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At a recent platform, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, shared her vision for the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in Singapore, emphasising the importance of open-source AI in advancing the country’s digital transformation goals.
Minister Teo began by highlighting Singapore’s proactive approach to developing its National AI Strategy, which was revamped at the end of last year. She explained that AI’s “democratising” effect was a key consideration in the strategy’s formulation. This democratisation allows individuals and smaller developers to access advanced technology, creating societal benefits.
Since AI is a relatively new field, she noted, there is no established playbook for governments to follow. Instead, Singapore and other nations must work collaboratively to develop solutions that best serve the public good.
The Minister emphasised that open-source AI plays a critical role in empowering developers who lack the extensive resources available to large businesses. For these innovators, access to a robust, pre-existing AI base is essential.
“If they have to start from scratch, the journey would be just too difficult,” Minster Teo said.
She pointed to the availability of sophisticated models in Singapore as a key enabler of AI development in the region. Over the past few months, Singapore’s AI ecosystem has rapidly expanded, with companies like DBS, Singapore Airlines, and Prudential developing thousands of use cases. Many of these initiatives began with open-source models, highlighting their importance in fostering innovation.
In addition to enterprise use, Minster Teo underscored how AI is transforming industries like manufacturing and healthcare. She mentioned the recent launch of an AI Centre of Excellence for the manufacturing sector, which aims to integrate AI across various manufacturing settings to enhance competitiveness.
Similarly, the Centre of AI in Medicine (C-AIM) was established to explore how AI can improve healthcare outcomes. Minister Teo added that the research community is increasingly interested in leveraging AI tools to accelerate scientific discovery.
Minister Teo also highlighted the Singapore government’s commitment to supporting research innovation. Significant resources have been allocated to interdisciplinary research, particularly in biomedical and material sciences. By providing researchers with access to advanced AI models, Singapore is facilitating more efficient and impactful scientific advancements.
Minister Teo emphasised Singapore’s open-minded approach. She stated that the government does not adhere to a “not invented here” mindset and welcomes innovation from any source, as long as it can be implemented to benefit Singapore. She was excited about various projects including the one that focused on reducing energy consumption in buildings – an initiative aligned with Singapore’s climate goals.
Minister Teo stressed the importance of fostering a vibrant AI ecosystem, where developers, researchers, and industry professionals regularly interact and exchange ideas. She cited a group of AI developers who meet weekly to collaborate on government-related projects as an example of how knowledge-sharing can spur innovation. The government encourages the formation of similar AI-related communities across sectors such as healthcare, finance, and research.
Addressing concerns about AI risks, Minister Teo acknowledged the potential dangers, including bias, data manipulation, and the reduction of human oversight. To mitigate these risks, she highlighted the importance of implementing AI responsibly. Singapore is committed to identifying and understanding these risks and testing for them before deploying AI models on a larger scale. This approach ensures that AI is adopted ethically and in ways that protect public trust.
Minister Teo’s vision for Singapore’s AI future is one of inclusivity, collaboration, and responsibility. By leveraging open-source AI and fostering a culture of innovation, Singapore aims to lead in AI development while ensuring that its deployment serves the public good and adheres to high ethical standards.
