Mr Chairman
Quantum computing promises exponential improvements in simulating physical systems and solving complex problems faster than classical computers. Last year, Singapore made available nearly S$400 million to quantum research, with MAS promoting Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for the banking sector. I seek greater clarity on our quantum roadmap.
First, Singapore is currently focused on Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) machines, which rely on many short, error-prone runs and statistical processing of noisy outputs. Yet, industry is moving toward Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing (FTQC), as illustrated by Google’s December 2024 Willow chip demonstrating exponentially decreasing errors as qubits increase, and Microsoft’s 2025 Majorana 1 processor aiming for a million qubits on one chip. Such breakthroughs could revolutionise physical sciences. Are there plans to pivot or also pursue FTQC?
Second, under the “Photonics and Control Electronics” vertical of the National Quantum Processor Initiative (NQPI), how does NQO plan to develop auxiliary industries—namely (i) controls, (ii) readout, and (iii) hardware-based error correction—to support next-generation quantum processors?
Third, NQPI’s science verticals focus on “Trapped Ions” and “Neutral Atom Arrays.” Could the Minister clarify why superconducting qubits—promising synergies with our semiconductor industry’s cleanroom fabrication processes—were excluded?
Fourth, QKD has been strongly promoted by the Government and Temasek, as evidenced by MAS’s S$100 million support and NQO’s S$295 million top-up. However, QKD requires specialized, expensive hardware, whereas Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) needs only software updates. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology recently finalized post-quantum standards, which function like current public-key encryption and are expected to be adopted universally. In this light, what is the view over our continued significant investments in QKD? Does the Government foresee regional QKD networks, possibly via Low Earth Orbit satellites, and how would such efforts compare against simpler, cheaper PQC solutions?
By addressing these strategic questions, we can ensure Singapore’s quantum initiatives remain relevant, cost-effective, and future-proof.
