68 S'pore writers sign statement on NLB's 'uncritical endorsement' of generative AI

Members of Singapore's literary community are calling on the National Library Board (NLB) to exercise greater prudence in adopting generative artificial intelligence (AI) or risk "permanently damaging Singapore's literary landscape".

- Shawn Hoo

A collective statement signed by 68 writers released on Jan 7 questioned the NLB's "uncritical endorsement" of the technology. The library has introduced a series of programmes using AI since January 2024, including StoryGen, a generative AI prototype for immersive experiences jointly produced with Amazon Web Services.

The signatories, who include writers, publishers, educators and other cultural workers, called on the library to remove any suggestion that generative AI is "an adequate substitute for traditional writing development". It also called on NLB to educate the public on the technology's limitations, as well as its negative impact on learning and the environment.

Among the signatories are Cultural Medallion recipient Haresh Sharma, Singapore Literature Prize winners Prasanthi Ram and Marylyn Tan, International Booker Prize-longlisted translator Jeremy Tiang, as well as Peter Schoppert, former president of the Singapore Book Publishers Association.