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The second annual India-Singapore Judicial Roundtable in New Delhi marked a significant step in the deepening of bilateral ties between the judiciaries of Singapore and India. This year’s discussions stressed the critical role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, in shaping the future of legal frameworks and corporate accountability.
The event provided a platform for legal experts from both nations to delve into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, and governance, reflecting the growing importance of these issues in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
The Singapore delegation, led by Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, engaged in robust discussions on topics that are at the forefront of legal innovation. The Roundtable’s agenda included two key themes: the implications of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues on corporate liability, and the legal challenges posed by AI and AI-generated material. These discussions highlighted the evolving nature of legal responsibilities in the face of technological advancements and environmental changes.
Justice M. M. Sundresh from India presented on the impact of climate change on corporate liability, particularly in the context of insolvency and restructuring. His presentation underscored the growing significance of ESG considerations in legal frameworks, as companies face increasing scrutiny over their environmental and social practices.
Justice See Kee Oon from Singapore offered insights into Singapore’s approach to these issues, highlighting the need for a robust legal framework to address the complexities of ESG-related liabilities.
The Singapore judiciary also led discussions on the attribution of legal liability for harms caused by AI and the recognition of legal rights over AI-generated material. Justice Philip Jeyaretnam presented a paper on these topics, exploring how legal systems can adapt to the rapid advancements in AI technology.
Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque from India responded with perspectives on how Indian law is evolving to address these emerging challenges, highlighting the need for international cooperation in developing legal standards for AI.
Chief Justice Menon emphasised the importance of the Roundtable as a platform for addressing the most pressing legal issues of our time. He noted that the discussions on AI and climate change are particularly timely, as they represent some of the most critical challenges facing humanity today.
Chief Justice Menon also reiterated the commitment of both Singapore and India to strengthening judicial cooperation and the rule of law in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.
The Roundtable not only reinforced the strong bilateral ties between Singapore and India but also underscored the shared commitment of both nations to addressing the legal challenges posed by technological and environmental changes.
As OpenGov Asia reported, Singapore is advancing its legal landscape to address digital age challenges. The Working Group for the Reform of Legal Education has proposed reforms to modernise legal education, targeting law schools, the Bar Examinations, and post-admission training. These changes aim to equip Singapore’s legal professionals to adapt to global trends and uphold the nation’s status as a leading international legal hub.
The Working Group underscored the need for a forward-looking approach to legal education, integrating digital competencies and fostering a culture of lifelong learning among practitioners. This initiative aligns with Singapore’s vision of a dynamic, technology-driven legal industry capable of navigating the complexities of the digital era.
The Ministry of Law and IMDA launched the Legal Industry Digital Plan (IDP) in October 2023, focusing on AI and Generative AI. This plan provides Singapore Law Practices with a roadmap for digital transformation, ensuring the legal profession remains innovative and competitive.
As AI continues to reshape industries and societies, the collaboration between these two judiciaries will play a crucial role in developing legal frameworks that ensure accountability, fairness, and justice in the digital age.
