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In today’s digital era, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and governance is gaining prominence as nations strive to ensure AI benefits the greater good. Singapore, a firm advocate for AI in the public interest, emphasises the importance of AI governance in the pursuit of a technologically advanced yet ethical society.
Josephine Teo, the Minister for Communications and Information, shared her insights on AI governance for the greater good at the Tallinn Digital Summit 2023, shedding light on Singapore’s approach to harnessing AI for the benefit of society. In her address, Minister Josephine outlined three key objectives that underpin Singapore’s AI governance strategy.
First is the expanding opportunities. Singapore’s digital governance approach aims to create an environment where people and businesses can thrive. This includes substantial investments in digital infrastructure, fostering capability development, and adapting and updating regulations to keep pace with technological advancements.
Second is ensuring trust and safety. Trust is paramount in the digital age. When Singapore introduces new digital laws or updates existing ones, it actively engages with stakeholders, particularly companies affected by the regulations. Building relationships and involving developers in crafting solutions are key components of this approach. While understanding technology deeply is essential, recognising the limits of such understanding is equally crucial.
The third one is strengthening the community. AI governance should strengthen society. Singapore believes in fostering a sense of community and whole-of-society involvement. International collaboration and cooperation are central to achieving this goal, leading to the convergence of principles, rules, systems, and standards.
Addressing the question of whether a global AI agency should be established, Minister Josephine emphasised the importance of international cooperation in the digital domain. She highlighted the effectiveness of international organisations like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), International Labour Organisation (ILO), and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in governing global commons.
Key factors contributing to the success of these organisations include clear mandates backed by internationally recognised treaties and conventions, enforceable standards, and sustained evolution to adapt to changing needs. Minister Josephine stressed the need to invest in building the foundation for international consensus on AI governance, citing the Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) as a useful reference.
The CRI, a targeted yet comprehensive initiative, focuses on ransomware while covering all aspects related to it. CRI implements common rules, such as preventing ransom monies identified in one country from leaving the financial system of another, thus closing a significant loophole exploited by ransomware criminals. The initiative adopts a pragmatic and inclusive approach to membership, welcoming countries willing to enforce the same rules.
Singapore’s commitment to digital cooperation extends beyond AI governance. The ASEAN Member States have made significant progress in digital cooperation, with initiatives such as a data management framework, Model Contractual Clauses for Cross Border Data Flows by businesses, and discussions on a Digital Economy Framework Agreement.
According to Minister Josephine, Singapore will assume the chairmanship of the ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMin) in January 2024, with plans to launch an ASEAN Guide on AI. She added that these building blocks contribute to the development of global agreements, laying the foundation for a collaborative approach to AI governance.
The Minister stressed that the Tallinn Digital Summit (TDS) serves as a crucial platform for international digital cooperation, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era; hence the summit reflects Singapore’s commitment to global technology governance.
