TLDRs;
- Google Cloud partners with Singapore to launch secure AI services, offering strict data residency guarantees for enterprises and agencies.
- Gemini AI now available on Google Distributed Cloud air-gapped systems, supporting on-premises workloads with high-security needs.
- Public sector agencies including CSIT, GovTech, and HTX will be early adopters of Gemini-based AI deployments.
- Collaboration with NUS focuses on advancing AI research and ensuring the responsible deployment of autonomous agents in Singapore.
Google Cloud has deepened its strategic ties with Singapore, announcing a sweeping partnership with the government to advance secure artificial intelligence (AI) deployment across public and enterprise sectors.
The announcement came at the AI Asia: Building Beyond Borders conference on Thursday, where the tech giant unveiled a series of new enterprise AI offerings tailored for the region.
The expansion underscores Singapore’s pivotal role as a hub for digital transformation in Asia and builds on Google’s years of infrastructure investment in the city-state. From introducing new data residency guarantees to providing access to advanced Gemini models, the initiative is designed to meet stringent security, sovereignty, and compliance requirements while empowering businesses and government agencies to harness AI safely.
Data sovereignty takes center stage
Among the most significant announcements was Singapore becoming one of the first global regions to offer data residency guarantees for AI services.
Enterprises and agencies using Gemini 2.5 Flash, Vertex AI Search, and NotebookLM Enterprise can now ensure that sensitive information is processed and stored entirely within Singapore.
This move addresses growing concerns about cross-border data flow, particularly in industries where strict compliance is non-negotiable. By localizing data handling, Google Cloud is giving organizations confidence that AI adoption does not come at the expense of security or regulatory alignment.
@GoogleCloud_SG In Asia, #AI innovation is ramping up & showing no signs of stopping 🚀 @ManusAI_HQ is empowering a better way for knowledge workers to do their best work with #GoogleCloud intelligent chatbots that don't just talk, but get things done ✔️ Talk about working smart! pic.twitter.com/guZddSF8ge
— Google Cloud Singapore (@GoogleCloud_SG) August 28, 2025
Gemini AI expands in Asia-Pacific
Google Cloud also revealed the general availability of Gemini AI on its Google Distributed Cloud (GDC) air-gapped systems, with a preview for GDC connected. These solutions are tailored for organizations requiring on-premises AI workloads, especially those in regulated sectors like defense, finance, and healthcare.
Early adopters include Singapore’s Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT), GovTech Singapore, and the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX).
For these agencies, the ability to deploy Gemini securely in isolated environments ensures mission-critical operations remain shielded from external networks while benefiting from state-of-the-art AI capabilities.
Public sector agencies lead adoption
The collaboration reflects Singapore’s forward-thinking approach to AI governance. Through initiatives like the Smart Nation program and SkillsFuture training schemes, the country has already positioned itself as a testbed for advanced technologies. With 77% of its workforce highly exposed to AI tools, Singapore’s readiness is significantly above the global average.
Google Cloud’s solutions are therefore not arriving in a vacuum but rather complementing a national strategy that prioritizes innovation, resilience, and digital trust. By embedding Gemini into government workflows, Singapore aims to set benchmarks for responsible AI usage in Asia.
Universities join AI research push
Beyond government agencies, Google Cloud is also collaborating with the National University of Singapore (NUS) to accelerate AI research and the secure deployment of autonomous agents.
This partnership seeks to explore how AI can enhance areas such as cybersecurity, public services, and next-generation digital platforms.
The research component highlights a recognition that AI is not just a tool for efficiency but a transformative technology requiring careful stewardship. By involving academic institutions, Google Cloud and the Singapore government are creating a framework where policy, innovation, and ethics move hand in hand.
