When I started with AI Singapore in 2017, my mission was simple – to help 100 companies build AI solutions through our 100 Experiments (100E) programme. Today, that mission has expanded into creating a comprehensive AI ecosystem that positions Singapore as a leading AI-First nation.

Recently, I came across Prof Wang Gungwu‘s work, articles, books and videos and have been learning more about his work. His historical analyses on governance, cultural identity, and resilience in East Asia, had a striking parallels with our practical experiences building Singapore’s AI capabilities.

Pragmatic Governance and AI Adoption

Prof. Wang emphasizes the importance of state-led initiatives that prioritize stability while enabling growth. This perfectly describes our dual approach with the 100E programme and AIAP, where we deliberately balance these twin objectives.

For 100E, stability comes from our structured approach – AI Singapore co-funds and provides the AI expertise, creating a safe environment for companies to experiment with AI. The growth imperative is reflected in our ambitious target of 100 AI experiments, driving us to scale impact across multiple sectors of Singapore’s economy.

Similarly, the AIAP offers a stable, fully funded apprenticeship with a stipend, enabling professionals to transition into AI careers and rapidly growing Singapore’s AI talent pool. From just a handful of Singaporean AI engineers in 2017, we have now trained hundreds through AIAP with all in an AI-role today.

This balanced approach has proven itself and demonstrates how government and industry can systematically co-create AI solutions and build AI talent at scale. We have shown a path forward that doesn’t sacrifice stability for innovation.

In addition, our AI Readiness Index (AIRI) extends this philosophy by helping organizations understand their AI maturity, guiding investments toward sectors that will benefit most from AI adoption while minimizing disruption.

Preserving Cultural Identity in AI Development

One thing we identified early on was the need for AI systems that respect Singapore’s unique multicultural identity. The Singlish speech-to-text engine we developed with SCDF is a perfect example – it understands our local linguistic patterns that standard English models completely miss.

Similarly, when we launched the SEA-LION Large Language Model project, we deliberately focused on Southeast Asian languages and contexts. This was not just technically sound but culturally essential. As Prof. Wang highlights, maintaining cultural identity during technological transformation is crucial for social cohesion.

Our LearnAI programmes apply this principle at the educational level. We have a version of our popular AI For Everyone (AI4E) in Singapore’s four national languages, we ensure AI literacy develops within our cultural context, not despite it.

Building a Generational Talent Pipeline

Prof. Wang has written extensively about education as the foundation for societal resilience. This belief drives our approach to talent development in Singapore.

We do not just train AI engineers – we built a generational talent pipeline. From primary school students in AI For Kids (AI4K) to working professionals in AI For Industry (AI4I), our LearnAI initiative creates multiple entry points to AI literacy.

The AI Apprenticeship Programme (AIAP) further exemplifies this philosophy. We deliberately avoided requiring computer science degrees, focusing instead on practical abilities and learning potential. This has allowed us to tap into diverse talent pools – over 80% of our apprentices come from non-computing backgrounds.

I remember when we advertised our first AI engineering positions and received 300 resumes with only 10 from Singaporeans (I managed to hire 1). Today, we have built a team of over 50-60 Singaporean AI engineers, most coming through AIAP. We grew our own timber, one apprentice at a time. (We have trained more than 400 Singaporeans to date, and these 50-60 are AIAPs who decided to stay on in AI Singapore to start their AI career).

Global Collaboration Over Zero-Sum Competition

Perhaps most importantly, Prof. Wang warns against nationalist approaches to technology development. AI Singapore has embraced this wisdom through our AIAP-X initiative, where we share our programmes like 100E, AIAP, LearnAI and the AI Readiness Index (AIRI) framework to countries such as Egypt, Serbia, Malaysia (SIRIM, PSDC, SHRDC), and the Isle of Man, Kazakhstan and many others. We believe that by sharing what worked and what did not work for us, we can help our friends and neighbours accelerate their AI journey and together we can get everyone ready for AI.

Also through my co-chair role at the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), we have championed tools like the AI4SME Portal that help small businesses worldwide adopt AI responsibly. This collaborative approach has positioned Singapore as a trusted bridge in an increasingly fragmented technological landscape.

Conclusion: An ASEAN-Centric Path Forward

As I outlined in “AI-First Nation,” countries navigating the AI revolution need balanced strategies that combine state guidance, cultural awareness, and inclusive talent development. Prof. Wang’s historical insights reinforce that these approaches have deep roots in East Asian governance traditions.

For ASEAN nations, this means developing AI capabilities that reflect our regional values and needs, not simply importing models from elsewhere. It means building education systems that prepare citizens for an AI-augmented future while honoring our diverse cultural heritages.

Most importantly, it means seeing AI not as a technological challenge but as a transformative force that requires thoughtful governance and inclusive implementation. As we have learned at AI Singapore, the most successful AI projects combine technical excellence with human-centered design and clear ethical frameworks.

By balancing innovation with pragmatism, Singapore and ASEAN can chart its own course in the global AI landscape – one that builds on our historical strengths while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow.