Perspectives on Singapore's AI Evolution: A Strategic Shift for the Future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to transform global economies and societies, and governments will need to be mindful, proactive, and innovative in their policymaking to ensure such transformative effects are effectively harnessed for the public good.  

It is within this context that Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled Singapore’s updated national AI strategy on 4 December 2023, remarking that Singapore's integration of AI tools across healthcare, education, security, and more, is no accident, but the result of meticulous planning and sustained investment over the years. Singapore sees the updating of its strategy as a turning point, emphasising the need for a new approach to not only embrace AI but also mitigate its potential risks. Singapore’s intention to adopt a leading global position for AI development and regulation is also hinted at in the name of the strategy, which is dubbed “National AI Strategy 2.0: AI for the Public Good for Singapore and the World”. 

NAIS2.0: Three Key Shifts

Singapore: Poised for Global Leadership in AI? 

As AI transforms the global economy, nations are engaging not only in an arms race for the best tech and infrastructure to power their AI transformations, but also in a relentless "brain race" for the best minds to shape policies and regulation. Singapore appears well poised in both these races. 

Against the backdrop of the release of the National Strategy 2.0 (NAIS2.0), we take stock of the plan and offer perspectives on Singapore’s strategic position when it comes to AI. 

Building an Innovation Ecosystem: Mastering AI Across Sectors 

Singapore, increasingly lauded as a global leader in tech and innovation, was also among the pioneers in adopting a national AI strategy back in 2019. Since then, there has been notable progress in implementing AI projects, ranging from border clearance operations to predicting chronic diseases and optimising logistics. The government's commitment is evident with an investment exceeding SGD 500 million in research and development through the AI Singapore national research program. 

There have also been strides in education, with students benefiting from personalised learning experiences and teachers enjoying the efficiency of automated marking systems. In healthcare, AI applications have empowered medical professionals to screen for various illnesses with increased accuracy. Hospitals now leverage AI to detect heart diseases, malaria, and even near-invisible cancerous growths. 

The nation's borders, too, are set for a technological leap with the development of a next-generation gantry, allowing seamless immigration clearance through a simple walk-through process. AI is not only transforming traditional processes but also contributing to a more efficient and streamlined society where convenience does not come at the cost of security. 

Such technological advancements often come at the cost of certain human roles becoming redundant – a fact DPM Wong acknowledged before offering reassurance, “Knowledge-based work like research, coding and writing was considered safe from disruption in the past. But with AI, that is no longer the case... The Government plans to invest significantly in adult education and training to reskill and upskill our workers.” Singapore intends to triple its number of AI practitioners to 15,000.

Advanced communication and global internet network connection in smart city

Advanced Infrastructure for AI Acceleration 

In the past two decades, Singapore has also achieved remarkable progress in establishing itself as a key global data centre hub. Leveraging its strategic geographical positioning, resilient fibre broadband connectivity, widespread availability of cloud services, and business-friendly policies, the city-state has fortified its position. Presently, it boasts a robust digital infrastructure comprising 100 data centers, 1,195 cloud service providers, and 22 network fabrics.  

The strategic importance of such infrastructure is illustrated by the fact that world-leading AI chipmaker Nvidia derived 15% of its revenue from Singapore in its recently concluded 2023 third quarter results. In a telling sign of how crucial Singapore is becoming perceived by the AI giant, CEO Jensen Huang visited the city-state on 6 December, where he met the Prime Minister, spoke of how Nvidia is planning “some large investments”, and even directly praised the just-released NAIS2.0, saying, “I love that the ambition of [NAIS2.0] is not just to be participating in artificial intelligence but to be excellent in artificial intelligence, to be a world leader in artificial intelligence - and there's every reason to believe that [Singapore] can.” 

Global Recognition and Collaboration 

Singapore's dedication to AI innovation has earned the nation high rankings in global AI indices, fostering a conducive environment for over 80 active AI research faculties and 1,100 AI-related startups. In a significant move in 2023, several tech firms, including industry giants like Google and Microsoft, united to form the AI Verify Foundation, which also includes the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). With the mainstream emergence of generative AI, represented by ChatGPT and similar large language models, Singapore recognizes the need for an expanded strategy. This Singapore-based foundation emphasises responsible AI development and addresses issues such as biased databases and misinformation. 

Navigating AI Regulations: A Global Imperative 

The race to regulate AI globally has gained momentum as concerns grow over its impact on jobs, safety, and privacy. In Southeast Asia, this imperative is shaping domestic policies and influencing the trajectory of evolving technology. 

An international milestone was recently achieved with the first-ever AI Safety Summit held in the UK. Over 25 countries, including the US and China, affirmed the safe and responsible use of AI, emphasizing "strong responsibility" on developers to test their systems for safety. Simultaneously, the European Union is finalizing its AI Act, a comprehensive law classifying AI systems by risk and mandating development and use requirements. Singaporean PM Lee, who joined the summit virtually, reiterated, "AI is developing rapidly, transforming lives while raising deep ethical questions", further adding how Singapore is taking steps to mitigate these risks.  

Harmonizing AI Regulations in Southeast Asia 

It is crucial for ASEAN to craft an inclusive AI framework that aligns with global trends while catering to the diverse needs of member states. As ASEAN formulates its AI governance guide, experts anticipate it serving as a pivotal document, urging member states to enact or refine laws for a coordinated regional effort. However, a prerequisite for success involves individual states developing robust AI regulations at home. Individual states, including Singapore, are taking proactive measures, exemplified by amendments to the Copyright Act for AI art platforms. As Singapore develops its digital economy, a trusted ecosystem is key—one where organizations can benefit from tech innovations while consumers are confident to adopt and use AI. In the global discourse on AI ethics and governance, Singapore believes that its balanced approach can facilitate innovation, safeguard consumer interests, and serve as a common global reference point. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), for example, has developed AI Verify, an AI governance testing framework and software toolkit, consisting of 11 AI ethics principles that align with international frameworks. AI Verify helps organizations validate the performance of their AI systems through standardized tests. 

Public Trust in Government: A Pillar of AI Progress 

Building trust in the digital world is crucial for people to have faith and buy-in in how the government uses and regulates AI. Blackbox's SensingSG reveals crucial sentiments among Singaporeans regarding AI. When addressing AI's impact on trust in online services for data protection, 36% of Singaporeans believe AI will increase data vulnerability. However, when asked to identify their top three trusted providers of digital services providers four in five Singaporeans (78%) selected the government – their no.1 choice. Keeping these trust deposits high will become critical as AI continues to permeate significant aspects of citizen life. Keeping these trust deposits high will become critical as tech, and more specifically AI, continues to permeate significant aspects of citizen life. 

Blackbox’s take on Singapore’s tech trajectory 

In this age of AI and data, where technological advancements intersect with societal trust, Singapore’s progressive and proactive stance can set the right example. The nation's strategic vision, coupled with a deep-seated trust in the government's role, paves the way for a future where tech is harnessed for the global good. With careful navigation and responsible practices, Singapore is poised to shape a future where AI enhances lives, fosters innovation, and addresses the pressing challenges of our time. 

Blackbox has been covering developments around AI since the time it emerged as a potential game-changer in how we do business. If you are interested in understanding how to leverage these insights for your line of work, please reach out to us at connect@blackbox.com.sg 

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