Google Expands AI Ambitions in Singapore with New R&D Hubs, Health Initiatives, and Safety Centers
Google is deepening its commitment to Singapore by expanding its AI investments and strengthening local innovation, research, and talent development. Since opening its first office in Singapore nearly two decades ago, Google has grown into a team of nearly 3,000 employees serving billions across the region. As AI reshapes industries and societies, Singapore’s strong talent pool and national vision for technological advancement make it a key hub for Google’s future growth. At the Google for Singapore event, the company announced a series of initiatives aimed at building an AI-ready nation. These efforts are designed to empower individuals, strengthen the economy, and ensure AI development is safe, inclusive, and beneficial for all. A major focus is on expanding local research and development. Building on the recent launch of the Google DeepMind research lab in Singapore, Google is investing heavily in specialized teams across software engineering, research science, and user experience design. These teams will drive innovation from Singapore to the world, developing cutting-edge technologies that enhance Google’s global products and platforms. In healthcare, Google is partnering with AI Singapore (AISG) to advance the National AI Infrastructure for health. By providing access to MedGemma, a foundational health AI model tailored to Singapore’s population, the collaboration will help accelerate diagnoses and support the development of personalized treatments. Google is also working with local health-tech startup AMILI on a precision nutrition program that uses AI to deliver personalized lifestyle and dietary guidance, promoting preventative healthcare. To improve language models for Southeast Asia, Google.org is contributing an additional US$1 million to AISG’s Project Aquarium. This funding will enhance the quality and accessibility of open-source datasets for the region, enabling developers to build more culturally relevant and accurate AI solutions. For economic growth, Google is launching the Google Cloud Singapore Engineering Center. This new hub will bring together software engineers and technical support teams to work directly with enterprises across Singapore, supporting innovation in frontier sectors like robotics and clean energy. Complementing this, the Skills Ignition SG AI Challenge—launched in partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)—will train 500 graduates and professionals in hands-on AI workflows. This builds on the broader Skills Ignition SG programme, which has already upskilled 28,000 Singaporeans through traineeships and online learning. Google is also collaborating with the Ministry of Education to establish physical Google AI Living Labs at institutions such as ITE College East and Nanyang Polytechnic. These labs aim to equip 50,000 students and educators with practical AI skills by 2027. Safety and responsible AI remain central to Google’s strategy. The company is launching an AI Center of Excellence for security in Singapore to proactively address emerging risks, including those posed by agentic AI, while strengthening privacy and security across the mobile ecosystem. Additionally, Google is rolling out its age assurance solution in Singapore to provide a safer online experience for users under 18, with features like automatic SafeSearch activation and content restrictions on YouTube and Google Play. Google reaffirms its long-term commitment to Singapore, emphasizing that realizing this vision requires strong collaboration among government, industry, and communities. The company looks forward to continuing its partnership with Singapore as the nation leads in shaping a responsible, inclusive, and innovative AI future.
