IBM and AI Singapore (AISG) have joined forces to trial the SEA-LION large language model (LLM) within IBM’s AI technology and watsonx platform. The objective is to provide organizations with greater options in selecting AI models that align with their specific business requirements. This partnership also involves integrating the model into IBM’s AI use case library, Digital Self-Serve Co-Create Experience (DSCE), enabling data scientists, developers, and engineers to leverage localized generative AI to enhance their productivity.

Catherine Lian, IBM’s General Manager and ASEAN Technology Leader, emphasized the significance of AI Singapore’s SEA-LION LLM in addressing language challenges within ASEAN, highlighting its role in creating an open AI system. Lian stressed the shared goal of both organizations to democratize AI and promote inclusivity within ASEAN nations.

Leslie Teo, AISG’s Senior Director of AI Products, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in anchoring deep AI capabilities within the region. Teo expressed excitement about collaborating with IBM to expand the adoption of SEA-LION across diverse use cases, supporting Southeast Asian organizations in safely and responsibly scaling AI.

IBM and AISG intend to integrate AI governance into SEA-LION collaboratively. This partnership seeks to assist companies in handling AI compliance, risk management, and model lifecycle management effectively.