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Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Digital Development Minister Josephine Teo, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan co-chaired the second U.S.-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) Dialogue in Singapore. The dialogue underscored both nations’ dedication to building trusted, open, and secure technology ecosystems to promote responsible innovation, inclusive economic growth, and a rules-based international order.
It showcased notable progress in enhancing collaboration across business, scientific, and national security sectors, with a key focus on negotiating a Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement to strengthen scientific and technological capabilities and foster peaceful cooperation.
The dialogue marked substantial advancements in AI cooperation, with a focus on expanding the mapping of governance and risk management frameworks from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to include generative AI. The partners will collaborate on testing and evaluation, including aligning red-teaming guidelines and benchmarks.
Both nations are committed to developing international AI standards and frameworks. They will collaborate through their AI Safety Institutes, with an initial meeting in September 2024 to exchange insights and identify projects. The National Science Foundation (NSF) and AI Singapore (AISG) will work together on responsible AI research, supported by the U.S.-Singapore Third Country Training Programme. Additionally, an NSF-funded workshop will enhance AI research collaboration with South and Southeast Asian partners.
Efforts to support trusted data flows were emphasised, including participation in the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum and the Global Cooperation Arrangement for Privacy Enforcement network. The addition of new associates to these forums, such as the United Kingdom and Dubai International Financial Centre, was welcomed. The dialogue also underscored ongoing joint efforts to promote data free-flow with trust, including workshops for policymakers and regulators from third countries.
The collaboration will continue to enhance trusted data flows through technology, with NIST and IMDA working together on privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) and a joint challenge addressing emerging areas such as PETs for AI. The bilateral Digital Economic Cooperation Roadmap will guide shared efforts in emerging technologies, data governance, and digital connectivity, providing a framework for collaboration on various aspects of the digital economy.
The dialogue welcomed the June 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Joint Genome Institute (JGI). This MOU will enhance collaboration in microbial genomics and natural product research, involving mutual visits, information exchange, and joint research initiatives. Joint U.S.-Singapore workshops will focus on biotechnology, including potential innovation bridges and biosecurity considerations. Additionally, collaboration will explore standards development in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
Key collaboration areas include 5G and Open Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies, secure 5G networks, and resilient undersea cables for ASEAN. Both nations will advance smart city initiatives through the U.S.-ASEAN Smart Cities Partnership and intensify semiconductor development under the U.S.-Singapore Partnership for Growth and Innovation (PGI), focusing on human capital, R&D, and supply chain collaboration.
An MOU signed in May 2024 enhances bilateral cooperation in adopting and scaling commercial technologies for shared operational challenges. Joint challenges will address priority areas such as maritime security and counter uncrewed-aircraft systems.
The dialogue affirmed ongoing cooperation on quantum-safe migration, including post-quantum cryptography developments. Collaborations will expand in quantum communications, computing, and sensing, with a focus on industry, research, and talent exchanges.
Looking ahead, the next CET Dialogue is scheduled for 2025 in the United States, continuing the effort to deepen collaboration in critical and emerging technologies and advance the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Singapore. This partnership aims to ensure a prosperous and secure future for both nations and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
