- Singapore pledged $52M to build Southeast Asia’s first major AI language model by 2025.
- Experts debate if state-backed model can compete with tech giants’ advancements.
- While ambitious, viability concerns exist around budget, speed and commercial value.
The Singapore government has pledged S$70 million (US$52 million) to develop Southeast Asia’s first large language model (LLM), supporting 11 major regional languages.
Is it really needed?
Scheduled for launch within two years, the project aims to reflect the area’s diversity of cultures and languages.
However, some AI experts question the timing and viability of Singapore’s LLM initiative, given rapid advancements by Western tech giants like OpenAI.
Can a state-backed model realistically compete, and does it provide commercial value?
A strong regional focus
The government argues most existing LLMs are Western-centric, while its model will better capture nuances of Southeast Asian society.
However, major firms like Alibaba and VinAI have already released LLMs covering languages like Vietnamese.
Singapore believes its LLM will still be first-of-its-kind for the breadth of languages covered. The project will build on an existing multilingual AI model from the national agency AI Singapore.
Authorities say they aren’t trying to take on commercial LLMs but rather complement them.
With the rise of chatbots like ChatGPT, Singapore wants to boost its AI capabilities and talent pool. But some warn its position still lags behind leading hubs like Silicon Valley and China.
Arising Concerns
There are also doubts about the S$70 million budget. Experts say developing a robust, up-to-date LLM could easily require billions in funding.
While described as a starting point, ongoing computing power and maintenance costs may force Singapore to allocate much more financial support.
Speed is another concern, with tech firms rapidly progressing.
Measuring returns could be tricky, given the early AI startup scene. However, the LLM project shows Singapore’s commitment to staking a long-term position in AI development.
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Experts debate if new large language model can compete with tech giants
