Singapore's quiet absence from rumoured GPU crackdown
Its omission is no accident.
There's been a lot of noise about potential GPU bans to Malaysia and Thailand. But the one detail nobody is talking about? Singapore isn't on the list.
New day, new GPU ban
The Friday before last, Bloomberg published a report of purported new GPU controls targeting Malaysia and Thailand.
As I wrote then, the draft rule will formally ditch the ill-fated AI diffusion framework but add new requirements that will effectively restrict GPU sales to Malaysia and Thailand.
Why these two countries? Malaysia is now a top hub for AI data centres, while there are signs of hyperscalers moving to data centres in Thailand.
The missing nation
Amid the resulting hubbub about the implications, it's easy to miss out one country that's apparently not in the list: Singapore.
This is notable because Singapore was caught up in negative press over GPUs earlier this year, after the release of DeepSeek R1 turned attention this way.
Singapore scrambled to contain this perception then, putting together a press release over the Chinese New Year long weekend and going on a full-court press on the PR front.
- An official from MTI reached out to me on Sat.
- Mainstream media published reports.
- Multiple LinkedIn posts by officials.
Soon after, 3 men were arrested on fraud charges around GPU smuggling. Clearly, these efforts and other behind-the-scenes initiatives worked.
I don't think Singapore aspires to be a hub for AI training despite being a data centre hub. However, its exclusion from the list is surely a boon to its business reputation.
Malaysia reacts
Malaysia is now reacting too. Earlier today, Malaysia's MITI announced that companies must obtain a trade permit to export or transship US-made AI chips.
As reported by the Free Malaysia Today, this is effective immediately, using a catch-all provision of the Strategic Trade Act 2010 (STA).
GPU whack-a-mole
We don't know if the rumoured GPU controls will even see the light of day, but I've always considered GPU bans a fruitless game of whack-a-mole.
Some quick reasons:
- AI models can be trained anywhere: I've spoken with experts who tell me that geographic distance is merely an inconvenience to AI training.
- Creative business models: With access to GPUs and enough money, it's entirely possible for businesses to deploy GPUs in an allowed jurisdiction, but "lease" the data centre to just one customer.
- Money to be made: The high cost of GPUs means that even a small commission can allow collaborators to reap massive dividends.
What do you think?
