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Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Ms Josephine Teo, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to technological advancement and responsible governance in a recent address. She highlighted Singapore’s evolving approach to emerging technologies, with a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum technology.
Reflecting on the progress made since last year’s National AI Strategy 2.0 (NAIS 2.0), Minister Teo underscored that Singapore’s approach to AI prioritises security, trust, and real-world value. Key initiatives include extending governance frameworks to Generative AI and launching tools like AI Verify under Project Moonshot. These efforts are complemented by public consultations on guidelines for securing AI systems, ensuring that the technology is robust and secure by design.
On the global stage, Singapore continues to take a leadership role in AI governance, notably spearheading the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics. Collaborations with the United States are particularly significant, with both countries working together on practical testing, benchmarks, and interoperability standards for AI systems, including Generative AI.
Trust remains a core component of Singapore’s AI ecosystem. The country is seeing increased momentum, with businesses expanding AI Centers of Excellence and integrating AI into digital transformation initiatives. A prominent local bank, for instance, has developed over 600 AI models, generating substantial economic value. Within the public sector, AI is being harnessed for social good, such as the Open Government Products’ (OGP) “ReadLiao” tool, which simplifies government communications for seniors.
Singapore’s academic institutions are also playing a vital role in AI innovation. The National University of Singapore (NUS) recently launched a new AI Research and Innovation Centre, focusing on areas like Green AI and AI safety, aligning with national priorities. Furthermore, this initiative will involve deploying a full-stack AI system, boosting the university’s capabilities to collaborate with industry leaders and create solutions relevant to sectors like healthcare and sustainability.
Looking ahead, quantum technology is poised to be Singapore’s next focus area. Quantum computing, communications, and sensing hold transformative potential across sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics. Singapore’s efforts in this domain are well underway, with investments in research and infrastructure dating back nearly 20 years through the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at NUS. The country’s recently announced National Quantum Strategy (NQS) will further strengthen its position as a quantum technology hub, supported by a SG$300 million investment over the next five years.
To prepare for the quantum future, Singapore is focusing on capabilities, infrastructure, and global partnerships. The National Quantum Computing Hub is fostering collaborations across academia, industry, and government to explore real-world use cases. At the infrastructure level, initiatives like the National Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+) are being rolled out to protect critical communications from quantum-enabled threats.
Partnerships remain key to Singapore’s strategy. The country is working closely with global counterparts on quantum standards and use cases. For instance, local startup SpeQtral is piloting quantum key distribution (QKD) technology for secure cross-border communications, with applications across sectors like healthcare and finance.
Singapore’s joint leadership with Japan in developing the first QKD protocol standard under the International Telecommunication Union further highlights its commitment to setting global standards.
Singapore’s approach to AI and quantum technology exemplifies its forward-looking mindset. By focusing on governance, innovation, and collaboration, the nation is positioning itself at the forefront of these transformative technologies while ensuring they are harnessed responsibly. With an emphasis on infrastructure, international partnerships, and robust frameworks, Singapore aims to drive technological leadership and remain agile in addressing the complex challenges that lie ahead.
As emerging technologies continue to evolve, Singapore remains committed to partnering with industry, academia, and global counterparts to drive innovation and enhance national security.
