Singapore is planning to set up a new National AI Council that will be led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The council is created to guide the country’s work with artificial intelligence (AI) and help make sure different government agencies work together on technology plans. This was announced by PM Wong in his 2026 Budget speech to Singapore’s Parliament.
The National AI Council will bring together experts from different departments of the government to work on AI. Singapore wants to use AI in big projects that can help the whole country. The council will also look at how to help companies use AI safely and responsibly.
Prime Minister Wong said that AI can help Singapore grow and compete in the future. The new council will create a clear plan on how AI should be used in important areas of the economy. Singapore’s leaders believe that AI can help industries and make everyday life better.
The government also announced a program called National AI Missions that will focus on using AI in four main areas. These areas are advanced manufacturing, connectivity and logistics, finance, and healthcare. This program will look at ways how AI can make work faster and more useful in those sectors.
Singapore also plans to support companies that want to use AI in their businesses. A new program called Champions of AI will help companies that want to use AI in their work. This program will guide businesses how to use AI to reduce workload and grow business.
To help businesses afford AI technology, the government will give tax incentives. This means that companies will pay less tax on money they spend on AI. this step will encourage companies to use AI in their businesses.
In his speech, Wong also said that Singapore needs to help workers learn new skills for the future. As AI becomes more common, workers will need training to work with new technology. The government wants to make sure that workers are prepared and have proper knowledge to use AI.
Singapore plans to use advanced AI not just in business, but also in the way the country competes globally. Analysts say the AI council and related programs show that Singapore is moving from small AI experiments to deeper use of the technology at a national level.
Experts also say that Singapore’s focus on AI will help attract more tech companies, research projects, and skilled workers to the country. This could help Singapore build a strong technology hub in the region.
As part of its bigger plan for AI, Singapore is also investing money into AI research and development. The government is working to help people learn AI skills. These steps are meant to make sure Singapore can use AI properly that help its people, businesses, and the economy.
The formation of the National AI Council and the launch of national AI missions mark an important step in Singapore’s plan to lead in tech industry. These tax initiatives show the country’s plan to using AI to improve businesses, government services, and everyday life, while also creating a strong base for growth and helping Singapore compete with other countries.