How Singaporean Companies Are Leading with AI Innovation
The world has officially entered the age of artificial intelligence. Much like the computer and the internet before it, AI is set to become a defining technology that will reshape all economic activity and aspects of human life. At the recent National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized that the true revolution lies in using AI to elevate productivity and create new value throughout the economy. When combined with other technologies like robotics and autonomous machines, AI's benefits can grow exponentially.
Several Singaporean companies are already at the forefront of this transformation, a fact highlighted by PM Wong. Here’s a closer look at how industry leaders like Q&M Dental, Tuas Port, and GE Vernova are harnessing the power of AI.
Q&M Dental: Revolutionizing Diagnostics
Q&M Dental is using an AI-powered orthopantomogram (OPG) scanner to dramatically improve how dental conditions are identified from X-rays. This advanced system flags potential issues for dentists, making the diagnostic process more efficient. As PM Wong noted, "All this is done by AI in under a minute." While the dentist's expertise is still crucial for final checks and treatment planning, AI provides a powerful tool to make their work "better and faster."
This technology, developed by its subsidiary EM2AI, has reduced X-ray assessment time from 15-20 minutes to a mere 15-20 seconds—a 60-fold improvement. The platform was approved as a Class B medical device by the Health Sciences Authority in 2018, showcasing a successful integration of AI into healthcare.
Tuas Port: The Future of Maritime Logistics
On track to be fully completed in the 2040s, Tuas Port is already the world's largest fully automated port. The vision is for an automated, intelligent, and sustainable hub. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is developing a next-generation vessel traffic management system using AI and satellites for precise, real-time tracking of shipping traffic.
Within the port, operations are managed remotely from a central control center, overseeing a fleet of automated electric yard cranes and guided vehicles that transport containers. Port operator PSA is also leveraging AI to analyze data for enhancing port security, defending against cyberthreats, and optimizing overall logistics as operations continue to scale.
GE Vernova: High-Tech Industrial Maintenance
American energy firm GE Vernova selected Singapore as the location for its global turbine repair service center. This is not an ordinary workshop; it's a high-tech facility where AI plays a critical role. The system uses artificial intelligence to detect anomalies in turbine components in just minutes, alerting human operators to enable a faster and more precise diagnosis.
Furthermore, AI algorithms analyze images to build a comprehensive picture of turbine component conditions. This data provides valuable insights into how power producers worldwide are using their turbines, allowing for predictive and proactive maintenance.
Balancing Innovation with Job Security
Addressing common anxieties about technological disruption, PM Wong reassured Singaporeans that the government remains focused on people. "In the past, technological change created disruption, but also new opportunities," he said, acknowledging that many worry this time might be different.
The government plans to work closely with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) to redesign jobs and equip workers with necessary skills for the AI era. A prime example is at PSA, where crane operators were retrained to remotely supervise multiple automated cranes and vehicles. "Ultimately, our economic strategy is about jobs, jobs and jobs – that is our No 1 priority," PM Wong affirmed.
This national push is supported by promising economic forecasts. A Morgan Stanley research paper suggests that AI-driven productivity could help Singapore sustain a 3% GDP growth rate, while a Salesforce study recently ranked the nation second globally in AI readiness.
