Grab launches first AI center 'of excellence' in Singapore

Grab, a Singapore-based super app, has launched its first AI Center of Excellence (AI COE) at its One-North headquarters.

Supported by Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), the initiative aims to create AI-driven solutions to improve accessibility and productivity across Southeast Asia.

The AI COE is projected to generate 50 high-value jobs in product development, engineering, data science, and analytics by 2025.

Its project will focus on tackling regional challenges, with applications in international markets.

One key initiative is voice assistant feature designed to help visually impaired users book rides using voice commands. This feature, developed with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, using OpenAI models adapted with local data to improve accuracy.

Grab intends to extend this feature to benefit other underserved communities, including the elderly. The center will develop AI tools to boost productivity for employees, platform workers, and small businesses.

🔗 Source: Grab

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Southeast Asia becomes competitive battleground for AI leadership

Grab’s new AI Center of Excellence joins a growing trend of major tech companies establishing AI hubs in Southeast Asia, creating a competitive landscape for AI innovation.

Oracle recently launched its own AI Center of Excellence in Singapore to support organizations adopting AI technologies across the region 1.

Similarly, Google has committed US$1 billion for data centers in Thailand, while Amazon Web Services pledged US$6.2 billion for AI infrastructure in Malaysia, highlighting the scale of investment flowing into the region 2.

This competitive environment is driving substantial economic growth, with Southeast Asia securing US$235 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024, surpassing China as companies seek alternatives amid geopolitical tensions 3.

Singapore’s leading position is bolstered by its national AI strategy, which includes plans to triple its AI workforce and invest US$741 million in AI initiatives over five years 4.

The region’s appeal for AI development stems from its combined population of 672 million people, high smartphone penetration, and youthful, tech-savvy demographic that provides both talent and a market for AI innovations.