AIAPI collaborated with the International Science Council (ISC) on the third edition of Preparing National Research Ecosystems for AI. The publication studies the impact of AI on science research in 26 countries and was first presented at the recent India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
AIAPI was involved in two case studies examining how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping science and research ecosystems in Fiji and Singapore. Both countries offer important lessons on how small states can strategically embed AI into national development, governance and scientific advancement.Through this partnership with the ISC, AIAPI aims to advance evidence-based dialogue on responsible AI adoption across the Asia-Pacific.
Fiji: AI for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development
The Fiji case study, “Leading the Pacific Islands: building a national science and research ecosystem for the age of artificial intelligence”, examines a country transitioning from donor-led digital projects to a nationally coordinated AI agenda.
The launch of Fiji’s AI Hub in 2024 and the National Digital Strategy 2025–2030 mark a shift toward systemic digital transformation. AI is increasingly viewed as both a resilience tool and an economic driver.
Key applications include:
- Climate and disaster response: AI-enhanced cyclone forecasting, land-cover monitoring and rapid damage assessment tools that speed up post-disaster insurance claims.
- Health care: Predictive diagnostics and telemedicine to improve access across remote islands.
- Agriculture: Smart farming technologies using AI and IoT for irrigation control, crop monitoring and yield optimization.
- Education: Integration of AI modules into university curricula to build domestic capacity.
However, Fiji faces significant constraints with barriers to adoption. Infrastructure gaps, such as limited high-performance computing, skills shortages and brain drain complicate stifle development. The study concludes that sustained funding, governance reform and regional collaboration will be critical for Fiji to consolidate its emerging leadership in the Pacific.
Singapore: A Systemic Model for AI-Driven Science
The Singapore case study, “Using artificial intelligence to build a world-leading science and research ecosystem”, presents a mature, institutionalised AI ecosystem. AI is positioned as a pillar of governance, competitiveness and research. The National AI Strategy 2.0 2023 signals a policy shift from pilot projects to embedding AI across the country.
Core strengths include:
- Workforce development: National programmes such as AIAP and TechSkills Accelerator have expanded AI literacy, with 75% of workers reportedly using AI tools in some form.
- Governance leadership: Initiatives such as the Model AI Governance Framework, the Digital FOSS AI Governance Playbook (2024) and AI Verify have established Singapore as a global reference point for responsible AI.
- AI-augmented science: Investments in high-performance computing and the AI for Science Initiative are accelerating research in health, climate modelling and materials science.
Despite these achievements, Singapore continues to face talent shortages and ongoing debates about surveillance, fairness and regional inclusivity.
Shared Lessons for Small States
Together, the two case studies underscore these key insights:
- AI must be embedded in national science strategies.
- Governance and ethics frameworks are essential.
- Capacity building determines long-term success.
- Infrastructure investment enables scalability.
- Regional collaboration strengthens resilience.
Fiji and Singapore demonstrate that while pathways differ, strategic leadership, institutional design and sustained investment are decisive in shaping how AI transforms science and society.
Read the publication in full here: https://council.science/publications/ai-science-systems/
