At the opening of the SupercomputingAsia 2025 (SCA2025) conference, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Mrs. Josephine Teo, announced the launch of the Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing (HQCC 1.0) initiative. Led by the National Quantum Office (NQO), this national effort aims to accelerate the convergence of high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing to address complex industrial and scientific challenges. The initiative marks a strategic investment in future-ready infrastructure and talent to position Singapore at the forefront of hybrid computational research.
Backed by S$24.5 million SGD ($18.3 million USD) from the National Research Foundation (NRF), HQCC 1.0 focuses on middleware development, software tools, and algorithm design to enable seamless integration between quantum and classical computing platforms. The initiative also emphasizes engineering and scientific talent development, ensuring Singapore builds a sustainable pipeline of experts capable of innovating in this emerging field. The program will initially support research in applications such as computational biology, logistics, and finance, where hybrid computing can offer substantial performance advantages.
The initiative will leverage the capabilities of the National Quantum Computing Hub (NQCH) and the infrastructure of the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) Singapore, along with R&D expertise from A*STAR’s Institute of High Performance Computing and the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT). According to NQO Executive Director Mr. Ling Keok Tong, the HQCC 1.0 initiative is designed to accelerate real-world quantum-classical applications and establish a globally competitive hybrid ecosystem. Dr. Terence Hung, CEO of NSCC Singapore, described the effort as “a new frontier” for national computational capability.
To further strengthen international and industry collaboration, NSCC signed two MoUs during SCA2025: one with AMD to establish a Centre of Excellence for talent and HPC innovation, and another with CSC Finland, operator of Europe’s LUMI supercomputer, to promote best practices and technical exchanges. NSCC also launched the Young Investigator Seed Project (YISP) for early-career researchers and partnered with Digital Industry Singapore (DISG) to provide SMEs and startups with access to HPC resources and training.
Singapore’s expanded focus on compute infrastructure includes plans to procure a new national research supercomputer by the end of 2025, complementing its existing Aspire 2A series. With HQCC 1.0 and its supporting initiatives, Singapore aims to build an integrated innovation ecosystem where advanced compute capabilities—classical and quantum—can be deployed effectively to address both national and global challenges.
For more details, read the official announcement from Centre for Quantum Technologies here, and additional coverage from HPC Wire here and The Edge Singapore here.
March 22, 2025
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