Singapore R&D centre opens joint lab with Baidu

The Baidu-I²R Research Centre (BIRC) operates as an R&D unit on I²R’s Fusionopolis premises and is equipped with the latest computing facilities.

It has started operations with an established team of researchers and engineers, working on cutting-edge developments in human language technology.

The centre has charted a research roadmap covering Southeast Asian language resources, natural language processing, information retrieval and information extraction, and speech information processing.

An initial research project on Vietnamese and Thai language resources and processing has successfully completed its first milestone.

These language technologies will enable Baidu to extend its Web services to the Southeast Asian market and strengthen its leading position in Box Computing technology, enabling efficient Internet researches.

The team has also enhanced I²R’s state-of-the-art speaker verification technology for use on the Baidu Cloud mobile platform, making it possible for mobile phone owners to enjoy secure and personalised mobile service.

“The signing of the joint laboratory agreement in February this year has laid a strong foundation for Baidu to enhance its Internet services,” said Dr Tan Geok Leng, acting executive director of I²R.

“I²R’s expertise in speech and language technologies, combined with Baidu’s deep knowledge of the market needs is a winning formula.

“Baidu Internet users can look forward to more innovative technologies from BIRC in the near future.”