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S'pore to test AI agents for delivery of public services

The Straits Times

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August 29, 2025

Govt experimenting with use of sophisticated digital assistants while also prioritising safety

- Krist Boo

S'pore to test AI agents for delivery of public services

Citizens applying for business licences or social workers going through paperwork for aid here might soon be tapping the help of artificial intelligence (AI) agents.

The Government is experimenting with these sophisticated digital assistants that are capable of reasoning, planning and acting on a user's behalf.

Unlike traditional software, they can learn and operate autonomously, completing complex tasks that would typically require human intervention.

These uses were painted by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo on Aug 28 while announcing the creation of a new group to experiment with deploying AI agents for public services. She is also Minister-in-charge of Cybersecurity and Smart Nation Group.

"We can imagine introducing AI agents to help improve public services," she said, addressing about 1,000 guests at a Google Cloud conference at Marina Bay Sands.

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