SINGAPORE’S AI INITIATIVE SHOWCASES RAPID SUCCESS WITH GETGO
In Singapore, a new initiative launched by technology giant Oracle aims to assist businesses in implementing artificial intelligence (AI) projects, and its collaboration with car-sharing start-up GetGo has demonstrated remarkable results. GetGo sought to create an AI model capable of detecting damage on its rental vehicles using images submitted by customers. Originally, this project was expected to take over a year to complete, but discussions between GetGo executives and Oracle managers in early 2024 significantly accelerated the process.
Oracle dispatched its specialists to collaborate closely with GetGo’s data and technical teams, establishing the necessary operating environment and selecting the appropriate AI model. Much of this collaboration took place at Oracle’s inaugural AI Centre of Excellence in the Asia-Pacific region, leading to prompt and effective outcomes.
GETGO’S INNOVATIVE AI MODEL REVOLUTIONIZES DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
Toh Ting Feng, the CEO and co-founder of GetGo, shared insights during the annual Oracle CloudWorld conference at Shangri-La Hotel, stating that their AI model analyzes up to 50,000 customer-submitted photos daily, taken before and after the rental of one of its 3,000 vehicles. “The model is able to determine if there is any damage to the vehicles,” Toh explained, highlighting the efficiency of this innovative solution. His firm, which has a workforce of 160, was the first project showcased by Oracle’s new centre located at Fusionpolis in Singapore.
The Singaporean government has encouraged global tech companies to establish similar facilities to facilitate the adoption of AI within local businesses. Oracle’s executive vice-president for Japan and Asia Pacific, Garrett Ilg, expressed that traditional centres of excellence often serve merely as demonstration spaces filled with flashy presentations. “Many tech firms use these venues to create impressive meeting rooms for clients,” he remarked, indicating that Oracle’s approach is quite different.
ORACLE’S AI CENTRE OFFERS HANDS-ON TRAINING AND SOLUTIONS
Oracle’s centre aims to simulate AI solutions within secure networks that operate independently of Oracle’s main network. “We demonstrate to businesses how the technology functions in a practical environment,” Ilg added. Additionally, the centre provides virtual training sessions and certifications as part of Oracle’s commitment to educate 10,000 workers in Singapore on cloud and AI technologies by 2027.
With a reported revenue of US$53 billion for the 2024 financial year, Oracle stands as one of the largest cloud service providers globally, competing with other major players like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Alibaba. During the one-day CloudWorld conference, Oracle also unveiled new initiatives, including the launch of its database services on Microsoft Azure data centres and advancements in anti-fraud AI capabilities.
SUPPORTING SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN AI ADOPTION
Founded in 1977 by billionaire Larry Ellison, Oracle is banking on a surge in demand for AI solutions as businesses look to implement pilot AI projects following two years of experimentation that began with the rise of ChatGPT in 2022. Ilg mentioned that any organization, regardless of its size or existing relationship with Oracle, is welcome to approach the firm for assistance. “If you are a small or medium-sized enterprise looking for a new solution or to launch a new business, we are committed to providing you with the same level of support as our larger clients,” he stated.
Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, addressed the conference, emphasizing the importance of large corporations pushing technological boundaries while simultaneously supporting SMEs. He noted that the government offers grants to assist SMEs in acquiring ready-made software and AI solutions. As these businesses grow, they can access larger grants through initiatives like the Enterprise Compute Initiative. The government is collaborating with cloud service providers to furnish local firms with cloud compute credits, training programs, and consultancy services for AI integration.
CLOSE COLLABORATION REQUIRED FOR AI INTEGRATION
Sam Liew, deputy chief executive of Singapore tech firm NCS, remarked on the significance of establishing centres of excellence to expedite the deployment of solutions and enhance expertise accessibility for partners and customers alike. He emphasized the need for the entire Singapore ecosystem to collaborate, urging a focus that goes beyond basic applications of AI to more deeply integrate it into core business processes.
Liew, who also serves as president of the Singapore Computer Society, noted that the government’s initiative to create such hubs could greatly benefit Singapore, fostering solution development that starts with proof-of-concept and ultimately scales to full production. Toh from GetGo expressed that the partnership between a billion-dollar enterprise like Oracle and his relatively young company feels surreal. However, such collaborations may position Singapore at the forefront of the global AI landscape. “This kind of partnership and speed will be invaluable for Singaporean enterprises seeking to stay competitive or even lead in the adoption of this technology,” he concluded.
