Innovation is a key driver of the Singapore economy. The country is rapidly moving towards a smart nation, harnessing digital smart technologies to create new jobs and business opportunities, transforming how people live, work and play.
This involves an abundance of ICT initiatives to support digital transformation including, but not limited to, SMEs Go Digital, a programme to help SMES improve digital capabilities; the TechSkills Accelerator to develop a skilled ICT workforce; and the Open Innovation Platform, a virtual crowd-sourcing platform that matches real business challenges or digitalisation opportunities with problem solvers.
Here, organisers can host MICE events that benefit from and contribute to Singapore’s legacy of innovation, creating a lasting positive impact.
Reinforcing Singapore’s commitment to innovation, the Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) 2025 plan will see the government invest a total of $25 billion to support the development of a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy and society. Together, these initiatives pave the way for increased adoption of deep tech and programmes like the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, making the country a leading choice for related events in areas like AI, robotics, space and ICT.
Why Hold Innovation & Technology Events in Singapore?
Connect With Innovation Leaders
80 out of the world’s top 100 tech firms have operations in the city-state, including Google, Facebook and Alibaba, as well as regional leaders like Garena, Grab and Razer, many of which leverage Singapore’s infrastructure to reach global markets.
Google set up its first data centre in Singapore in 2011, which, by 2024, had expanded to four, while Alibaba Cloud based itself in Singapore to reach the Southeast Asian market. Today, Visa uses its Singapore-based transaction processing centre to serve both its regional and global networks, and LinkedIn has set up its first international data centre here to handle all its Asia Pacific traffic.
Companies like Siemens, Hyundai Motor Group and ABB also have their key innovation centres in Singapore. These are just a few of many examples. As these industry leaders move their operations to Singapore, events held here gain access to thought leaders whom organisers can tap on as attendees and speakers. This is not only a strong draw for global attendees but also empowers events to advance knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Showcase the Fruits of Collaboration
The abundance of collaboration also offers opportunities to showcase the latest developments in tech and its impact across sectors.
Besides global players like IBM and Huawei working with local partners in manufacturing and finance respectively to trial new technology, home-grown innovators and entrepreneurs are also co-innovating with public and private sector counterparts. Notable examples include:
Addo.ai
Builds end-to-end data-driven platforms for clients to use AI and machine learning to increase revenue and reduce costs.
ConnectedLife
Worked with Intel to develop a smart home Internet of Things (IoT) sensor system. This includes using wearables to detect abnormalities and collect physiological information for analysis.
MeshMinds
Worked with both the Singapore Tourism Board and local gallery Chan + Hori Contemporary to use AR to provide an immersive experience for the Atypical Singapore travelling exhibition.
Further advancements are anticipated with support from the country's world-class infrastructure for research and development. Key hubs like one-north, Fusionopolis and Mediapolis (for media innovation) provide organisers with direct access to some of the most innovative minds and cutting-edge content across industries.
Inspire a Growing Wave of Entrepreneurs
The tech startup community in Singapore is thriving, having doubled in the last decade to 4,500 startups. Startup incubators like BLOCK71 and LaunchPad @one-north boost collaboration between these companies, while a network of accelerators and venture capitalists help businesses scale.
This means that organisers will find a keen audience for cutting-edge topics like cybersecurity and FinTech. They will also find a high demand for trade conferences that inspire change, promote exploration and risk-taking, and cultivate entrepreneurial drive.
Be Part of the Robotics Revolution
Singapore’s size and ageing population have motivated the country to leverage AI to fill the gaps in areas like healthcare, manufacturing and services, starting with the first National AI Strategy in 2019. In 2023, the nation launched the Singapore National AI Strategy 2.0 to accelerate AI development and harness the technology for public good.
Today, the country is pushing to become a leader in the use of AI and has the third highest adoption rates by companies in the region. This has trickled down to a focus on robotics, which is supported by the LaunchPad Robotics Centre with a funding of over S$450 million between 2016 to 2019 to develop the National Robotics Programme. In 2024, a further S$60 million will be invested in the programme to spur robot adoption in various sectors.
Singapore is home to LionsBot’s state-of-the-art robot factory, Southeast Asia’s largest manufacturing and R&D facility dedicated to advanced cleaning robotics, placing the country at the global forefront of such technology.
In manufacturing, Panasonic Singapore and the Precision Bearings and Automation Group are turning to robots to improve capabilities. In hospitality, robot butlers are in use at Hotel Jen and M Social. The healthcare sector is using wearables for rehabilitation of stroke patients, and has developed the SwabBot™ to carry out an automated nasal swabbing procedure that is safe, faster and more comfortable compared with manual swab tests.
Events held here can showcase these latest developments and case studies in AI and robotics to amplify their impact. With access to thought leaders, organisers can host events that not only foster meaningful connections but also drive discussions and advancements in tech and robotics.
Gain a Stake in the Growing Space Industry
Singapore’s expertise and rapid growth of the space industry offer event organisers a chance to be part of a growing global sector.
We are now home to space companies across the satellite value chain. Over 30 companies are based in Singapore, including a mix of established players like Singapore Space and Technology Association and Inmarsat, as well as promising startups like Addvalue Technologies, ST GeoInsights and Astroscale.
The industry will continue to expand with the launch of project Cyclotron, a partnership between Singapore Space and Technology Limited and Cap Vista, the strategic investment arm of Defense Science and Technology Agency, enabling commercialisation of space tech startups.
Events hosted in Singapore can benefit from the country’s expertise in the rapidly growing space sector, leveraging the country’s burgeoning status as a global hub for space innovation to attract international audiences and leaders.