Singapore revamps national AI strategy for global leadership

The National AI Strategy 2.0 focuses on talent development and infrastructure to position the country at the forefront of the evolving AI landscape.
By: | December 6, 2023
Topics: Digital Transformation | Learning and Development | News | Singapore

Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled Singapore’s updated AI strategy, declaring that AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity for all. The revamped plan, dubbed National AI Strategy 2.0: AI for the Public Good for Singapore and the World, aims to position the republic at the forefront of the global AI race.

Wong emphasised the evolving nature of knowledge-based work citing recent breakthroughs in generative AI, including tools like ChatGPT, which empowers individuals with near-human-like intelligence. Acknowledging the transformative potential, he stressed the need for a systematic approach to harness AI benefits while mitigating risks like job displacement, deepfakes, cyberattacks, and misinformation.

The updated strategy expands beyond sector-specific applications to focus on talent development, fostering a thriving AI industry, and maintaining a leading-edge infrastructure. Wong announced the government will make a significant investment in adult education to triple the number of AI practitioners in Singapore to 15,000, catering to both local talent and international experts.

Addressing job displacement concerns, Wong assured substantial investments in training, urging AI-related organisations to contribute to building a robust industry. The strategy encourages the creation of new AI models for wider applications, especially in key sectors like advanced manufacturing, financial services, and biomedical studies.

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Researchers will prioritise enhancing AI’s understanding of logical and physical concepts, ensuring transparency and responsible practices. Singapore aims to back these ambitions with sufficient computing power, creating a trusted environment for AI.

“We will not be able to compete with the major powers in assembling raw computing power, but we will do everything we can to ensure that we have the computing power to meet our growing research and industry demands, and to fully back our strategic AI agenda,” he concluded, reported The Straits Times.