Sintia Teddy-Ang, Director, Planning and Operations, AI Singapore

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation.

One key programme I have been deeply involved in is AI Singapore, the nation’s first-ever national-level AI R&D programme, launched in May 2017. This programme aims to build deep national AI capabilities, drive social and economic impact, and position Singapore as a leader on the global AI map. 

In my previous role as Deputy Director of the Services and Digital Economy (SDE) directorate at the National Research Foundation (NRF), I led the planning and establishment of AI Singapore.

As the Director of Planning & Operations at AI Singapore, I oversee the strategic planning, development, and implementation of national digital R&D initiatives aligned with Singapore’s vision to lead in scalable and impactful AI solutions. 

AI Singapore accelerates the growth of the AI ecosystem in Singapore by fostering collaboration among research institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to address real-world challenges across sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, logistics, and manufacturing. Our solutions are designed to be both innovative and scalable, ensuring they make a meaningful impact. 

Flagship initiatives such as Grand Challenges, Technology Challenges, and Prize-based Challenges have united Singapore's AI research community to tackle pressing national and sectoral challenges while attracting global AI talent. Additionally, our programmes like the AI Apprenticeship Programme (AIAP) and 100Experiments (100E) have played a critical role in developing local AI talent by providing training, deep-skilling opportunities, and practical experience solving business problems using AI.

Together, these efforts contribute significantly to Singapore’s goal of being a global leader in AI innovation and application. 

2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year? 

Since November 2023, AI Singapore has embarked on an ambitious and impactful project: the development of our Large Language Model (LLM) named SEA-LION (Southeast Asian Languages in One Network). SEA-LION is a family of open-source LLMs specifically designed to better understand and represent the rich diversity of Southeast Asia’s (SEA) languages, cultures, and contexts. This project addresses a significant gap in the AI landscape, where most mainstream LLMs are heavily skewed toward English and data from Western, developed countries. 

SEA-LION models are uniquely tailored to capture the linguistic nuances and cultural specificities of the SEA region, making them exceptionally well-suited for addressing local challenges. These models enhance the ability to interpret and generate content in underrepresented SEA languages, many of which have historically received limited attention in AI research. By doing so, SEA-LION fosters greater inclusivity, accessibility, and relevance for a broader range of users in the region. 

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I am particularly excited about SEA-LION’s potential to lower barriers to AI adoption across governments, enterprises, and academic institutions in SEA. Its applications span voice assistants for payment systems, financial reporting, translation, and text summarisation, among others. SEA-LION has also inspired localised adaptations in other regions, such as WangchanLion (a Thai LLM) and Sahabat-AI (an Indonesian LLM), further demonstrating its versatility and impact.

The project has been met with strong interest from partners exploring SEA-LION’s potential across various domains. By expanding the representation of SEA languages and cultural contexts in AI, SEA-LION not only enriches the global AI ecosystem but also champions equitable technological development for historically underrepresented populations. 

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?  

One unexpected learning from 2024 was the sheer power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex challenges.

Earlier this year, I took on an additional portfolio as the Executive Director of the Sustainability Office at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The office focuses on integrating the university’s sustainability efforts across research, education, community engagement, and innovative smart campus initiatives, guided by NTU’s sustainability manifesto. Having taken on dual roles – Sustainability and AI – I initially viewed these two domains as distinct, even conflicting at times. AI often thrives on intensive resource usage, while sustainability emphasises conservation and efficiency. However, I quickly discovered that their intersection could unlock innovative solutions to challenges neither field could tackle alone. 

For example, as we explored integrating AI into sustainability projects, I witnessed firsthand how AI-driven insights could optimise resource management, from energy systems on NTU’s smart campus to broader applications of AI in urban planning. What surprised me most was how quickly diverse teams—from AI engineers to sustainability scientists—could coalesce around a shared vision, leveraging their unique expertise to create solutions that are both impactful and scalable. 

This experience underscored the importance of keeping an open mind and embracing unconventional partnerships. It reminded me that breakthroughs often emerge from unexpected intersections, where disciplines that seem at odds can complement and amplify each other’s strengths. It’s a lesson that will shape how I approach future projects—seeking out those intersections where innovation is most likely to spark. 

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

In 2025, I’m particularly excited to further explore the intersection of AI and sustainability—a synergy that holds immense potential to address some of the most pressing global challenges. At first glance, AI and sustainability may seem like disparate, even conflicting, pursuits. 

However, I believe they can complement and amplify each other in profound ways, creating opportunities to not only enhance technological advancements but also create lasting, positive impacts on our environment and society. 

AI offers powerful tools to drive sustainability across a wide range of sectors. In the built environment, for example, AI can optimise energy consumption in smart buildings by using predictive analytics to adjust lighting, heating, and cooling systems in real time, significantly reducing energy waste. In agriculture, AI-powered precision farming techniques can monitor crop health, predict weather patterns, and optimise irrigation, reducing the overuse of water and fertilisers, while maximising yield.  

Similarly, AI can revolutionise supply chain management by enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and minimising the carbon footprint of manufacturing processes. These AI applications offer opportunities to save resources and significantly reduce environmental impact, aligning technology with the global need for sustainability. 

But beyond the applications of AI in sustainability, there is also an opportunity to rethink how AI itself is developed and deployed. Sustainability considerations can, and should, influence the way we build AI systems. In particular, we must explore the potential of green AI—a movement focused on making AI development more energy-efficient.  

Machine Learning models are increasingly powerful, but they often require vast amounts of computational power and data, which can result in a large carbon footprint. Researching and implementing resource-efficient algorithms, improving data storage methods, and exploring low-power hardware for AI tasks are key steps in ensuring that AI development itself does not contribute to environmental degradation. 

The convergence of AI and sustainability represents an exciting frontier, where the future of technology aligns with the need for environmental responsibility. By bridging these domains, we can develop innovative solutions that not only advance technology but also contribute meaningfully to creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

As we face challenges such as resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and the urgency of combating climate change, the role of AI in supporting these sustainability efforts will be increasingly critical. It’s this intersection that motivates me to continue exploring and innovating in 2025. 

5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector. 

AI is no longer a distant vision of the future—it’s here, evolving rapidly, and transforming industries and societies on an unprecedented scale. For the public sector, AI offers a game-changing opportunity to enhance operations, improve decision-making, and deliver more citizen-centric services. 

At AI Singapore, we see AI as a catalyst for public sector transformation. When applied responsibly, AI can optimise processes, elevate service delivery, and create meaningful societal impact. From AI-driven urban planning simulations to predictive diagnostics in healthcare, the possibilities for innovation and improvement are immense. By leveraging AI, governments can make faster, better-informed decisions that directly benefit citizens. 

One impactful example is the AI in Health Grand Challenge, where AI Singapore has partnered with public sector organisations and stakeholders to harness AI for improving primary care, health promotion, and disease management. This initiative has not only driven advancements in Singapore but also fostered international collaborations, positioning Singapore as a leader in AI-driven healthcare innovation. 

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However, with great power comes great responsibility. As we embrace AI in the public sector, ethical considerations, transparency, and data privacy must remain central to our efforts. AI adoption isn’t just about increasing efficiency—it’s about ensuring that these technologies are developed and deployed in a way that is equitable, inclusive, and safe. By doing so, we can ensure that AI serves as a force for good, improving lives while maintaining trust in public institutions. 

6. What are your priorities for 2025? 

For 2025, my priorities are focused on three key areas: advancing the intersection of AI and sustainability, fostering talent development, and driving impactful collaborations. 

1. AI and Sustainability: As someone deeply involved in both AI and sustainability, I am excited about exploring the synergy between these two fields. My priority is to drive initiatives that leverage AI to solve pressing environmental challenges, from AI for sustainability-focused research under AI Singapore’s umbrella, to deployment of AI solutions for sustainability on NTU’s smart campus. By aligning AI with sustainability, I believe we can create technologies that drive innovation and have a meaningful, positive impact on our environment. 
    

2. Talent Development and Education: As the demand for AI expertise continues to grow, one of my priorities is to contribute to the development of a robust pipeline of skilled talent. This includes empowering the next generation of researchers, practitioners, and leaders who will drive forward AI innovations in the public sector and beyond. 
    

3. Global Collaborations and Partnerships: Another major priority is to strengthen international collaborations. AI’s potential to address global challenges is vast, and I believe that working together across borders and disciplines is essential to unlocking its full impact. In 2025, I want to focus on forging deeper connections with global academic institutions, industry leaders, and governments. These collaborations will not only enhance our research and development efforts but also foster knowledge-sharing and co-innovation that can lead to scalable, impactful AI solutions.

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

Focus on impact, embrace agility, and always put people first. 

In the public sector, innovation is not about chasing the latest technology but addressing real-world challenges that profoundly affect citizens' lives. Our primary goal should always be to create meaningful, positive change—whether by improving public health, enhancing education systems, or making cities more liveable.  

However, innovation often brings complexity, and this is where agility becomes crucial. In a world of rapid change, challenges and priorities constantly shift. Adopting an agile mindset—one that values experimentation, embraces failure as a learning opportunity, and focuses on iterative improvement—can help you navigate this uncertainty. 

Think of public sector innovation as akin to developing an AI model. The initial rollout of any initiative, policy, or technology is just the beginning. Like AI models trained on data and refined through testing, public sector projects must be continuously tested in real-world scenarios, refined with feedback, and adapted to evolving needs. Innovation is not a one-time event; it is a dynamic, ongoing process. 

Most importantly, always put people at the heart of your work. Human-centred design should guide every step, ensuring that solutions genuinely address the needs of the communities you serve. Engage with citizens, listen to their feedback, and design services that enhance their lives—be it through greater accessibility, improved healthcare, or sustainable urban development. 

Finally, harness the power of collaboration with experts, private-sector innovators, and other governments. By sharing best practices and co-creating solutions, we can together drive innovation that transcends boundaries and taps into the collective intelligence of diverse stakeholders. 

8. Who inspires you today? 

I find great inspiration in Ada Lovelace, a brilliant mathematician whose pioneering work on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine laid the groundwork for computer programming. Despite living in an era when women were rarely encouraged to pursue science and technology, Ada’s foresight and analytical genius led her to recognise the potential of machines to go beyond mere calculation, envisioning the future of computing in ways that were centuries ahead of her time. Her legacy is a testament to the power of imagination, intellectual curiosity, and breaking barriers—qualities that continue to drive innovation in fields like AI today.