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Breaking Language Barriers: Unlocking Southeast Asia's Potential with SEA-LION's Multilingual AI at SWITCH Beyond Stage

Date: October 31st | Event: Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH)


The world of Artificial Intelligence is evolving at an incredible pace, and one of the most exciting frontiers is the development of truly multilingual AI. For a region as diverse as Southeast Asia, with its rich tapestry of languages and cultures, this isn't just an academic pursuit – it's a necessity for inclusive innovation and growth. Mark your calendars! On October 31st, during the prestigious Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH), AI Singapore is bringing together leading minds for a captivating panel discussion titled "Breaking Language Barriers - Scaling with SEA-LION’s Multilingual AI." This exclusive panel is part of the Beyond Stage program at SWITCH.


Beyond Stage: Elevating Expertise in Deep Tech


The "Breaking Language Barriers" panel is proudly featured as part of SWITCH's Beyond Stage program. This unique segment of SWITCH is specifically designed for leaders and innovators who are committed to challenging the status quo in deep tech. Beyond Stage offers masterclasses, providing practical skills and unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with a global network of peers. It's where the brightest minds come together to deepen their expertise and drive significant advancements in technology. Don't miss the chance to be part of this enriching experience! Check out the full Beyond Stage programme here: https://www.gevme.com/site/switch-2025-beyond-programme.


The SEA-LION Journey: Building AI for Southeast Asia's Unique Landscape


Have you ever wondered about the monumental task of creating Large Language Models (LLMs) that genuinely understand the nuances of a region like Southeast Asia? The journey of SEA-LION, an initiative by AI Singapore, is a testament to addressing this challenge head-on. This panel will delve deep into why SEA-LION was created, exploring the specific linguistic and cultural complexities that traditional AI often overlooks.


From tonal languages to unique idioms, developing effective AI solutions here requires more than just translation – it demands true contextual understanding. The discussion promises to shed light on the significant challenges encountered and the groundbreaking breakthroughs that have enabled SEA-LION to offer hyper-local nuance understanding, driving AI adoption and fostering a vibrant technology ecosystem in the region. This is about building AI that truly speaks to everyone.


The Power of Open-Source Innovation and Collaborative AI Adoption


In the fast-paced world of AI development, open-source initiatives are becoming increasingly vital. The panel will highlight the critical role that open-source innovations, like SEA-LION, play in accelerating AI adoption and encouraging collaboration across different sectors and countries. This collaborative approach not only democratizes access to advanced AI tools but also fosters a community where challenges can be tackled collectively, leading to more robust and equitable AI solutions. Discover how this model is creating a broader impact on Southeast Asia, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in artificial intelligence.


Meet the Visionaries: Our Esteemed Panelists


Guiding this insightful discussion is a lineup of distinguished experts:


Left to Right: Woei Yuan Seng, Mark Pereira, Alan Ho, Isaac Lee
Left to Right: Woei Yuan Seng, Mark Pereira, Alan Ho, Isaac Lee

Moderator: Woei Yuan Seng, Director, Technology Cluster of MP Group


Woei Yuan Seng is a seasoned professional connecting technology ecosystems across borders. He was instrumental in growing SWITCH into a leading deep tech startup and innovation festival in Southeast Asia. With a background spanning music labels, corporate communications, and marketing, Woei Yuan brings a unique perspective to the evolving AI landscape.


Panelist: Mark Pereira, Head of Partnerships, Strategy and Growth, AI Singapore


Mark spearheads the partnerships and go-to-market strategy for the SEA-LION initiative. His work focuses on developing open-source Large Language Models that are sensitive to Southeast Asia’s diverse contexts, languages, and cultures, positioning Singapore as a global AI hub for multicultural AI development. Mark is at the forefront of driving value creation and AI innovation in key regional sectors.


Panelist: Alan Ho, CEO, Good Bards


A marketing veteran with over two decades in Information Technology, Alan has held leadership roles in tech giants and startups. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to develop a cutting-edge marketing automation tool. Alan is a strong advocate for innovation, leveraging real-time data and modern applications to enhance customer engagement and drive business outcomes through AI solutions.


Panelist: Isaac Lee, Volunteer Product Manager, better.sg & Product Lead, Endowus


Isaac contributes his expertise to social good organizations, notably leading the Growingroots.sg project at Better.sg, and also serves as a Product Lead at Endowus. His insights will be invaluable in understanding the practical applications and societal impact of AI technologies like SEA-LION.


Don't Miss Out!


This is a prime opportunity to gain insights into the future of multilingual AI and its transformative impact on Southeast Asia. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a developer, an entrepreneur, or simply curious about the next wave of technology, this panel discussion is for you.



Join us to explore the journey, challenges, and breakthroughs that are shaping the future of AI in our region!

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