Google launches new AI initiatives in Singapore

To mark its 15th anniversary, Google Singapore has announced multiple initiatives that cover cloud, AI, skilling, and sustainability. The announcements were made at the Google for Singapore event earlier today.

Google’s new office opening ceremony in 2016 with attendance from Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong / Photo credit: Google

On the cloud and AI side, Google Cloud has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group. Under the partnership, the two will co-create and scale AI solutions in industries such as finance, sustainability, and healthcare.

Google Cloud will also provide training and certification programs for public sector officials to help bridge the skill gap in the fields of AI and deep learning. The firm said it is the first tech company to enter a public-private AI collaboration in Singapore.

On the skilling front, Google will join the Infocomm Media Development Authority and the Media Literacy Council to support the Digital for Life movement. Over the next 12 months, the program will equip 50,000 parents and children with the necessary skills to stay safe online.

The tech giant has also rolled out an enhanced training model for its Skills Ignition SG program. In the new model, the number of companies in the employer consortium increased from 16 to 37 and a new career certificate in digital marketing and ecommerce was introduced.

Finally, Google will deepen its sustainability commitment by giving a US$1 million grant to Mandai Nature, an organization established by Temasek and Mandai Wildlife Group. With the funding, Mandai Nature, together with a group of 80 global environmental organizations, will accelerate investment in climate solutions across Southeast Asia.

Google first opened its office in Singapore in 2007, and since then, it has grown its team from 24 employees to 3,000 members. As part of the anniversary milestones, the firm has launched its third data center, bringing its total investment in data centers in the city-state to US$850 million.

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