Grab sets up AI Centre of Excellence in Singapore, aims to create 50 high-value tech roles this year

The roles, across product, engineering, data science, and analytics functions, will contribute to building focused AI tools across the region.

Grab has launched its first Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI COE) in Singapore, with the support of Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), with an aim to accelerate the development of AI-powered solutions that can address challenges unique to Southeast Asia.

Located in Tower B of GrabHQ@one-north, the centre is expected to generate at least 50 high-value jobs across product, engineering, data science, and analytics functions by 2025. These roles will contribute to building AI tools focused on improving accessibility, productivity, and smart city capabilities across the region.

Key areas of focus of the COE include:

• Accessibility: In partnership with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), the centre is piloting a Voice Assistant feature that enables visually impaired users to book rides through voice commands. The tool, which has been refined using 80,000 local voice samples, is currently being tested in Singapore and could be extended to other user groups, including the elderly.
• Productivity and growth: The COE is developing foundational AI models trained on Grab's internal data to deliver more tailored recommendations for users and partners. It is also working on internal AI tools to help Grab employees experiment more rapidly with generative AI solutions. Projects underway include an 'AI Driver Companion' and an 'AI Merchant Assistant', aimed at boosting efficiency for partners on the platform.
• Smart Nation infrastructure: Grab is enhancing its IoT solutions — KartaDongle and KartaDashcam — to offer real-time road hazard, traffic, and flood monitoring insights. In Singapore, this has translated into a partnership with PUB to support flood management and traffic rerouting during heavy rain.
  

Commenting on the launch, Philbert Gomez, Executive Director and Head, Digital Industry Singapore, said the initiative aligns with Singapore’s vision to be the "world's most A-driven economy", while supporting job creation and technological innovation.

Photo / Grab