Transcript of Minister Josephine Teo’s Intervention at the Global Dialogue for AI Governance: High-Level Governmental Plenary Segment on Harnessing the Benefits of AI for All[...]

Thank you for coming together to discuss a very important topic. By now, many countries have some experience promoting AI adoption. Let me share what Singapore has learnt, from a governance perspective.

The first lesson is that we need a few building blocks to achieve our AI goals for the economy and society.

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   One, reliable infrastructure, including the software layer that makes AI accessible and useful.

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   Two, access to quality data. Among the 11 states of ASEAN, we have established a Digital Economy Framework Agreement to develop common rules and interoperable standards to support cross-border data flows.

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   Three, capabilities. People and organisations that know how to use AI confidently, maximising its upsides and minimising its downsides.

The second lesson is the need to build trust, because people will not use a technology they do not trust.

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   For example, Singapore has published guidelines on the responsible use of data for AI models and on AI agents. We update our laws to deal with AI risks. We also partner international bodies like the ISO and IEC to standardise the methodology for testing Generative AI systems.

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   But it is important to recognise that so much is still unknown about AI risks. Singapore has therefore hosted the International Scientific Exchange for AI Safety - experts from academia, industry, and civic organisations who have in turn developed the Singapore Consensus for AI Safety Research Priorities.

The third lesson is that AI can be a significant force for good.

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   The government itself can use AI to be more efficient and effective when delivering public services.

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   But whether in the public or private sectors, it takes more than big bang announcements and high-profile projects. It is more like the patient work of tending a garden - sowing seeds and removing weeds before the flowers bloom.

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   The Global Dialogue on AI Governance and other platforms can be a community of AI gardeners growing each member state's capacity for vibrant yet safe AI ecosystems.

Singapore will remain committed to doing our part, so that the benefits of AI can be enjoyed by the many and not the few.

Thank you.