Singapore’s Plans To Navigate Through AI Risks – But At What Cost?

Singapore, a vibrant city-state known for its blend of modernity and cultural heritage, has always been making waves in the world of technology. Now, another exciting news from Singapore is creating quite a buzz. Well, while other countries are rushing to put strict rules in place, the government of Singapore is taking a unique approach to AI regulation.

Lee Wan Sie, the director for trusted AI and data at Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority, recently shared some insights. "We are currently not looking at regulating AI," Lee said. Instead, they're focusing on promoting the responsible use of this technology. Singapore has come up with something revolutionary to support this effort: the world's first AI testing toolkit called AI Verify.


Another report highlights Singapore has been proactive in embracing AI. In 2018, the national initiative AI Singapore (AISG) partnered with the Infocomm Media Development Authority to boost the country's AI capabilities. AI Singapore was set up with express instructions “to catalyse, synergise and boost Singapore’s AI capabilities to power [Singapore’s] future, digital economy.” Even the government has identified AI as one of the four core technologies essential to the country’s push towards being “digitally ready”.

According to Haniyeh Mahmoudian, an AI ethicist at DataRobot and an advisory member of the U.S. National AI Advisory Committee, "It really benefits" both businesses and policymakers. "The industry is more hands-on when it comes to AI. Sometimes when it comes to regulations, you see the gap between what the policymakers are thinking about AI versus what's actually happening in the business," Mahmoudian continued. "So having this type of collaboration, specifically creating these types of toolkits has the input from the industry. It really benefits both sides," she added.


However, it's worth noting that some prominent tech leaders such as Sam Altman from OpenAI and Elon Musk from Tesla, have expressed that AI concerns can be the same as navigating the stormy seas.

Nevertheless, Microsoft's president and vice chair, Brad Smith, commended Singapore's leadership in this area, stating that the country's practical resources, such as the AI governance testing framework and toolkit, help organizations establish strong governance and testing processes.

Additionally, leading tech giants like Google, Microsoft and IBM have already joined the AI Verify Foundation. This global open-source community discusses AI standards and best practices while governing AI together.

It would be interesting to see if Singapore will be able to sail the ship with its refreshing way of fostering collaboration, learning from the industry veterans and ensuring responsible use of AI!

Do you think Singapore's approach to AI regulation is a much-needed breath of fresh air? Or will Singapore face the heat of AI regulation? Our comment section awaits your thoughts!