The Guru's World

Singapore is adopting a more focused approach to artificial intelligence (AI) as governments worldwide grapple with the technology’s implications. Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) needs to consider regulating artificial intelligence.

As the city-state’s media and communication regulatory body, the IMDA promotes responsible AI usage rather than imposing immediate regulations. A new AI testing toolkit, called AI Verify, is being developed to achieve that goal. This tool allows Users to record process checks and perform technical tests on AI models. Among the early adopters of the toolkit are IBM and Singapore Airlines, who participated in a pilot project launched in 2022.

The Surge for Regulation

With the launch of ChatGPT just two months ago, AI has seen much activity in recent months, particularly with its viral success. This buzz has resulted in the governmental intervention being urged worldwide to mitigate AI-associated risks. These concerns have been echoed by industry heavyweights like OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman and Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk.

Lee responds, “We recognize we need to learn from the industry. We will observe how AI is used before deciding if more regulation is necessary.” Regulation can, however, be enacted later.

Harnessing Collective Wisdom

Singapore acknowledges it might have the answers as a small nation, so it relies heavily on industry, research institutions, and other governments for assistance. The AI ethicist at DataRobot, Haniyeh Mahmoudian, is an advisory member of the United States Advisory Committee on AI. She believes such collaboration is mutually beneficial for businesses and policymakers. In her view, industry practitioners have a greater understanding of AI, and collaboration between policy and practice can bridge the gap.

Many of the world’s largest technology companies have joined the AI Verify Foundation – a global community that collaborates on AI standards, governance, and best practices.

A Commendable Step Forward

There has been much praise for Singapore’s AI governance testing framework and toolkit. Brad Smith, the company’s President, and Vice Chair, commended the Singapore government’s leadership in the area.

Treading the Path Together

Even though the Singapore government recognizes AI’s potential risks, it understands the importance of private sector expertise in promoting AI’s ethical use. Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Josephine Teo, says AI should be guided toward beneficial rather than detrimental uses. Singapore’s AI philosophy relies on this collaborative approach.

Other countries are rapidly implementing AI regulations while Singapore is deliberating. A draft of rules for managing generative AI products has been developed by China, which set minimum standards with its Artificial Intelligence Act.

Promoting Innovation in a Safe Environment

Singapore could thrive as a regional steward in such an environment, fostering innovation within a secure environment. According to Clifford Chance, an international law firm with regulatory experience in many markets, Singapore is a good location for testing and deploying technology with regulatory support.

As part of its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox and Healthtech Sandbox pilot projects, Singapore offers industry players a platform to test products before they reach the market.

In Lee’s opinion, AI Verify could prove compliance with specific requirements. The most important thing as a regulator is to know how to enforce regulations.

References

Chiang, S. (2023, June 19). Singapore is not looking to regulate a.i. Just yet, says the city-state’s authority. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/19/singapore-is-not-looking-to-regulate-ai-just-yet-says-the-city-state.html