Singapore is launching a National AI Council to guide the country’s AI growth and use. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will lead this group, announced in Budget 2026 on February 12. This step aims to make AI a key strength for Singapore’s economy. PM Wong will chair the council, with members like Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong, Minister Josephine Teo for Digital Development, and Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. It will set the national AI strategy and speed up AI tools in daily work. The focus is on safe, fast rollout of AI solutions.
The council will start AI missions in four big areas: advanced manufacturing, connectivity, finance, and healthcare. These will change key sectors by solving real problems like labor shortages and aging population. Singapore wants to be a top trusted hub for AI testing and use, with over 60 companies like Google already here.
New programs include “Champions of AI” for company training and help. Businesses get tax breaks via the expanded Enterprise Innovation Scheme for AI spending. Workers will get skills training, with six months of free premium AI tools for course takers. This builds on Singapore’s Smart Nation push.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. Who chairs Singapore’s National AI Council?
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong chairs it, with Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong, Ministers Teo and Ong Ye Kung as key members.
2. What sectors will AI missions target?
Missions focus on manufacturing, connectivity, finance, and healthcare to drive economic transformation and innovation.
3. How will businesses get AI support?
Through “Champions of AI” program for training, tax deductions, and sandboxes to test solutions safely.
4. Why is this council important for Singapore?
It turns AI into a strategic edge, tackling constraints like labor shortages and positioning as a trusted AI hub.