The rise of the next global technology wave
Artificial intelligence has dominated global attention for the past decade, shaping productivity, culture, and entire industries. Yet as AI becomes embedded into daily life, a new technological wave is gathering pace:
Quantum technology, once confined to research labs and theoretical papers, is now moving toward real-world relevance.
Recent milestones reflect this shift. Google has reported progress in quantum algorithms, while China has released an atomic quantum computer for commercial use. These developments signal the beginning of a global race to secure leadership in the next era of computing, an era that could influence security, science, and economic competitiveness for decades.
Understanding the quantum shift
Quantum technology is often associated with complexity, yet its core idea is straightforward. Conventional computers rely on predictable rules and fixed sequences of calculation, but Quantum systems, however, use behaviours found in nature to process and protect information in ways that traditional machines cannot replicate.
This distinction matters because many of the digital systems relied upon today were built for an earlier age. Encryption, secure communication, scientific modelling, and data-heavy processes all depend on computational methods that face growing pressure as technology evolves. Quantum capabilities offer a path to stronger security and faster problem-solving by drawing on the natural properties of physics rather than solely on mathematical rules.
Why it matters now
The global push toward quantum technologies is not only a scientific pursuit but also a strategic one. Nations view quantum capabilities as essential to long-term digital resilience. As computing power continues to rise, security systems designed for past threats may no longer be sufficient.
Quantum-safe methods, particularly those based on genuine physical randomness, are already being commercialised to strengthen the building blocks of digital security. These methods aim to protect information before vulnerabilities emerge, ensuring that communication networks, financial systems, and public infrastructure remain secure in the face of advancing computational capabilities.
The Singapore opportunity
Singapore has taken a deliberate approach to this technological shift. Under the country’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 (RIE) plan, the government has committed an additional S$300 million to quantum research, infrastructure, and talent development. Coordinated by the National Quantum Office (NQO), this investment supports universities, national laboratories, and companies working to translate scientific progress into practical tools.
The ambition is not to compete in scale with global superpowers, but to build a focused ecosystem known for quality, precision, and applied innovation. With its strong research foundation, international partnerships, and emphasis on trust and security, Singapore is well-positioned to become a leading hub for quantum technologies as adoption grows.
From theory to impact
Quantum technology holds potential far beyond cybersecurity – companies such as Quantinuum are exploring superconductivity, and QAI Ventures is working with startups on next-generation quantum simulation. These fields stand to benefit from the ability to model complex systems more accurately than traditional computers allow.
Progress remains steady rather than sudden. Many challenges must still be addressed, including scalability, stability, and integration with existing digital infrastructure. Between 2025 and 2035, global efforts are expected to focus on refining quantum systems, making them more accessible, and bridging the gap between laboratory research and industry deployment.
A new era of possibility
The quantum era is not defined by dramatic breakthroughs alone. It is emerging through careful engineering, long-term investment, and collaboration between scientists, engineers, and policy leaders. As with AI, meaningful progress will come from responsible development and practical integration, not spectacle.
Quantum technology is poised to reshape how information is protected, how complex problems are solved, and how future systems are designed. The path ahead will require continued clarity, public understanding, and thoughtful innovation. What is clear now is that the next chapter of technological progress has already begun, and it carries the potential to influence every sector that depends on computation and trust.
Dr. Goh Koon Tong is Chief Technologist and Co-Founder, Squareroot8 Technologies.
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Featured image: FlyD on Unsplash
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