One year in: How Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore is advancing research, partnership and talent for real-world impact

On July 24, 2025, Microsoft Research Asia – Singapore (MSRA – Singapore) opened its doors as Microsoft’s first research lab in Southeast Asia. The launch built on more than two decades of collaboration between Microsoft Research Asia and Singapore’s universities, research institutes, and government agencies. It marked a shift to a closer, more integrated relationship aimed at supporting Singapore’s innovation ecosystem and advancing the development and beneficial use of AI.

“When we established Microsoft Research Asia — Singapore one year ago, our vision was not simply to open another research lab. It was to build a bridge connecting Microsoft’s frontier AI research with Singapore’s world-class universities, forward-thinking government agencies, and dynamic industry ecosystem. One year in, what gives me the greatest confidence is not just the research we have produced, but the depth of partnership we have built. That is the foundation on which lasting impact is built.”

— Dr. Lidong Zhou, corporate vice president at Microsoft and managing director of Microsoft Research Asia

Established in 1998, MSRA has a presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Vancouver, and Tokyo, along with Singapore. The Singapore lab strengthens the collaboration with local partners and extends the scientific and societal impact of Microsoft’s global research community.