AI has rapidly become one of the most transformative technologies of our time and Singapore plays an important role in its adoption and governance. With advances in Big Data, computing power and algorithms, AI is being used across multiple sectors, from healthcare and finance to transport and education, reshaping how Singaporeans live and work.
Responsible AI Governance
Singapore has taken a global lead in ensuring AI is deployed responsibly. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (“IMDA”) has introduced a range of initiatives, including the Model AI Governance Framework, the Implementation and Self-Assessment Guide for Organisations (“ISAGO”) and a Compendium of Use Cases, providing practical guidance for businesses on ethics, accountability and transparency in AI.
Central to these efforts is AI Verify, the world’s first AI governance testing framework and software toolkit. Developed in consultation with major technology companies such as Google, Microsoft and Meta, AI Verify sets out 11 governance principles, aligned with international standards, to assess AI systems on factors such as transparency, fairness, robustness, security and societal impact.
Initially piloted internationally in 2022, the framework was open-sourced in 2023 and has since been adopted by companies including Dell, Hitachi and IBM. Importantly, AI Verify has now been enhanced to address the unique risks associated with Generative AI.
Innovation and Enterprise
Singapore’s approach to AI is not only about regulation but also about enabling innovation. Through programmes such as SMEs Go Digital and CTO-as-a-Service, businesses of all sizes are being supported in adopting AI solutions to boost productivity and competitiveness. SMEs have access to pre-approved Generative AI tools with grant support, sector-specific digital plans and complimentary resources to ease the integration of AI into business processes.
IMDA is also investing in foundational infrastructure such as the National Speech Corpus, a large-scale Singapore English dataset to accelerate natural language processing and speech technologies. Pilot projects such as Project Moonshot, GPT-Legal Q&A and the Agentic AGM Demonstrator further demonstrate Singapore’s commitment to applying AI in real-world contexts that benefit businesses and society.
Global Collaboration and Leadership
Singapore has also sought to shape the international AI conversation. Initiatives such as the Singapore Consensus on Global AI Safety Research Priorities and the AI Safety Red Teaming Challenge highlight its leadership in fostering cross-border collaboration on safe and trustworthy AI development. The establishment of the AI Verify Foundation and the Global AI Assurance Sandbox further cement Singapore’s ambition to play a central role in building global standards for AI assurance.
Conclusion
By combining cutting-edge innovation with robust governance, Singapore is not only embracing AI but also building the frameworks necessary to ensure it is used responsibly. This balanced approach strengthens digital trust while driving economic growth, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a leading hub for AI development and deployment.