In a move poised to reshape the region’s AI landscape, Microsoft has launched its first Microsoft Research Asia lab in Southeast Asia, setting up shop in Singapore. Backed by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), this new research facility underscores Microsoft’s growing commitment to Singapore’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, while strengthening its research network across Asia.

The official launch, attended by dignitaries including Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower & Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, and Dr. Peter Lee, President of Microsoft Research, highlights the initiative’s regional significance.

Singapore’s Pivotal Role in Microsoft’s Research Strategy

Positioning Singapore as a critical link in its global research hub, Microsoft aims to accelerate industry-changing AI breakthroughs, foster responsible technology, and create solutions that directly benefit society and industry. This effort bolsters Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0 and aligns with Microsoft’s mission to empower individuals and transform businesses with innovative AI.

Singapore plays a critical role in our global research strategy. Its leadership in science, engineering and digital governance, along with its strong culture of public-private-academic collaboration, makes it an ideal environment for advancing inclusive and impactful AI. Through this lab, we are investing in long-term collaborations that accelerate discovery and bring real-world solutions to the region.

Peter Lee, President of Microsoft Research.

Echoing this sentiment, Jermaine Loy, Managing Director of the EDB, noted the lab’s potential to open new opportunities across sectors like healthcare and finance, further establishing Singapore’s digital economy as a regional frontrunner.

Advancing Multi-Domain AI Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore lab is already setting ambitious priorities by:

• Building Domain-Specific AI: Developing foundation models and agentic AI tailored to key verticals such as healthcare, finance, and logistics for actionable industry insights.
• Driving Precision Health: In partnership with SingHealth, advancing AI-driven diagnostic tools and personalized analysis to improve patient outcomes.
• Exploring Spatial Intelligence: Working with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU Singapore) on embodied AI for smart environments.
• Localizing AI for Southeast Asia: Ensuring AI systems are culturally aligned, trustworthy, and reliable for the unique needs of the region.

The establishment of Microsoft Research Asia’s first lab in Southeast Asia reflects our commitment to partner leading tech players to deliver real-world impact through AI, from Singapore. Importantly, the new lab will create new opportunities for researchers and companies in areas such as healthcare and finance. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Microsoft to advance Singapore’s digital economy.

Jermaine Loy, Managing Director, EDB.

Fostering AI Talent and Academic Partnership

A key pillar of the new lab is the cultivation of top AI talent. Microsoft is intensifying its collaborations with leading institutions, including NUS, NTU Singapore, and Singapore Management University (SMU). The lab is designed to enable rich research experiences for students and emerging researchers by:

• Five-Year Research Collaboration: Building on a longstanding partnership with NUS, focused on breakthrough AI research and workforce development.
• PhD Talent Development: Supporting the Industrial Postgraduate Programme (IPP) and NUS School of Computing PhD pathways, providing students with hands-on research opportunities.
• Academic Exchange: Deepening engagement through summer schools and joint workshops, fueling a thriving research and educational ecosystem.

Microsoft Research Asia: Regional Roots, Global Vision

Established in 1998, Microsoft Research Asia stands as Microsoft’s premier research entity in the Asia-Pacific. Its mission—to drive breakthrough computing and next-generation AI for societal good—blends global ambition with a deep commitment to regional advancement.