Global IT services giant Kyndryl has launched its ASEAN AI Innovation Lab in Singapore, aiming to accelerate responsible AI adoption across Southeast Asia. The new facility will serve as a regional hub to help enterprises operationalise AI technologies while addressing pressing workforce, governance and sustainability challenges.

Located in Singapore, the lab will employ around 50 local AI specialists – including data scientists and engineers – and provide a collaborative space for businesses to develop AI solutions. Through its consulting arm, Kyndryl Consult, and its co-creation platform Kyndryl Vital, the facility will assist organisations in building AI capabilities tailored to real-world challenges.

Kyndryl’s move aligns with similar initiatives in the UK and France, underlining its global strategy to create AI innovation hubs that support national growth agendas.

“Our ASEAN AI Innovation Lab underscores Kyndryl’s long-term commitment to the region,” said Andrew Lim, Managing Director, Kyndryl ASEAN and Korea. “Our experience in designing and delivering complex systems at scale gives us an advantage in implementing end-to-end AI solutions.”

The company is working with Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) and Google Cloud to support local businesses in adopting AI through DISG’s Enterprise Compute Initiative. As a launch partner, Google Cloud is providing access to its suite of tools including Vertex AI and BigQuery to aid in AI development and deployment.

“Enterprises across Southeast Asia are moving quickly to harness generative AI and agentic AI, and they need trusted partners to do it responsibly and at scale,” said Mark Micallef, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Google Cloud. “Our partnership with Kyndryl brings together deep consultancy expertise and interoperable data-to-AI capabilities.”

Real-World Applications

Frasers Hospitality enhanced its training processes with AI-generated multilingual, multimedia content to support global operations. Vietnam SuperPort™ automated x-ray image analysis and documentation in logistics. Quest, a gig economy platform, improved job matching and fulfilment through AI-powered personalisation.

The Lab also supports Singapore’s broader ambition to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. It collaborates with local universities and research institutions to cultivate talent and develop reusable AI assets, while also focusing on sustainability by helping organisations reduce computing costs and carbon footprints.

Philbert Gomez, Senior Vice President and Head of DISG, said: “Kyndryl’s ASEAN AI Innovation Lab contributes to Singapore’s ambition to be a hub for AI innovation. By bringing together industry, academia and government, this Lab will serve as a catalyst for innovation, workforce skilling and the development of scalable AI infrastructure in Singapore and the broader ASEAN region.”