Thales has signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) during the Singapore Airshow 2026, reinforcing the company’s long-term investment in Singapore’s advanced technology and manufacturing ecosystem.
The agreements will strengthen Thales’ capabilities across artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and edge computing, data engineering, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing, while supporting talent development and innovation in Singapore.
Thales has maintained a technological and industrial presence in Singapore for more than 50 years, beginning with avionics activities in 1973. The company continues to expand its deep-tech capabilities, including the launch of its cortAIx AI accelerator in Singapore in 2025.
Singapore to Become Global R&D Hub for FlytEDGE IFE Solution
Under the first MoU, Singapore will become one of three global research and development centres for Thales’ FlytEDGE inflight entertainment (IFE) platform, alongside facilities in France and the United States.
FlytEDGE is the aviation industry’s first cloud-native IFE platform, designed to enhance passenger digital experiences and enable real-time engagement through integrated cloud and onboard edge computing technologies.
Thales will expand its IFE Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE), established in Singapore in 2021, with plans to train nearly 40 specialists over the next three years. The expanded team will support technical and engineering development while creating new end-to-end services incorporating cybersecure-by-design architecture.
The use of edge computing is expected to enhance onboard data processing, enabling real-time analytics and improved operational efficiency, while cloud automation aims to reduce manual intervention. The platform also allows passengers to seamlessly connect personal devices to onboard entertainment systems.
New AI-Enabled RegTech Managed Service for Regulated Industries
The second MoU supports the development of a new AI-powered Regulatory Technology (RegTech) managed service designed to help organisations maintain compliance and cybersecurity across public cloud environments.
Jointly developed by Thales teams in Singapore and France, the service supports multiple cloud platforms including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.
The solution establishes secure cloud “landing zones” that allow organisations to rapidly deploy applications while ensuring regulatory compliance. Integrated real-time monitoring and automated control frameworks help organisations remain audit-ready while continuously collecting digital compliance evidence.
Initially targeted at fintech companies, the RegTech platform is expected to expand into other highly regulated sectors, including pharmaceuticals and aerospace.
Smart Automation to Enhance Digital Manufacturing in Singapore
The third MoU focuses on transforming Thales’ Cybersecurity and Digital Identity Manufacturing Competence Centre in Singapore through advanced automation technologies.
The 21,000 square metre facility produces more than 200 million banking cards, 12 million identity cards and approximately 10 million passport datapages annually, making it one of Thales’ flagship production sites in Asia.
New automation initiatives will include the deployment of Collaborative Robots (COBOTs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) to improve transportation, production handling, inspection and machine configuration processes. The transformation is also expected to support workforce upskilling, enabling employees to transition into higher-value roles while improving operational efficiency.
Strengthening Singapore’s Position as a Technology and Manufacturing Hub
Zheng Jingxin, Vice President and Head of Mobility at EDB, highlighted the significance of the partnership. “We greatly value Thales’ partnership and commitment to develop a future-ready talent pool and drive transformative impact from Singapore. These investments will reinforce our position as a global innovation hub for frontier technologies, and exemplify how companies can tap on our trusted and comprehensive ecosystem to co-create new solutions in advanced manufacturing.”
Emily Tan, Country Director and Chief Executive of Thales in Singapore, emphasised the company’s continued commitment to the country. “These agreements illustrate Thales’ continued investment in Singapore, where we are deepening our expertise in technologies like AI, cyber, quantum and cloud, developing home-grown solutions, while transforming our industrial operations to meet customers’ expectations. The support and partnership from the EDB is pivotal and I look forward to bringing the best of our capabilities to strengthen Singapore’s cyber and digital positioning, and advance its manufacturing ambitions.”
Thales is exhibiting at Singapore Airshow 2026 at Stand G24 in Hall A from 2–8 February.
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