Microsoft announces initiatives to underline commitment to Singapore’s digital future

In his opening keynote, Microsoft Singapore’s Managing Director, Chia Wee Luen, shared that the tech firm is on track to spend US$5.5 billion (SG$7.0 billion) by the end of the decade to enhance its cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Singapore.

Singapore marks Microsoft’s largest investment across all Southeast Asia, he said at the Microsoft Public Sector Solutions Day on April 9 in Singapore.

The event brought together more than 500 Singapore government leaders, agencies, partners and developers to explore how public agencies could strengthen their AI readiness, scale responsible AI to improve citizen services, and build an AI-skilled workforce.

Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI)’s Minister of State, Rahayu Mahzam, emphasised the value of public-private partnerships to drive tech for public good in her opening speech.

“When we combine the innovation and agility of the private sector with the public sector's commitment to serving every citizen, we create something neither can achieve alone: technology that truly serves the public good.”

Microsoft announced three key initiatives that are set to make it more secure and build the capacities for the Singapore public sector to be AI-ready.

1. Microsoft Fabric Go Local to support data residency needs of the government

Microsoft has launched its Fabric capabilities in the Singapore data centre region to meet the government’s local data needs.

What this means is that Singapore public officers can now securely tap on the unified data platform without compromising on the regulatory requirements that keep citizen data safe.

Microsoft Fabric is a single software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that brings together data engineering, data warehousing, real-time analytics, and business intelligence.

It also allows agencies to unify their cloud and on-premises data sources.

With the launch of Fabric Go Local in Singapore, this ensures that workloads, including OneLake, Data Factory, Data Engineering, Data Warehouse, Data Science, Power BI, and Databases, are hosted domestically.

This means all the citizen data stays at rest within Singapore's borders under governance and compliance standards.

"This has been one of the most requested capabilities from the Singapore public sector,” said Chia, adding that the new capability would empower everyone, from engineers to analysts, to make faster and more secure data-driven decisions.

2. Windows 365 Link devices to support more data-secure, hybrid working arrangements

Unlike a traditional laptop or PC, the Windows 365 Link is a lightweight device designed to connect users directly to Windows 365 in seconds.

According to Chia, the device does not store any data and applications locally, requiring no manual updates. This provides a secure and low-maintenance way for agencies to give public officers a flexible workspace.

“Windows 365 Link meets this need by delivering a consistent, personal Windows experience without the complexity and security risks of traditional endpoints – making it easier for IT teams to manage at scale while keeping employees productive on the go,” highlighted its press release.

To learn more about Windows 365 Link and how to set it up in your agency, you can click here.

3. MPowerHer collaboration to upskill women in tech skills

Alongside the Singapore government through IMDA’s SG Women in Tech, non-profit through Mums@Work and the Microsoft-led initiative Code; Without Barriers, Microsoft launched MPowerHer to empower more women to build practical AI and digital skills.

The programme targets women across different life and career stages, from adult learners and mid-career switchers to graduates and returners.

Minister of State Mahzam, who was at the official launch of MPowerHer, commended the programme for its inclusivity, by creating pathways and support structures for all, including those who might start at a different pace or pursue a different pathway.

“In addition to creating pathways for our population, the government must also come in to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation of AI solutions to the end users,” she added.

The programme will provide participants with access to mentorship and training to build digital solutions for their diverse, real-world challenges, including turning this learning into employment pathways.

According to the press release, the programme combines foundational tech training with applied, team-based projects based on real-world use cases, alongside career readiness support and ongoing community building.

Open to all women across Singapore, the participants can expect to attend in-person and virtual training sessions covering AI fundamentals, using Microsoft’s AI tool Copilot, learning about low-code and no-code tools as well as design thinking, and building AI agents.

They can also access online Microsoft Learn classes and resources.

Participants, employers and ecosystem partners can register interest or explore collaboration opportunities via the portal on Code; Without Barriers website.