Tech giant Microsoft announced a five-year- investment of $5.5 billion in cloud and Artificial Intelligence infrastructure in Singapore, and its plans to provide AI tools and AI skill training to tertiary students, teachers and non-profits, to “power Singapore AI’s Future”.
The announcement in Singapore follows another $1 billion investment deal in Thailand made two days ago by Microsoft amid the tech giant’s aggressive push into South East Asia markets.
Under the Singapore investment plan 2025-29, along with investment in cloud and AI infrastructure, Microsoft also intends to train tertiary students, teachers and NGOs in AI tools and skill building, perceived necessary for an AI embedded workforce in near future.
Microsoft said it will give free access for first 12 months to Microsoft 365 Premium with Copilot for every tertiary student in Singapore while also launching Microsoft Elevate for Educators training plan for teachers and Microsoft Elevate plan for Changemakers
The announcement was made by Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith on Wednesday during his keynote address at Asia Tech x Inspire event in Singapore.
“Our ongoing investment in cloud and AI infrastructure reflects Microsoft’s long-term confidence in Singapore as a global digital leader. Together, we’re focused on helping people and organizations use AI by strengthening skills, increasing cybersecurity and resilience, and advancing trusted governance so technology delivers real benefits for Singaporeans,” said Smith during his keynote address.
Singapore has one of the most AI exposed workforces in the world as according to a 2024 report ‘Impact of AI on Singapore’s Labor Market’ by International Monetary Fund, 77% of Singaporean workers are in high AI-exposure occupations compared to 60% in advanced economics and 40% in emerging markets. The National AI Council of Singapore government intends to train 100,000 workers in AI tools by the end of 2029.
Also Read: Singapore’s Big AI Push: Turn 100000 workers AI Bilingual by 2029
Recently, Singaporean PM Lawrence Wong had said “no to jobless growth” amid push for increasing AI adoption by businesses.
