageous and dedicated individuals who bring Malaysia's action film scenes to life. Deputy Communicatons Minister Teo Nie Ching announced the new category at a press conference recently held at the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) in Hulu Kelang, Selangor. "The Best Stunt Performance award is dedicated to the people who often remain behind the scenes but play a crucial role in the success of high-risk scenes. "Their courage, discipline, and professionalism deserve recognition and celebration." Teo emphasised that the decision to introduce this category stems from a noticeable rise in local action film production, reflecting the growing strength and maturity of Malaysia's film industry. "The recent surge in action film production shows that our industry is not only advancing technically but also winning over audiences. "The increasing popularity and viewership of local action and horror films prove their rising quality," she added. According to Teo, the award will shine a spotlight on stunt performers, technical teams, and behind-the-scenes crew, whose efforts and risks breathe life into some of cinema's most thrilling scenes. "This category was created to honour the incredible spirit and professionalism of stunt actors and the technical teams who work tirelessly, often at great physical risk, to bring dynamic and complex scenes to the screen. "Their contributions are invaluable and should not go unnoticed," she said. The winner of the award will receive a special trophy and a RM5,000 cash prize as a token of appreciation for outstanding dedication and contribution to the Malaysian film industry. FFM34 director Raja Mohammad Adhzim Raja Ahmad also shared that a total of 30 categories will be contested at this year's festival, covering a wide spectrum of cinematic achievements. "Entries eligible for this year are local productions released between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025." FFM34 will be held on Nov 8 at Auditorium Seri Angkasa in Kota Media Angkasapuri, Kuala Lumpur, and will be broadcast live nationwide. The festival is organised by Finas, in collaboration with the Communications Ministry, and continues to serve as the most prestigious platform for honouring cinematic excellence in Malaysia. This year's edition carries the theme, "Creative Works, Dynamic Cinema", chosen to reflect the evolving landscape of Malaysian storytelling and the bold steps filmmakers are taking to push boundaries and embrace innovation. "This year's theme represents cinema as a mirror to modern society, one that keeps pace with technological development and social realities," said Raja Mohammad Adhzim. "It celebrates the dynamism of our film industry and the creative bravery of those who dare to explore new frontiers in storytelling." The 2025 edition of FFM is expected to feature over 60 Malaysian films, underscoring the resilience, commitment, and creative momentum of the country's film industry, which continues to thrive despite the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Adding further prestige to the event, FFM34 will include notable special awards, such as the Box Office Film Special Award, the Special Jury Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, all of which honour extraordinary contributions and long-standing service to the local film scene. According to FFM34 organisers, as of June 30, the performance of the Malaysian film industry continues to be highly encouraging. A total of 39 local films have been screened across cinemas nationwide, amassing a combined box office revenue of RM162.89 million. This is a notable increase compared with the RM125.28 million collected in 2024. This surge reflects not only the public's growing interest in locally produced content but also the industry's strengthening infrastructure, creative ambition, and technical expertise — all key to positioning Malaysia as a major player in the global cinematic landscape. With the introduction of the Best Stunt Performance Award, FFM34 solidifies its role as a forward-thinking festival that continues to evolve in recognising the full spectrum of artistic and technical excellence in Malaysian cinema.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Supercars roar through KK as Shell launches 'Feel-It-All' nationwide campaign
Teo, the owners of the supercars and Jimnys, Shell Dealers' Committee and staff at the event on Sunday. KOTA KINABALU (July 20): Heads turned and engines roared as 11 supercars and six Suzuki Jimnys gathered at Shell Jalan Sulaman on Sunday, marking the spectacular launch of Shell Malaysia's 'Feel-It-All' nationwide campaign in Sabah's capital. The event, hosted by Station Markmaju Corporation Shell Jalan Sulaman and its owner Datuk Harry Teo, was organised in collaboration with the Sabah Shell Dealers' Committee, who worked tirelessly to bring the excitement to local car enthusiasts and the public. Car lovers were treated to an impressive display of premium automotive engineering, with supercars such as Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Mustang and the iconic Nissan Skyline GTR lined up alongside eight Suzuki Jimnys from the spirited Sabah Jimny Group. The showcase, led by The Next Wrap, offered fans the chance to snap memorable photos at specially set-up photobooths. One of the day's highlights was undoubtedly the thrilling convoy through the streets of Kota Kinabalu. Flagged off at Shell Plaza 88, the convoy blazed a trail through Lintas, Jalan Kolam, Foh Sang, SICC and 1Borneo before arriving at Shell Jalan Sulaman – turning heads and adding a splash of high-octane colour to the city. Shell's 'Feel-It-All' campaign aims to bring the excitement of high-performance driving closer to Malaysians. Customers stand a chance to win a VIP Experience and Meet & Greet at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, promising fans an adrenaline-charged experience like never before. On top of that, Shell will announce more incredible prizes every week throughout the campaign, celebrating its dedication to innovation and performance. In addition, with every purchase of Shell Helix Ultra or Shell Helix Power lubricants, customers can redeem an exclusive 1:24 scale model of the Ferrari F1 SF-24, driven by Charles Leclerc in the 2024 season – a prized collectible available exclusively from Shell Malaysia. For more details, visit The Shell Dealers' Committee extended their heartfelt appreciation to all participating vehicle owners, Life Water Berhad, The Next Wrap and AAR Outdoor for their generous sponsorship and unwavering support in making the event a roaring success.
New Paper
3 days ago
- New Paper
Four hotels where you can enjoy a mini getaway with your beloved pet
Short getaways at pet-friendly hotels here are increasingly popular with pet owners who feel guilty about leaving their animal companions behind when they travel overseas. There is also a broader lifestyle shift with Dink (dual income, no kids) couples who dote on their fur kids, according to Ms Dawn Teo, chief operating officer at Amara Holdings. Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, which is run by Amara Holdings, is one of several hotels in Singapore that have welcomed guests and their dogs since launching its Pampered Paws package in 2019. Cats are not forgotten and a Pampered Meows package was started in 2020, which has seen growing take-up rates over the years, says Ms Teo. Pet-friendly stays at the 140-room resort accounted for close to 100 room nights in December 2024, she adds. Moreover, more than 80 per cent of its Pampered Paws guests chose to stay in the more spacious and private villas and courtyard suites, with prices from $1,000 a night. While prices for pet-friendly packages are usually more expensive than the usual hotel rates, they come with extras - such as pet amenities - and offer larger rooms with more space for the four-legged ones to run around. At InterContinental Singapore, its Pet Getaway Stay package, launched in 2021, is currently the best-performing room package, says Mr Andreas Kraemer, the hotel's general manager. The package includes an afternoon tea set for pets. According to Mr Adel Aramouni, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong's general manager, the property receives an average of five to six bookings a week for its Pet Getaway room package. He adds that 95 per cent of such stays fall on Fridays and Saturdays, reflecting the growing trend of short weekend staycations among pet owners. Those searching for places to chill with their canine or feline buddies on weekends can check out these getaways. Amara Sanctuary Sentosa Amara Sanctuary Sentosa Pampered Paws staycation. PHOTO: AMARA SANCTUARY SENTOSA The Pampered Paws staycation package (from $680 a night) offers two adults and one dog of any size to stay in the courtyard suite, verandah studio, verandah suite, or one- or two-bedroom villa. Each dog gets a breakfast set from three options, all made from premium human-grade ingredients curated by local artisan pet kitchen and bakery Wholesome Paws. The Bark Breakfast includes spinach and tomato frittata, English sausage, paw scone and banana pancakes, while the Ohayo Breakfast features a Japanese-inspired spread of tamagoyaki, saba shioyaki, salmon shiozake, pork and pumpkin onigiri, and miso soup. There is also the Pawsh Breakfast that includes spinach and tomato frittata, beef and broccoli casserole and a salmon pawffle. Throw in a Family Pupnic Set, from $145, and catch the sunset at Palawan Beach, a five-minute stroll from the resort. Pawrents get a club sandwich and truffle fries, a choice of pizza, chicken or pork satay, fruit, snacks and two beverages. Dogs can munch on a watermelon bone broth pupsicle, salmon quiche, chicken kebab and other gourmet treats. For feline owners, the Pampered Meows package (from $486 a night) offers a stay in the deluxe room that overlooks a garden with multi-functional spaces for cats to engage in active play or bird-watching. Each cat gets a meal made from premium ingredients and a complimentary Furkid Welcome Amenity Box from Kohepets, Singapore's largest online pet store, that includes dry and wet cat food, three cans of wet cat food, liquid and air-dried cat treats, cat wet wipes and a cat toy. At the end of the stay, cat owners get to take home a free Vetreska scratch box. To provide comfort to the cats during their stay in a new environment, guests are encouraged to take along cat litter or items that carry the scent of home. Info: Go to and InterContinental Singapore Pet owners and their dogs can choose to stay at InterContinental Singapore's classic heritage wing room or heritage suite. PHOTO: INTERCONTINENTAL SINGAPORE Heritage hotel InterContinental Singapore is celebrating the nation's 60th birthday with a Pet Getaway Stay package (from $550), a one-night stay for two adults and one dog, from July 21 to Dec 31. Pet owners and their dogs can choose to stay in the classic heritage wing room or heritage suite, which comes with an outdoor porch. While pawrents relax in Peranakan-designed rooms reminiscent of shophouse living, pooches get a special dog house that owners can take home after the staycation. Each canine guest also gets welcome amenities, including towels, a water bottle, poo bags, wee pads and play toys. A curated afternoon tea set for the pets and an exclusive in-room pet-friendly dining menu are also included in the package. Hotel guests get an in-room breakfast for two, with a choice of up to two breakfast sets from the in-room dining menu. Info: Go to Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong Guests, humans and dogs alike can dine al fresco at the various dining establishments at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong. PHOTO: HOTEL INDIGO SINGAPORE KATONG Located in the Peranakan-rich neighbourhood of Katong, Hotel Indigo offers a Pet Getaway Annual Pass ($1,100), which includes three one-night stays. Guests - both humans and dogs - can dine al fresco at the hotel's various dining establishments, such as Hotel Indigo Garden, which serves modern Asian cuisine. Pet owners can also take their fur kids to Rooftop 88, where they can soak in city views and chill by the infinity pool while sipping on locally inspired cocktails. Amenities like a food bowl, plush bed, air purifier and dog water fountain are provided for each doggy guest. Treats from home-grown dog food-maker BarknBake are also available. Each pet staycation room allows one dog up to 10kg. Info: Go to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Singapore Novena Holiday Inn Express & Suites Singapore Novena's SG60 Pet Getaway Suite Escape package is available from Aug 1 to 31. PHOTO: HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES SINGAPORE NOVENA A relatively new entry to pet staycations, the chic property started its pet-friendly stays in May 2024 and has welcomed dogs, cats and even rabbits as guests. The SG60 Pet Getaway Suite Escape (from $286 a night), available from Aug 1 to 31, offers a free room upgrade when a booking is made for two persons and one pet. Breakfast and parking are complimentary and guests also receive $30 worth of food and beverage dining credits to use during the stay. Additionally, there is a Pawty Time! Birthday Bash package (from $539 a night), where pet owners can throw a celebration for their four-legged pals with a room stay at the hotel. Treats, party decor and pupcake birthday pamper pack photo opportunities are included in the package. Info: Go to
