Speech by SMS Low Yen Ling at the launch of ChefGenie

1. Mr Sky Goh, Vice President of AIKIT, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, a very good afternoon to you all.

2. It is a pleasure to be in Punggol Digital District today to mark the launch of ChefGenie. This ingenious autonomous kitchen platform is a potential game-changer to shape the future of dining. The collaboration between AIKIT and local F&B brands is a testament to how our F&B sector is leveraging the power of technology and AI to transform and stay ahead of the game. The launch of ChefGenie also marks a significant step towards a more efficient and AI-enabled industry. Congratulations to the team at AIKIT on your successful development of ChefGenie.

3. As Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted in his National Day Rally speech, Singapore has entered into a new era, driven by new technologies including AI. The way we live, work, study and do business can be enhanced by AI. If we harness the technology and AI well, it can help us to achieve 3 'As' - It can assist us in our jobs, augment the products and services that we provide and automate the processes. Today's launch showcases how companies can further use technology and innovation to reimagine their business models and the way they serve customers. Punggol Digital District is the perfect testbed for such smart initiatives. It provides world-class physical and digital infrastructure, bringing together a diverse community of workers, students, and residents to explore, experience and embrace these new technologies.

4. In this regard, autonomous kitchens have the potential to revolutionise the F&B sector. These unmanned, self-operating systems fully automate the ordering, food preparation, and payment processes. This enables F&B businesses to serve fresh, delicious meals around the clock, leveraging automation to reduce manpower needs. ChefGenie will allow F&B businesses to reach a broader range of customers across multiple locations, while addressing industry-wide challenges such as manpower shortages and rising operational costs.

5. The case for autonomous kitchens is compelling.

a. Firstly, they cost less to deploy and operate. Autonomous kitchens have lower operating costs in terms of capital, manpower and rental, compared to a traditional F&B outlet. The start-up capital required can be up to 50% lower.

b. Secondly, they enable F&B businesses to reach new untapped customers. They can be deployed in a nimble and agile way, in a variety of locations where it may be harder for traditional F&B outlets to set up shop. This could include schools, hospitals, residences and industrial areas, wherever the footfall gathers and aggregates. In recent years, it has been challenging for schools to find canteen food stall operators. Autonomous kitchens can fill this gap. Another advantage is the 24/7 potential of autonomous kitchens, which can meet food needs at any time of the day.

c. Thirdly, consistency and quality control can be better managed with AI and technology. This is achieved by setting pre-programmed cooking parameters. Together, these advantages allow F&B businesses to scale faster and more sustainably.

6. I want to use this platform to reassure the F&B companies that the Government is fully committed to supporting our SMEs in the F&B sector. We have refreshed the Food Services Industry Digital Roadmap earlier this year and identified autonomous kitchens as one of the key solutions to help companies improve their operational efficiency. F&B businesses can tap on Enterprise Singapore's Enterprise Development Grant and receive Government support to roll out these solutions. Enterprise Singapore supported AIKIT in rolling out a pilot with grants for R&D and technology capability-building efforts. Enterprise Singapore also connected the company with F&B brands to partner with.

7. I am greatly heartened to see the success that AIKIT has achieved with ChefGenie, and more importantly, how our F&B businesses are working together to scale up and seize new opportunities together. Eight local F&B brands will offer their popular items through ChefGenie's autonomous kitchens. Their partnership with AIKIT involved extensive R&D, which included testing, refining, and tasting of the menu offerings, to ensure the food tastes just as good as that served at their outlets.

8. I strongly encourage F&B companies to continue exploring opportunities and innovating together. Collaborations such as today's, which combine F&B strengths with the power of technology, can transform our F&B sector and take it to greater heights. I hope that many of our F&B companies will take advantage of the government grants and support to develop fresh concepts and exciting offerings that will enable them to stay ahead of the curve, future-proof them and remain competitive.

9. Once again, my heartiest congratulations to the team behind ChefGenie. You have demonstrated what new technologies and AI can do. I commend AIKIT and its partners for their vision and dedication.

10. I look forward to how this milestone initiative will energise the F&B sector as ChefGenie transforms F&B businesses and kitchens through the magic of AI!

11. Thank you.