Microsoft has launched its first lab in Southeast Asia aimed at driving AI research. Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore will co-innovate AI-powered solutions for industries and nurture AI talent across the region.

It will accelerate industry transformation through domain-specific foundation models and agentic AI that generate actionable insights for multiple industrial sectors.

The lab is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and deepens Microsoft’s commitment to Singapore’s thriving innovation ecosystem and expands its global research footprint in Asia. It supports Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0 and aligns with Microsoft’s broader vision for AI to transform industries and address global challenges.

“Singapore plays a critical role in our global research strategy,” said Peter Lee, President of Microsoft Research. “Its leadership in science, engineering and digital governance, along with its strong culture of public-private-academic collaboration, makes it an ideal environment for advancing inclusive and impactful AI. Through this lab, we are investing in long-term collaborations that accelerate discovery and bring real-world solutions to the region.”

“The establishment of Microsoft Research Asia’s first lab in Southeast Asia reflects our commitment to partner leading tech players to deliver real-world impact through AI, from Singapore,” said Jermaine Loy, Managing Director, EDB. “We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Microsoft to advance Singapore’s digital economy.”