Singapore Launches a Major Initiative Worth S$70 Million to Establish Southeast Asia’s First LLM

Singapore is planning to develop an artificial intelligence This AI model will be trained to grasp and produce human language, weaving in the rich cultural and linguistic diversity found across Southeast Asia.

In this regard, Singapore has rolled out a new initiative worth S$70 million called the National Multimodal LLM Programme (NMLP), which could lay the groundwork for various generative systems related to speech and imagery, while also bolstering the nation’s research and engineering capabilities in multimodal applications. large language models .

The announcement indicates that the initiative was initiated by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in collaboration with AI Singapore (AISG) and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

Backed by the National Research Foundation, this program is in line with Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0, which was introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the recent Singapore AI Conference.

According to Dr. Ong Chen Hui, assistant chief executive of the biztech group at the IMDA, \"This national initiative highlights Singapore's ambition to establish itself as a global AI powerhouse. Language serves as a crucial facilitator for collaboration. Through our investment in talent and in major AI language models tailored for regional dialects, we aim to promote cross-border industry collaboration and ignite the next wave of AI advancements in Southeast Asia.\" IMDA Singapore Aims to Challenge Western Hegemony in Large Language Models

Responding to the existing gap, where most large language models originate from Western nations, the National Multimodal LLM Programme intends to enhance Singapore's prowess in AI research and innovation.

The program aspires to cultivate skilled talent in AI by offering funding and facilitating access to advanced computing resources for local researchers and engineers, thereby promoting the development of LLM-driven solutions that can boost productivity and create new entrepreneurial opportunities.

The LLM initiative will also play a pivotal role in establishing a reliable environment for AI utilization. By deepening comprehension of LLMs and promoting research into AI governance, this initiative seeks to ensure that AI technologies are employed ethically and responsibly. This plan builds on the success of AI Singapore’s Sea-Lion model, which represents Southeast Asian languages in a cohesive manner and is open-source. AI industry The Sea-Lion model, which was initially trained on a selection of 11 regional languages—including English, Chinese, Indonesian, Malay, Thai, and Vietnamese—has emerged as a cost-efficient and effective alternative compared to mainstream options. The new national initiative aims to broaden Sea-Lion's scope to include 30 to 50 billion parameters, evolving it into a multimodal model capable of handling both speech and text.

For context, renowned models like GPT-4 feature a staggering 1,700 billion parameters, while Meta’s Llama-2 includes 70 billion parameters. Nevertheless, the emphasis on cultural representation and linguistic subtleties distinguishes the Sea-Lion model, allowing users to interpret the various contexts and values inherent in Southeast Asia's vibrant cultures, especially in the multilingual setting of Singapore. LLM Be aware that the information presented on this page is not designed to serve as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other type of formal advice. Always make sure to only invest what you can afford to lose, and seek independent financial consultation if you hold any uncertainties. For additional guidance, we recommend reviewing the terms and conditions as well as the support pages provided by the issuer or advertiser. MetaversePost remains dedicated to delivering accurate and impartial reporting, although market conditions may fluctuate without prior notice.

Kumar is a seasoned Tech Journalist specializing in the fascinating convergence of AI/ML, marketing technology, and emerging sectors such as crypto, blockchain, and NFTs. With over three years of industry experience, Kumar has developed a robust portfolio characterized by compelling storytelling, insightful interviews, and thorough analyses. His expertise encompasses producing impactful content, such as articles, reports, and research for notable industry platforms. By blending technical acumen with engaging narratives, Kumar excels at articulating complex technological ideas in a manner that's accessible and captivating to diverse audiences.

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