Singapore — Google Cloud has announced a range of new artificial intelligence (AI) innovations designed to strengthen Singapore’s position as a hub for digital transformation and enterprise adoption of AI. The announcements were made at the company’s “AI Asia: Building Beyond Borders” conference in Singapore.
The initiatives include expanded data residency guarantees, advancements in Google Distributed Cloud (GDC) with on-premises access to Gemini models, and the roll-out of agentic applications aimed at improving customer experiences. Google Cloud also introduced its Customer Engagement Suite across Asia, integrating conversational AI with contact centre services.
Thomas Kurian, chief executive officer at Google Cloud stated how Singapore is the launchpad for AI in Asia.
“By bringing Gemini everywhere, we are unleashing a wave of innovation for both public sector organisations and businesses across industries. With AI, we are providing a potent catalyst for transformation and creating new economic opportunities,” Thomas said.
Singapore’s public sector agencies such as the Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT), the Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech), and the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) will be among the first globally to use Gemini on GDC air-gapped, enabling AI development within on-premises data centres to support national security and policy initiatives.
“We’re excited about the availability of Gemini on GDC, and we look forward to building our partnership to develop and deploy agentic AI applications for our national security missions,” Loh Chee Kin, deputy chief executive of CSIT said.
Meanwhile, Ang Chee Wee, chief AI officer at HTX explained how the company is scaling their developments.
“GDC’s secure, managed platform is one of the key solutions HTX is leveraging to address evolving challenges in the realm of public safety, without compromising our strict data residency and compliance requirements,” Ang Chee Wee mentioned.
Google Cloud also announced collaborations with DBS Bank and FairPrice Group. DBS is scaling its AI-driven banking operations through Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform, while FairPrice Group is introducing AI-powered assistants as part of its “Store of Tomorrow” programme to enhance customer shopping experiences.
Nimish Panchmatia, chief data and transformation officer at DBS Bank stated how the company believes in the profound transformative power of AI in banking.
“We have a strong investment in AI and are working with leading technology partners like Google Cloud to industrialise its use and further unlock the potential of generative AI for our employees and customers,” Nimish said.
In the research space, Google Cloud is working with the National University of Singapore (NUS) to explore AI applications in life sciences, including genomics and precision medicine. The company is also partnering with GovTech Singapore, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to develop a sandbox for testing AI agents in the public sector.
To further support regional enterprises, Google Cloud has expanded its AI Cloud Takeoff programme, developed with Digital Industry Singapore (DISG). The programme aims to help Asian companies establish compliant AI offerings in Singapore before scaling into global regulated markets. Selected enterprises will receive cloud credits, training, and partner consultancy support valued at up to SG$500,000.
The latest initiatives underscore Google Cloud’s commitment to strengthening Singapore’s role as a launchpad for enterprise AI innovation across Asia.
