SG govt looks to deliver 'tangible value' via new National AI Strategy plan

Singapore DPM and minister for finance Heng Swee Keat has announced Singapore's vision to be?a leader in developing and deploying scalable, impactful AI solutions by 2030. It will focus on the key sectors of high value and relevance to Singapore citizens and businesses. According to a press release, the newly-unveiled "National AI Strategy" is key to the next stage of Singapore's Smart Nation journey. It will see Singapore becoming a global hub for developing, test-bedding, deploying, and scaling AI solutions; as well as govern and manage the impact of AI.

The government will be adopting a "human-centric approach" focused on delivering tangible benefits to citizens and businesses through AI. It has identified five National AI Projects for a start to use AI technologies to address key national challenges. They are in:

• Transport and Logistics: Intelligent Freight Planning
• Smart Cities and Estates: Seamless and Efficient Municipal Services
• Healthcare: Chronic Disease Prediction and Management
• Education: Personalised Education Through Adaptive Learning and Assessment
• Safety and Security: Border Clearance Operations

Singapore will develop and implement the National AI Strategy iteratively, to respond to the rapidly changing technology landscape and to seize new opportunities brought about by AI. It will also strengthen partnerships and the collective capabilities between the research community, industry, and government to accelerate the deployment and commercialisation of AI solutions. This will build on existing AI R&D capabilities and an existing SG$500 million investment to further AI research, innovation and enterprise under the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2020 Plan.

Meanwhile, the government?will prepare Singaporeans in the relevant multi-disciplinary skills to take on high quality AI jobs and apply AI solutions to their respective domains. It will also plug into the global flow of ideas and talent to drive technological development. It will also work to improve other key enablers of AI such as data architecture, building of a progressive and trusted environment, as well as international collaboration.

"We aim to be an attractor of good ideas; and particularly for the National AI projects, to be a venue that can nimbly adapt, test and deploy such ideas as real-life solutions. We also aim to contribute as a thought leader in setting AI-related policies and standards," said the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) in a press statement.

Recognising that the National AI Strategy requires dedicated attention and a sustained drive, the Singapore government?has established the National AI Office under SNDGO on 1 October 2019. The office is tasked to set national agenda for AI and to catalyse efforts across research, industry and government stakeholders to work on national AI priorities.

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