AI Singapore (AISG) and IBM signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to test the SEA-LION (Southeast Asian Languages In One Network) (LLM), a groundbreaking family of large language models (LLMs) that is specifically pre-trained for the Southeast Asian (SEA) region.”
The collaboration aims to revolutionise the AI landscape in Southeast Asia by incorporating the SEA-LION model into IBM’s Digital Self-Serve Co-Create Experience (DSCE). This integration will empower data scientists, developers, and engineers to unlock the vast potential of localised generative AI.
IBM and AISG will collaborate to test SEA-LION with IBM’s AI technology, data, and AI platform, watsonx.
For SEA, by SEA
Dr. Leslie Teo, senior director of AI Products at AI Singapore, expressed his excitement about working with IBM to continue advancing a custom-made foundation model for Southeast Asia by Southeast Asians. He added that the collaboration proves that public and private partnerships are significant in anchoring deep AI capabilities for the region.
IBM and AI Singapore also plan to collaborate to incorporate robust AI governance into SEA-LION. This move will aid organisations in AI compliance, risk management, and model lifecycle management, ensuring the responsible and ethical use of AI.
“AI Singapore’s SEA-LION LLM is a big step forward in creating an open AI system and addressing the ASEAN language challenges that companies and governments face when working with AI,” said Catherine Lian, the general manager and technology leader at IBM ASEAN.
