Singapore has earned a reputation as a "living lab" for disruptive technologies, where innovation is balanced against public safety and trust. Singapore has earned a reputation as one of the world’s foremost “living labs” for disruptive technologies. From autonomous vehicles (AVs) to drones, robotics, and now artificial intelligence (AI), the city-state has taken a distinctive approach in testing how new technologies can be integrated into society. But with disruption comes risk. How does a government encourage innovation while protecting the public from safety failures, privacy breaches, cybersecurity attacks, or job losses?

China’s DeepSeek is a home-grown strategic leap in the global AI race that has upended markets and expectations with a product that is cheap, smart and open source. Our experts discuss whether that translates to AI dominance.

There is a growing challenge taking shape in Singapore, one involving attention spans, screen time, and invisible dopamine loops. Earlier this year, the Singapore government introduced updated screen time guidelines for children, acknowledging growing concerns that excessive use of digital devices may be contributing to health and behavioural problems in younger users. That announcement came on the heels of a survey revealing that one in two Singaporeans shows signs of problematic smartphone use.

Singapore’s smart traffic policies and integrated mobility offer lessons for Southeast Asian cities tackling congestion, pollution, and urban sustainability.