Exploring Opportunities for Cross-Border AI Collaboration in Southeast Asia
We’re excited to share that AIBUILD recently represented Australia’s AI innovation ecosystem at a series of high-level meetings in Singapore, hosted by a coalition of government agencies and venture capital organisations. These discussions centred around the future of artificial intelligence, smart cities, and opportunities for strategic collaboration between Australia, Singapore, and South Asia (SEA).
“Singapore has made it clear: they are serious about building the next generation of AI-powered cities,” said Yifei Wang, CEO of AIBUILD. “We were honoured to share our incubation model and introduce how our startups are solving real-world challenges through applied AI. The alignment of vision and energy was truly encouraging.”
Engaging with Singapore’s Government and Innovation Leaders
During the visit, Yifei had the opportunity to present AIBUILD’s unique AI incubation model and portfolio of startups to representatives from:
- Singtel Digital InfraCo
- SGInnovate
- ACE.SG
- MDDI
- JTC
- Surbana Jurong
- Telstra Singapore
- AI Singapore
- ST Engineering
These meetings highlighted a strong interest in welcoming AIBUILD’s ecosystem into the region, with many partners viewing Singapore as the ideal launchpad for SEA market expansion.
Site Visits: Smart Cities and Innovation in Action
As part of the program, we visited Punggol Digital District (PDD), Singapore’s first smart city project, still under construction and managed by JTC, a government agency. We also explored Surbana Jurong, a Temasek-owned infrastructure powerhouse responsible for developing over 80% of Singapore’s housing and industrial parks.
“It was inspiring to see how much intentional design and policy coordination are going into Singapore’s urban future,” said Yifei. “As AI developers, it gives us a powerful testing ground for scalable, impactful solutions.”
Strategic Visits: From Telstra to Defence Innovation
AIBUILD also visited Telstra’s Singapore headquarters, engaging with Telstra teams and AI Singapore to explore co-innovation frameworks and AI deployment strategies. These models offer fertile ground for future public-private partnerships across smart infrastructure, planning, and mobility.
Later, at ST Engineering, a Temasek-owned national strategic firm leading innovations in defence, urban mobility, and public health, Yifei presented AIBUILD’s latest projects, showcasing recent successes and connecting them to future potential collaborations.
Connecting with Global AI Innovators at AsiaTech
Despite a packed schedule, there was just enough time for a visit to AsiaTech, one of the region’s leading tech expos. Yifei met with potential AI partners from around the world, reinforcing AIBUILD’s belief in collaboration over competition.
“Our model has always been about cooperation, not disruption,” Yifei emphasised. “We’re building an AI ecosystem that grows through collaboration, not by displacing others, but by solving problems together.”
Looking Ahead: From Australia to Singapore and Southeast Asia
This visit marks an exciting chapter in AIBUILD’s international expansion strategy. With Singapore’s support and interest from key stakeholders, we’re optimistic about the road ahead, one that empowers shared growth through AI, technology, and human connection.
To all the government leaders, partners, and friends we met, thank you for your support and belief in what we’re building. We look forward to continuing these conversations and turning vision into action.
“We’re here to solve the unsolvable,” said Yifei. “And we’re doing it not just for ourselves, but for the people, cities, and communities that stand to benefit most.”