S’pore seeks to be a better society enabled by AI, not an AI-driven one: PM Wong

Singapore must continue to get the fundamentals right as it transitions to an artificial intelligence world, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The country wants AI to enable a better society, rather than becoming an AI-driven one. Employers need to be deliberate in training and mentoring their junior hires, focusing on AI literacy alongside critical thinking and good judgment.

Singaporean students continue to excel in maths and algebra, according to OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings. The challenge lies in the workplace, as new hires are often tasked with routine work that AI will replace. The Government is working with tripartite partners to ensure employers harness AI fully to reap productivity benefits, while also nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.

The Government has chosen a slower path for AI adoption, acknowledging that a rapid pace could lead to massive global unemployment and backlash against technology. Singapore plans to deploy AI at scale over a decade, providing enough time for affected workers to be reskilled and matched to new job opportunities. The Government will provide fair retrenchments, support programs, and advance notifications to facilitate this transition.

Singapore aims to be an open system that enables different AI firms and partners from around the world to plug in, similar to ASEAN's digital cooperation framework. The Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is a significant step towards harmonizing fragmented rules and reducing friction and costs of cross-border payments, with the Government planning to prioritize these initiatives during its chairmanship of ASEAN next year.