IBM, AI Singapore team up for LLM tailored to Southeast Asia

IBM and AI Singapore (AISG) have agreed to collaborate on the testing of the SEA-LION large language model (LLM), with plans for the technology giant to incorporate the model into its AI use case library Digital Self-Serve Co-Create Experience (DSCE).

By doing so, the DSCE is expected to enable data scientists, developers, and engineers to explore localised generative AI to accelerate their work.

Under the agreement, IBM and AISG will collaborate in testing SEA-LION using IBM’s AI technology as well as its data and AI platform “watsonx” and work together on technical exchanges and knowledge sharing to enhance the model. 

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In line with IBM’s “bring your own model” (BYOM) focus, this collaboration aims to empower organisations with greater flexibility in choosing the right AI models, such as the SEA-LION LLM, to meet their own business goals.

Catherine Lian, general manager and technology leader at IBM ASEAN, said they believe that further progress of generative AI will bring greater performance in smaller language models, with users given the opportunity to personalise models based on their business and industry requirements. 

“No one model is a one-size-fits-all for businesses, and organisations must be empowered with a choice to use their models based on their needs,” said Lian. “AI Singapore’s SEA-LION LLM is a big step forward in creating an open AI system and in addressing the ASEAN language challenges that companies and governments face when working with AI.”

She added that IBM will leverage its extensive business and technology ecosystem to help ASEAN organisations and citizens realise the value that custom models like SEA-LION, as well as watsonx, bring.

Also, IBM and AI Singapore plan to work together to incorporate AI governance into SEA-LION. The collaboration is intended to assist companies in managing AI compliance, risk management, and model lifecycle management as government regulation on the technology continues.