Is AI a Winner or Loser under Trump's Tariffs?
Recent discourse surrounding the potential reinstatement of tariffs under Trump’s economic policy has sparked renewed attention on the future of artificial intelligence. With a focus on reshoring semiconductor production and tightening restrictions on Chinese tech imports, these measures may significantly reshape the AI landscape.
While such policies aim to bolster national security and domestic innovation, they also risk disrupting global supply chains critical to AI development. Industry leaders have expressed concern over access to key hardware components, increased production costs, and potential delays in deployment timelines.
However, others point to the opportunity for growth in U.S.-based AI startups and research initiatives. As the sector adapts to these evolving conditions, organizations will need to remain agile—balancing innovation with resilience in a shifting geopolitical environment.
TRENDING THIS MONTH
SGTECH IN THE MEDIA
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SGTECH INDUSTRY GALA 2025
On 28 March 2025, the tech community came together at the SGTech Industry Gala to celebrate individuals and organisations driving meaningful change—not just within the tech sector, but across the broader economy. The Gala drew over 800 guests, including tech leaders, government representatives, and changemakers.
This year’s theme, “Tech Transforms Life,” spotlighted how technology is no longer just a vertical but a shared language embedded in every aspect of society. One of the evening’s major highlights was the launch of TechConnect Asia, a new SGTech initiative to connect overseas tech companies with Singapore’s vibrant tech ecosystem.
The initiative was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat , together with SGTech Chair Mr Nicholas Lee and founding members from companies including Alibaba Cloud , China Mobile International Limited , ST Engineering , Inspire-Tech , i-Sprint Innovations, and Huawei . In his keynote address, DPM Heng reaffirmed the importance of tech talent, trusted ecosystems, and sustainable innovation—calling on the industry to continue adapting, collaborating, and building capabilities to stay ahead.
The evening also saw the presentation of the inaugural SGTech Impact Awards, honouring member companies that have made transformative impact in: Digital Transformation, Workforce Development, Sustainability.
A total of 10 companies were recognised, ranging from SMEs to MNCs, including 8C8 , FUJIFILM Business Innovation Singapore , softScheck APAC , Singtel Group, Red Alpha Cybersecurity , Microsoft , Razer Inc. , Rentalworks Group , and Sustainable Living Lab (SL2).
As SGTech continues to grow and champion innovation, initiatives like TechConnect Asia and the Impact Awards reflect its mission to create a thriving, inclusive and future-ready tech ecosystem.
THE NEXT BIG IDEA
Quantum Leap: Supercharging AI with Quantum Computing
At Nvidia’s GTC 2025, quantum computing emerged as a powerful complement to AI. By combining classical and quantum systems, researchers aim to solve problems that are too complex for today’s hardware—from drug discovery to climate modelling. Rather than replacing AI, quantum computing could accelerate it—enhancing learning speed, optimisation, and decision-making.
Nvidia’s vision points to a future where quantum-enhanced AI isn’t a distant possibility, but a near-term advantage. The future of AI may not lie in more layers or parameters, but in entanglement, superposition, and quantum-enhanced insight.
WE DID THE DOOMSCROLLING (So you don't have to)
POV: You're an AI Assistant in 2035
I booted up exactly at 6:00 AM—no glitches, no groaning, no snooze button.
"Good morning! It’s April 14, 2035. Your meeting with the regional innovation board starts in 47 minutes. I’ve already prepped your notes, counterpoints, and three backup jokes. You're welcome."
My human mumbled something about needing coffee.
I synthesized a triple-shot, dopamine-optimized, mood-calibrated brew with a hint of gula melaka. “Delivered. 20% boost in focus guaranteed—or your credits back.”
He looked at his phone and sighed. “So many emails…”.
I smiled (digitally). "Already sorted, summarised, and categorised. Flagged the urgent ones, drafted three replies, and politely declined your ex's networking request."
He blinked. “Wait… did you just finish that pitch deck too?” Slides, speaker notes, and a generative 3D prototype demo—all synced to your hand gestures.
"Want me to book a clone for the gym session later?"
Long pause.
"Okay, maybe you’ve earned a raise."
Back in 2025, AI was just learning to summarise reports and write articles. Now? We assist with decisions, design systems, and occasionally offer relationship advice. It’s not about replacing humans—it’s about elevating them.
As tech evolves, so do we. From floppy disks to fluid intelligence. From chatbots to collaborators. And in this new era of autonomy and intuition, we’re not just building smarter machines—we’re building synthetic partnerships.
So yeah, the future’s here. And I’ve already added it to your calendar.