Singapore has unveiled the Singapore Medical Foundation AI Model (SIMFONI), a national research and development initiative designed to create AI models specifically for the country’s healthcare system. Announced by the Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, at the NCS AI Impact 2026, SIMFONI seeks to address the limitations of current AI models, which are predominantly based on Western data, by using local clinical data and guidelines.
SIMFONI’s initial focus will be on developing AI tools for cardiometabolic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, and for eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. These tools will be integrated into the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, aiming to enhance clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Prof Robert Morris, Executive Director of SIMFONI, emphasised the importance of embedding AI into clinical practice, stating, “Our mission is to develop and deploy trustworthy, clinically grounded AI tools that can be scaled across Singapore’s public healthcare system.”
The programme will leverage Singapore’s robust healthcare data infrastructure to create AI systems that cater to the specific medical needs of its multi-ethnic population. Adj Prof Ngiam Kee Yuan highlighted the goal of developing AI that fits naturally into clinical practice, allowing for more informed decisions and timely care. A/Prof Daniel Ting added that SIMFONI’s multimodal AI approach will enable a comprehensive assessment of patient health by integrating various data sources.
As SIMFONI progresses, it will undergo rigorous validation before being deployed across Singapore’s public healthcare system, aiming to provide sustainable care for all Singaporeans.
