SapiensAI Launches Agnes – Singapore's Homegrown Answer to DeepSeek

• Led by a Singaporean AI savant, Agnes marks a milestone in Southeast Asia's journey towards AI leadership
• Combining real-time web search and personal knowledge memory, Agnes represents a new AI platform built for today's productivity needs
• Agnes is Southeast Asian market oriented, chart interactive, report efficient, and seamless file-to-insight convertible

SINGAPORE, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark moment for Southeast Asia's AI landscape, the technological geniuses of SapiensAI unveiled Agnes AI, a next-generation artificial intelligence agent developed and trained entirely in Singapore on April 14, 2025. The launch event, NUS GRIP, held earlier this month at Innovation 4.0, National University of Singapore (NUS), was attended by academics, tech leaders, and investors eager to witness the region's bold step toward global AI innovation.

Described as "Singapore's DeepSeek," Agnes AI is the brainchild of Bruce Yang, a prominent AI engineer, Co-Founder of SapiensAI and a PhD candidate at the School of Computing at NUS. Built with deep contextual intelligence, locally trained datasets, and advanced large language model capabilities, Agnes AI is designed to execute complex tasks with high-speed precision.

Inspired by tools like Perplexity, OpenAI's GPT, and DeepSeek, Agnes AI stands apart by offering a fully integrated platform that merges real-time search capabilities with a personal memory engine. This hybrid foundation enables Agnes to produce in-depth insights, adaptively recall user-specific content, and dynamically update responses as context evolves.

Agnes AI has demonstrated remarkable improvements in inference stage optimisation, especially when compared to other platforms. In particular, Agnes shows superior efficiency in token usage and faster response generation when producing detailed reports or visual-based analyses. In addition, the user experience during chart-based interactions is notably smoother, thanks to proprietary enhancements to the algorithmic structure that underpins the platform's interactive modules.

(Above: The video introduction by Bruce Yang on the Agnes AI website and platform)

"Let us make it clear, Agnes isn't just an AI assistant. It's a vision of what Southeast Asian technology can achieve when we combine global ambition with local intelligence," said Bruce Yang, Co-Founder of SapiensAI. "We're not here to replicate – we're here to make a change and lead the next generation of AI."

To support seamless integration into modern work environments, Agnes AI allows users to upload local files or submit URLs directly into the interface. Agnes can then synthesize and deliver intelligent feedback, which can be downloaded in PDF or markdown formats, or exported as a shareable HTML webpage — offering maximum flexibility for teams and individuals working across multiple platforms and file ecosystems.

SapiensAI also plans to open-source these innovations together with select research papers in May to promote industry collaboration and progress. This will ultimately contribute to the broader AI agent ecosystem and encourage a new generation of context-aware intelligent systems.

Meanwhile, SapiensAI is preparing to launch a new product in the US and European market in the coming months. This upcoming platform will expand significantly in scale and scope, positioning itself as a next-generation AI productivity and collaboration suite for future-ready organizations around the world.

"We've got top universities like NUS and NTU with brilliant students and research that is recognised across the world. Singapore is already a global hub for business and innovation so why shouldn't we have our own AI startups, just like DeepSeek or OpenAI? It's time we showed the world what we're capable of." Bruce added.

For more information, please visit the official website at https://agnes-ai.com/. 

Members of the media are warmly invited to speak with the SapiensAI team for exclusive insights into the development of Agnes AI and what it means for the future of AI in Southeast Asia. Interview opportunities are available by appointment for virtual sessions. 

About SapiensAI

SapiensAI is a Singapore-based AI company focused on developing intelligent systems that are both locally grounded and globally scalable. Its mission is to build next-generation AI productivity and collaboration tools that understand cultural context, regional languages, and real-world business needs. Led by Bruce Yang, the team is committed to advancing AI innovation and empowering Southeast Asian talent on the global stage.

About Bruce Yang

Bruce Yang is the founder of Sobrr Inc, RetailX, and SapiensAI, and has consistently led innovation in the tech space. A Raffles Institution alumnus, he holds degrees from UC Berkeley and HEC Paris, and is currently pursuing a PhD at NUS. He has worked at Microsoft and LinkedIn, and collaborated with global brands like Walmart, Coca Cola, and Budweiser. Bruce is passionate about leveraging AI to deliver impactful digital solutions worldwide.

SINGAPORE, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a landmark moment for Southeast Asia's AI landscape, the technological geniuses of SapiensAI unveiled Agnes AI, a next-generation artificial intelligence agent developed and trained entirely in Singapore on April 14, 2025. The launch event, NUS GRIP, held earlier this month at Innovation 4.0, National University of Singapore (NUS), was attended by academics, tech leaders, and investors eager to witness the region's bold step toward global AI innovation.

Described as "Singapore's DeepSeek," Agnes AI is the brainchild of Bruce Yang, a prominent AI engineer, Co-Founder of SapiensAI and a PhD candidate at the School of Computing at NUS. Built with deep contextual intelligence, locally trained datasets, and advanced large language model capabilities, Agnes AI is designed to execute complex tasks with high-speed precision.

Inspired by tools like Perplexity, OpenAI's GPT, and DeepSeek, Agnes AI stands apart by offering a fully integrated platform that merges real-time search capabilities with a personal memory engine. This hybrid foundation enables Agnes to produce in-depth insights, adaptively recall user-specific content, and dynamically update responses as context evolves.

Agnes AI has demonstrated remarkable improvements in inference stage optimisation, especially when compared to other platforms. In particular, Agnes shows superior efficiency in token usage and faster response generation when producing detailed reports or visual-based analyses. In addition, the user experience during chart-based interactions is notably smoother, thanks to proprietary enhancements to the algorithmic structure that underpins the platform's interactive modules.

(Above: The video introduction by Bruce Yang on the Agnes AI website and platform)

"Let us make it clear, Agnes isn't just an AI assistant. It's a vision of what Southeast Asian technology can achieve when we combine global ambition with local intelligence," said Bruce Yang, Co-Founder of SapiensAI. "We're not here to replicate – we're here to make a change and lead the next generation of AI."

To support seamless integration into modern work environments, Agnes AI allows users to upload local files or submit URLs directly into the interface. Agnes can then synthesize and deliver intelligent feedback, which can be downloaded in PDF or markdown formats, or exported as a shareable HTML webpage — offering maximum flexibility for teams and individuals working across multiple platforms and file ecosystems.

SapiensAI also plans to open-source these innovations together with select research papers in May to promote industry collaboration and progress. This will ultimately contribute to the broader AI agent ecosystem and encourage a new generation of context-aware intelligent systems.

Meanwhile, SapiensAI is preparing to launch a new product in the US and European market in the coming months. This upcoming platform will expand significantly in scale and scope, positioning itself as a next-generation AI productivity and collaboration suite for future-ready organizations around the world.

"We've got top universities like NUS and NTU with brilliant students and research that is recognised across the world. Singapore is already a global hub for business and innovation so why shouldn't we have our own AI startups, just like DeepSeek or OpenAI? It's time we showed the world what we're capable of." Bruce added.

For more information, please visit the official website at https://agnes-ai.com/. 

Members of the media are warmly invited to speak with the SapiensAI team for exclusive insights into the development of Agnes AI and what it means for the future of AI in Southeast Asia. Interview opportunities are available by appointment for virtual sessions. 

About SapiensAI

SapiensAI is a Singapore-based AI company focused on developing intelligent systems that are both locally grounded and globally scalable. Its mission is to build next-generation AI productivity and collaboration tools that understand cultural context, regional languages, and real-world business needs. Led by Bruce Yang, the team is committed to advancing AI innovation and empowering Southeast Asian talent on the global stage.

About Bruce Yang

Bruce Yang is the founder of Sobrr Inc, RetailX, and SapiensAI, and has consistently led innovation in the tech space. A Raffles Institution alumnus, he holds degrees from UC Berkeley and HEC Paris, and is currently pursuing a PhD at NUS. He has worked at Microsoft and LinkedIn, and collaborated with global brands like Walmart, Coca Cola, and Budweiser. Bruce is passionate about leveraging AI to deliver impactful digital solutions worldwide.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

SapiensAI Launches Agnes – Singapore's Homegrown Answer to DeepSeek

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.

Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.

Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.

Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."

With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.

Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.

Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.

Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."

With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Agoda Data Shows Vietnam Rising as a Favorite End-of-Year Destination for Families Across Asia and Beyond