SINGAPORE – Singapore is stepping up its investment in quantum computing with two new initiatives aimed at boosting talent development and providing greater access to emerging technology.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Tuesday (May 31) announced the launch of the National Quantum Computing Hub, which will pool expertise and resources from the Center for Quantum Technologies and other institutions, as well as the National Quantum Fabless Foundry.

The foundry will develop the components and materials needed to build computers and quantum devices.

The hub will also house Singapore’s first quantum computer and allow businesses and government agencies to access and test it directly instead of using a cloud network, which means less delay and lag.

“Our investment in quantum computing and quantum engineering is part of our approach of trying to anticipate the future and proactively shaping the future we want,” Mr. Heng said in his keynote address. opening at the second Asia Tech x Singapore Summit (ATxSG).

The event at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore Hotel is organized by Infocomm Media Development Authority.

“The greater the potential of cyberspace, the greater the cyber risks. Malicious actors will seek to take advantage of this by any means possible.

“It’s not enough to try to stay one step ahead. If we do that, we often end up one step behind, chasing down and eliminating the last threat.

“To counter them, we must not only remain vigilant to present threats, we must also invest to stay not one step ahead, but one step ahead.”

The hub and fabless foundry are part of the National Research Foundation’s Quantum Engineering Program (QEP), as well as the National Quantum Safe-Network announced in February.

The three initiatives will receive at least $23.5 million from the QEP for 3.5 years as part of Singapore’s 2020 Research, Innovation and Enterprise Plan.

Dr. Alexander Ling, director of QEP, said the new hub will help train users in businesses or government agencies to be more “quantum literate” and to understand the capabilities and limitations of quantum computing technology.

He added that building a quantum computer will also help Singapore understand the challenges associated with building and maintaining a computer.