Singtel Singapore has been granted up to S$28 million by the government to fund a multi-year artificial intelligence programme aimed at accelerating the company’s AI capabilities, officials announced on June 5 at the FutureNow Innovation Centre in Tanjong Pagar [1, 2, 3]. The funding supports initiatives across talent development, employment, governance, and the technology framework necessary for AI adoption [1, 2, 3].
Singtel is the first company to receive funding from Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), a joint government office formed by the Economic Development Board, Enterprise Singapore, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority [1, 2, 3]. The partnership aligns with Singapore's National AI Strategy 2.0, which seeks to strengthen local AI capabilities and grow homegrown AI talent [1, 2, 3].
In the initial phase, Singtel plans to enhance its foundational AI functions by developing and deploying agentic AI models across all business units [1, 2, 3]. The company expects the funding will create new "high-value AI-related roles" and drive widespread upskilling and reskilling of its workforce [1, 2, 3]. CEO Ng Tian Chong highlighted that "the roles of managers in organisations might evolve from just managing humans, to managing both AI agents and humans" [3].
To date, Singtel has enrolled 13,000 employees in Singapore through a foundational AI literacy programme [1, 2, 3]. The company aims to train its entire Singapore-based staff in AI, targeting the development of 300 AI specialists and 3,000 AI practitioners [1, 2, 3]. Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon described the funding as "more than funding – it is a strong vote of confidence in Singtel’s role in advancing Singapore’s AI innovation" [1]. He added, "It is not AI replacing humans. Instead it is people – those who are prepared to embrace, learn and use AI – who will be the ones to displace those who are resistant and scared of AI" [2].
The rollout of Singtel’s AI programme is underway following the June 5 funding announcement. The company is expected to continue expanding AI capability development and workforce training throughout the coming years [1, 2, 3].
