S'pore will take a proactive, practical approach in dealing with emerging tech

Josephine Teo announces 3 new initiatives to guide use of Al and quantum computing

- Tham Yuen-C Senior Political Correspondent

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems capable of autonomous actions present unique challenges for society, raising critical questions about accountability when technology malfunctions and when humans lose control over it.

"Who is accountable when agentic Al malfunctions?" asked Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo on Oct 22.

Whether it is agentic AI or quantum computing, which harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems, both require something new from policy makers, she said.

Singapore will take a proactive, practical and collaborative approach to govern such emerging technologies — even before their implications can be fully predicted, said Mrs Teo.

She was speaking at the opening address for a panel on Al on day two of the Singapore International Cyber Week conference, where she announced three new initiatives to guide the use of Al and quantum computing.

These initiatives include an update to the Cyber Security Agency's (CSA) guidelines on securing Al systems, an agreement with major technology companies to share Al-driven intelligence on cyber threats, as well as the launch of quantum readiness and safety documents for public consultation.

Al is already being used to supercharge disinformation and scams, and it has also raised fears about systemic unemployment and cyber warfare.

Quantum computing, meanwhile, with its ability to crunch numbers at incredible speeds, can break current encryption and threaten the foundation of digital systems, potentially altering the way people think about trust.

Both technologies demand immediate action from governments, said Mrs Teo.

She suggested three objectives at this point: Build trust with citizens, ensure that frameworks and tests for Al and quantum computing are relevant and robust, and take timely action.