SapiensAI Unveils Agnes – Singapore’s Local Alternative to DeepSeek

Agnes AI: A Groundbreaking Development in Southeast Asia’s AI Landscape
Introduction of Agnes AI
On April 14, 2025, a significant milestone was achieved in the realm of artificial intelligence with the launch of Agnes AI in Singapore. This innovative AI platform was developed by SapiensAI, a company aimed at positioning Southeast Asia at the forefront of AI advancements. The unveiling event took place at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and attracted a diverse audience, including tech leaders, academics, and investors, all eager to witness a leap toward global AI innovation.
Who is Behind Agnes AI?
The mastermind behind Agnes AI is Bruce Yang, a notable AI engineer and Co-Founder of SapiensAI. Currently a PhD candidate at NUS’s School of Computing, Yang has led the development of Agnes using locally trained datasets and sophisticated large language models. This ensures that Agnes is not only fast but also capable of understanding and executing complex tasks efficiently.
Unique Features of Agnes AI
Agnes AI stands out in several ways:
Real-Time Search and Memory Integration: What sets Agnes apart is its ability to merge real-time web search capabilities with a personal memory system. This dual function allows for dynamic responses and insights that can adapt as context changes.
Response Efficiency: Agnes AI excels in producing quick and detailed reports, demonstrating impressive performance when it comes to utilizing tokens effectively. This leads to faster response times that enhance user experience, particularly during data analysis and chart interactions.
- User Interaction: The platform enables users to upload local files or enter URLs directly. This facilitates intelligent feedback synthesis that can be downloaded in various formats like PDF and Markdown, ensuring compatibility with different work environments.
Observations on Agnes AI
Describing Agnes as “Singapore’s DeepSeek,” Yang emphasizes that the platform aims to demonstrate the potential of Southeast Asian technology. This is not merely an AI assistant; it is a vision reflecting local intelligence combined with global ambitions, aimed at molding the next generation of AI.
Future Collaborations and Products
SapiensAI is set to promote broader industry collaboration by open-sourcing some of Agnes’s innovations and releasing select research papers in May 2025. This initiative is designed to foster a new generation of context-aware intelligent systems, contributing to a thriving AI agent ecosystem.
Moreover, SapiensAI has plans to introduce a new product tailored for the US and European markets in the coming months. This upcoming platform will broaden its scope significantly, aiming to become an essential productivity and collaboration suite for organizations worldwide.
Bruce Yang’s Vision for AI in Southeast Asia
Yang believes in the powerful potential for Southeast Asia to create its own AI startups akin to companies like OpenAI and DeepSeek. With the exceptional universities in Singapore, including NUS and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), he feels that the region is well-positioned to lead in AI innovation. His vision encapsulates a blend of local knowledge with cutting-edge technology to make a global impact.
For those keen on learning more about Agnes AI, further information can be found on the official website: Agnes AI.
About SapiensAI
SapiensAI, based in Singapore, is dedicated to developing intelligent systems that resonate with local culture and are scalable globally. With a commitment to advancing AI innovation, SapiensAI focuses on building platforms that cater to regional languages and real-world business challenges, empowering Southeast Asian talent in the process.
About Bruce Yang
Bruce Yang is a prominent figure in the tech world, with a history of leading innovative projects. He is also the founder of Sobrr Inc and RetailX. Bruce’s journey in technology has included education from prestigious institutions like UC Berkeley and HEC Paris, along with professional tenures at Microsoft and LinkedIn. His work has involved collaborations with major global brands, highlighting his commitment to leveraging AI for impactful digital transformations worldwide.