By Alice Chambers |
Microsoft has launched Research Asia – Singapore, its first lab in Southeast Asia dedicated to AI research.
Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the lab signifies Microsoft’s commitment to Singapore’s digital economy.
“Singapore plays a critical role in our global research strategy,” said Peter Lee, president of Microsoft Research. “Its leadership in science, engineering and digital governance, along with its strong culture of public-private-academic collaboration, makes it an ideal environment for advancing inclusive and impactful AI. Through this lab, we are investing in long-term collaborations that accelerate discovery and bring real-world solutions to the region.”
Research Asia – Singapore is the result of decades of collaboration with Singapore’s universities, research institutions and technology leaders. With a committed presence In Singapore, Microsoft will enhance joint research, cultivate local talent and contribute to national and regional research development.
The lab is already applying advanced AI technologies across key industries. For example, it is accelerating the uptake of agentic AI across healthcare, financial services and logistics. It is also developing embodied AI for complex tasks for the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and Singapore Management University (SMU).
The lab will work closely with the universities to train PhD students, and host summer schools and joint workshops to enhance AI education in Singapore.
“The establishment of Microsoft Research Asia’s first lab in Southeast Asia reflects our commitment to partner leading technology players to deliver real-world impact through AI, from Singapore,” said Jermaine Loy, managing director of EDB. “Importantly, the new lab will create new opportunities for researchers and companies in areas such as healthcare and finance. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Microsoft to advance Singapore’s digital economy.”