Singapore – Singapore will establish a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Council chaired by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to drive AI transformation across key sectors, he announced during his Budget 2026 speech on February 12.
According to CNA, the inter-ministerial council will launch and oversee national AI missions in advanced manufacturing, connectivity, finance, education, and healthcare, aimed at strengthening Singapore’s competitive advantage in a rapidly changing global landscape.
He said Singapore must move beyond isolated projects to deploy AI at scale. Wong stressed, as quoted by CNA, “Harnessed well, AI will be a strategic advantage for Singapore.”
The Government will review regulations and introduce sandboxes to enable companies to test AI innovations safely and responsibly.
Research and development, regulatory oversight, and investment promotion efforts across agencies will be aligned to support coordinated execution.
He added that AI could help Singapore address structural constraints, including limited natural resources, an ageing population, and a tight labour market.
Wong added, “Our commitment is clear, every Singaporean who is willing to adapt and learn, will continue to secure a good job and a good living in Singapore.”
More than 60 companies, including Google and Microsoft, have established AI Centres of Excellence in Singapore in partnership with the Government to drive enterprise adoption and create jobs in AI research, engineering, and deployment.
The National AI Council will oversee the development and execution of AI missions.
Further details on the advanced manufacturing AI mission will be shared by the Ministry of Trade and Industry during its Committee of Supply debate, with plans for the other sectors to be announced later.
