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The National Library Board (NLB) is launching its most extensive S.U.R.E. community outreach programme to date, aiming to educate more than 430,000 individuals about information literacy over a five-month period. The programme is designed to help the public harness the benefits of Generative AI (Gen AI) while safeguarding against online threats such as deepfakes and scams.
The initiative, “Be S.U.R.E. Together: Gen AI and Deepfakes Edition”, will run from June 15 to October 20, 2024, across various community hubs and over 15 public libraries in Singapore, with specific events scheduled at various community hubs.
Launched in 2013, the S.U.R.E. (Source, Understand, Research, Evaluate) initiative has been instrumental in promoting information discernment among Singaporeans. Last year, the programme reached nearly 271,000 participants through both in-person and online events. This year’s expanded outreach aims to further increase participation, reflecting NLB’s commitment to equipping the public with essential digital skills.
The festival’s kickoff was held at Heartbeat@Bedok on June 15, 2024, with Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information, Mr. Tan Kiat How, officiating the event. Attendees can look forward to a variety of hands-on activities and educational resources co-created by NLB and its community partners. Key highlights include interactive quizzes to test participants’ ability to discern Gen AI content, audio-visual resources on Gen AI and deepfakes, and live demonstrations and talks on Gen AI tools and digital inclusion by local tech companies.
One of the significant additions to this year’s programme is the SURE Learning Community, a collaborative effort with CheckMate, a volunteer group dedicated to fact-checking information. This learning marketplace offers a platform for individuals to connect, collaborate, and explore information literacy topics through free resources and programmes. Members of the community can also volunteer as NLB’s SURE Ambassadors or with CheckMate, helping to spread valuable information literacy skills throughout the community.
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Beyond offering a deep dive into the fast-evolving Generative AI technology, we want to empower Singaporeans with timely knowledge and skills to harness the potential power and navigate the challenges of today’s digital landscape. In the spirit of LAB25 to foster an Informed Citizenry well-equipped to thrive in the digital world confidently and safely, we have scaled up our outreach efforts and will also set up the SURE Learning Community this year.”
In addition to the in-person events, the public can access a wealth of information and resources on the SURE website. This includes programmes and resources on Gen AI, combating online scams, digital safety, and wellness, available in multiple languages: English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. This ensures that a broader audience can benefit from these crucial educational materials.
NLB’s ongoing efforts to promote reading, learning, and historical awareness are further supported by its network of 28 libraries, the National Library, and the National Archives of
As AI transforms industries, ethical concerns rise. In Singapore, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) oversees AI governance. Their initiatives and legal frameworks promote innovation and consumer protection. Regular reviews ensure alignment with tech advancements, fostering progress. Singapore leads in AI governance with initiatives like the Model AI Governance Framework and AI Verify, setting global standards for responsible AI use.
Singapore. By fostering strategic partnerships and leveraging digital innovation, NLB continues to enhance citizen engagement and co-creation, making learning opportunities and library resources more accessible to all.
For more information about the Be S.U.R.E. Together initiative and to explore the available resources, visit the SURE website at sure.nlb.gov.sg. Stay updated with NLB’s activities through their Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube channels.
