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IBM has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with AI Singapore to collaborate on the testing of the SEA-LION large language model (LLM). As part of the collaboration, IBM also plans to incorporate the model into its Artificial Intelligence (AI) use case library Digital Self-Serve Co-Create Experience (DSCE) to allow data scientists, developers, and engineers to explore localised generative AI to accelerate their work.

AI Singapore is a national programme launched by the National Research Foundation (NRF), Singapore, to catalyse, synergise, and boost Singapore’s AI capabilities to power its future digital economy.  It will also bring together all Singapore-based research institutions and the vibrant ecosystem of AI startups and companies developing AI products to perform use-inspired research, grow the knowledge, create the tools, and develop the talent to power Singapore’s AI efforts.

AI Singapore and IBM to Test SEA-LION

Under the agreement, IBM and AI Singapore will collaborate in testing SEA-LION using IBM’s AI technology as well as its data and AI platform, watsonx, and collaborate on technical exchanges and knowledge sharing to enhance the model. In line with IBM’s “bring your own model” (BYOM) focus, this collaboration aims to empower organisations with greater flexibility in choosing the right AI models, such as the SEA-LION LLM, to meet their own business goals.

Catherine Lian, General Manager and Technology Leader at IBM ASEAN, said, “At IBM, we believe further progress of generative AI will bring greater performance in smaller language models, with users given the opportunity to personalise models based on their business and industry requirements. No one model is a one-size-fits-all for businesses, and organisations must be empowered with a choice to use their models based on their needs. AI Singapore’s SEA-LION LLM is a big step forward in creating an open AI system and in addressing the ASEAN language challenges that companies and governments face when working with AI.”

“Both AI Singapore and IBM share a common goal to democratise AI and foster an inclusive AI environment for ASEAN nations. IBM will leverage its extensive business and technology ecosystem to help ASEAN organisations and citizens realise the value that custom models like SEA-LION, as well as watsonx, bring.

Dr. Leslie Teo, Senior Director of AI Products at AI Singapore, said, “We are excited to work with IBM to continue advancing a custom-made foundation model for Southeast Asia, by Southeast Asians. This collaboration is a testament to the significance of public and private partnerships, as we strive to anchor deep AI capabilities for the region. We look forward to working with IBM to expand the adoption of SEA-LION across various use cases and help Southeast Asian organisations scale AI safely and responsibly.”

IBM and AI Singapore also plan to work together to incorporate AI governance into SEA-LION. The collaboration is intended to assist companies in managing AI compliance, risk management, and model lifecycle management as government regulation on the technology continues.

IBM and AI Singapore discussed the collaboration in depth on a panel at ATx Enterprise 2024, held on the 29th of May.

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