Singapore’s latest supercomputing advancements aim to accelerate scientific research, strengthen AI capabilities, and support sustainable development.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat officially announced the launch of two advanced supercomputers, ASPIRE 2A and ASPIRE 2A+, at Singapore’s National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) on October 25, 2024. This event marks a significant investment by the Singapore government of S$270 million to bolster supercomputing capabilities, with a focus on high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, talent development, and collaborative global research.
Addressing the audience, DPM Heng highlighted Singapore’s ambition to establish a leading-edge HPC ecosystem to tackle scientific, industrial, and social challenges. He noted that the new supercomputers will play an instrumental role in various fields, including artificial intelligence, genomics, climate science, and quantum computing. These advancements align with Singapore’s Smart Nation vision, recently expanded under the Smart Nation 2.0 initiative.
NSCC’s ASPIRE 2A and ASPIRE 2A+ feature powerful computational abilities intended to handle complex AI models, such as generative AI and large language models that demand substantial processing power. DPM Heng shared that the machines could complete extensive climate projections, simulating over 3,000 years of data within a four-year span to aid in climate resilience planning. In addition, high-performance computing technology is now applied in optimizing energy efficiency for data centers, as demonstrated by Singapore enterprise KoolLogix.
The launch also serves as a gateway for international collaborations. NSCC is already partnering with global supercomputing centers in Japan, Finland, and Australia to exchange knowledge and advance high-performance computing technologies. As part of this initiative, NSCC has joined forces with NVIDIA to develop the all-GPU ASPIRE 2A+ and signed agreements with industry leaders to explore hybrid HPC-quantum computing solutions.
To ensure the sustainability of these advancements, NSCC has introduced several programs, including the Young Investigator Seed Programme, aimed at fostering young talent in high-performance computing. DPM Heng noted that these initiatives encourage SMEs and startups to adopt HPC technologies to accelerate their growth and innovation.
Concluding his remarks, DPM Heng underscored Singapore’s dedication to advancing supercomputing as a means of addressing global challenges. The launch of ASPIRE 2A and ASPIRE 2A+ is a significant milestone in Singapore’s high-performance computing journey, driving both innovation and sustainable progress.
Source – PMO
