Singapore’s Master Plan to Regulate AI

Introduction

Singapore has adopted a balanced approach to AI governance to facilitate innovation while safeguarding consumer interests, serving as a global reference point. The country has developed AI Verify, a testing framework and software toolkit comprising 11 AI ethics principles, allowing organizations to validate their AI systems’ performance. The toolkit helps conduct technical tests and process checks, generating testing reports for transparency. AI Verify can currently test common supervised learning models and has garnered interest from local and multinational companies.

In 2019, the Government of Singapore launched its FIRST NATIONAL AI Strategy that paved the path for Singapore to become a Smart Nation. This strategy focused on three aspects which are-

• Singapore will be a global hub for developing, test-bedding, deploying, and scaling AI solutions. This includes learning how to govern and manage the impact of AI.
• Governments and businesses will use AI to generate economic gains and improve lives. AI will raise the Government’s capability to deliver anticipatory and personalized services, and will also be a strong driver of growth in key sectors of Singapore’s economy.
• Singaporeans will understand AI technologies and the benefits it can bring; our workforce will be equipped with the necessary competencies to participate in the AI economy

 The PDPC and IMDA launched the Model AI Governance Framework, a voluntary and non-binding set of principles and best practices for organizations to adopt when deploying AI solutions. The Advisory Council on the Ethical Use of AI and Data was also established in the same year to advise the government on ethical issues related to AI and data.

In 2020, the PDPC released the second edition of the Model Framework, which includes additional considerations and refinements for greater relevance and usability. The same year, the AI Verify program was developed as an AI governance testing framework and a software toolkit to help organizations validate the performance of their AI systems against 11 AI ethics principles.

In 2021, the IMDA set up the AI Verify Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that harnesses the collective power and contributions of the global open-source community to develop AI Verify testing tools for the responsible use of AI. In 2023, Singapore launched its National AI Strategy 2.0, which is an attempt by Singapore to use AI for the public good and harness its ability for transformation and development. Through this strategy, Singapore introduced five national projects to deepen the use of AI technologies to transform the country. The fundamental shift from the First National AI strategy includes-

1. Recognize AI as a necessity, not just an opportunity. Singapore needs both experts and everyday users to fully utilize AI’s potential.
2. Aim for global leadership in AI. Collaborate with global networks to address complex AI challenges and contribute valuable innovations to the world.
3. The shift from isolated projects to a holistic approach. Bring together stakeholders to scale up AI solutions for broader societal and economic impact in Singapore.

These initiatives demonstrate Singapore’s commitment to fostering a trusted and progressive AI environment that benefits businesses, employees, and consumers while ensuring ethical and responsible AI deployment.