Singapore's digital ecosystem gets a boost from NEC

The firm opened a living lab for AI and IT solutions.

IT and network technology firm NEC Corporation opened its first Advanced Centre for Experimentation (ACE) in Singapore.

According to the group, the ACE leverages NEC’s core technologies and advanced solutions, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and ICT platforms, to create new value and contribute to a safer, smarter living environment for people and communities.

The facility allows co-creation of solutions and provides a “living lab” for proof-of-concepts for advanced solutions that help customers and partners, including governments and enterprises, in areas such as public safety, transportation and healthcare.

It will be operated by NEC Laboratories Singapore (NLS) and will serve as a springboard for the group as they seek growth in the Asia Pacific region.

NLS, which currently is staffed with 33 researchers/solution engineers, will hire an additional 50 researchers/solution engineers within the next three years, mainly specializing in AI, the Internet-of-Things, Cognition and cyber security, thereby contributing to the further development of Singapore’s R&D talent pool.

Singapore Economic Development Board Infocomms and Media director Tung Meng Fai said this investment by NEC is a strong testament of Singapore’s talent pool and innovation capabilities to drive the digital transformation of industries.

"The ACE will enrich Singapore’s digital ecosystem, and will foster new partnerships for the co-creation and commercialization of new solutions from Singapore,” Tung noted.