On 31 January 2019, Yitu Technology launched their R&D centre in Singapore, its first outside of its home country. Located at Mapletree Business City, the Yitu Singapore R&D Centre will support the company's growth in Singapore and the region, reaffirming its commitment to deepen partnerships within the local AI ecosystem.
In the initial phase of the R&D Centre, the focus will be on developing AI solutions for smart buildings, enhancing natural language and speech processing technologies for commercial applications, and optimising computer vision methods for medical diagnostics. The centre will form a key part of the company’s plans to tap into the potential of Singapore and SEA as key drivers of global growth. As such, a "crucial component" of the centre's activities will include customising AI applications to address specific local needs.
Currently with a staff strength of 30 at the R&D centre compromising AI algorithm researchers, system researchers, hardware experts, and engineers, Yitu also mentioned plans to triple this headcount over the next three years, which will bring the team size to around 100 employees. To attract top talent, they will be planning an AI hackathon open to local tertiary students to bring in the next generation of AI talent – a priority for the company.
Since their foray into Singapore early last year, Yitu has been working closely with industry partners, local universities and research institutes and will continue to do so, to carry out pioneering R&D and has also started to explore collaboration opportunities with local partners. Initiatives include conducting trials with industry partners such as Keppel Land and working with Nanyang Polytechnic to boost industry-relevant AI education and research.
Mr Ang Chin Tah, Director of Infocomms and Media, said that “Singapore aims to be a world-class leader in AI where global AI companies build and deploy solutions that not only transform businesses but change the way we live. With YITU’s ambition to be at the forefront of AI innovation, its newly-launched Singapore R&D Center is a welcomed addition to our ecosystem. It will create new and exciting job opportunities in AI for Singaporeans and accelerate the export of made-in-Singapore solutions to the world.”
