Singapore, a small island nation with unfavorable natural conditions, has risen to become one of the countries with the most developed digital economies in the world by taking full advantage of technological advantages, including the power of artificial intelligence (AI).
According to prestigious rankings by Oxford Insights, GlobalData and PwC, Singapore is consistently among the top countries in terms of AI readiness, AI ecosystem development and AI investment. In 2022 alone, the country had more than 1,000 startups in the AI field.
The market size in the AI sector is expected to reach US$1.05 billion by 2024, with a projected annual growth rate (2024-2030) of 28.10%, reaching a market volume of US$4.64 billion by 2030[1]. Behind these successes are valuable lessons about the vision, determination and action of the government, along with the cooperation of businesses and Singaporeans.
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| Singapore's Waterwise water management application model. |
Pioneering vision in AI development
Singapore has long recognized the pivotal role that digital technology and AI will play in the country’s future development. As early as 2010, the country began implementing its vision of a “smart nation” that uses technology to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Singapore has identified seven key areas that will be prioritized for development using technology, including healthcare, education, finance, logistics, smart cities, government and security. Along with that, Singapore has established the National Artificial Intelligence Agency (AI Singapore) and the International Council on AI Ethics to establish a legal framework and ethical principles for AI governance.
Singapore's first National AI Strategy (NAIS) was launched in 2019 with a grand vision of turning Singapore into a global hub for AI research, development and deployment by 2030, focusing on five pillars: tripartite partnerships between government, business and academia, developing national data infrastructure and architecture, attracting and nurturing AI talent, building a trusted AI environment for citizens, and promoting regional and international cooperation.
By 2023, the Singapore government will launch the New AI Strategy (NAIS 2.0), which reflects Singapore’s greater ambition to become a leader in responsible and sustainable AI research, development, and deployment. NAIS 2.0 focuses on applying AI to address global challenges, investing in competitive AI initiatives, and enhancing public trust in humane and friendly AI applications[2].
Widespread and comprehensive AI applications
With a strong vision and political determination, Singapore has vigorously promoted AI development, becoming the country with the most extensive and diverse AI application. Almost every area of economic and social life has applied AI with practical initiatives and applications. Some typical areas include:
In terms of healthcare, Singapore is one of the leading countries in applying AI to improve the quality of diagnosis, treatment and healthcare for its people. AI technologies are used to forecast patient volume, optimize hospital bed management and provide personalized healthcare services through the HealthHub platform[3].
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore has rapidly developed and deployed AI applications such as a medical consultation chatbot system, software to predict vaccine side effects[4] or patient care robots[5]...
In particular, a series of AI robots have been launched as "virtual companions" such as Mabu and ElliQ with contextual conversation features, transmitting information and encouraging the elderly, contributing to improving physical and mental health for people[6].
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| AI Robot Florence Analyzes Patient Vital Signs |
In terms of education, Singapore aims to develop a personalized education system that adapts to each student based on the power of AI. The Ministry of Education has released AI applications such as AEIS and iLMS that can deeply analyze students' homework answers to assess their level of knowledge mastery and recommend appropriate learning content and progress for each student. 3 Teachers are also supported by AI in identifying each student's weaknesses to take timely measures.
The logistics industry of the lion island is transforming strongly thanks to AI applications such as Nextbillion.ai, Detrack... helping businesses optimize every step from transportation, warehouse management, route arrangement to delivery, bringing a better experience to customers[7].
In addition, AI has become a pillar in building smart, sustainable cities in Singapore. The government uses AI tools such as Waterwise, OneService App, to make data-based urban planning, monitor water and energy usage, and manage waste to optimize resources and minimize environmental pollution. 3. Smart transportation systems with self-driving cars[8], automated highways, and delivery robots are gradually becoming a reality in this country.
In terms of public administration, AI applications have significantly improved the quality of public administrative services in Singapore. The Life SG application connects a series of administrative procedures such as passport registration, birth registration, child school admission, or financial services to top up the Central Provident Fund... on the same platform, saving time for people[9].
Building an AI Governance Framework
To facilitate the development of the enormous untapped potential of AI, while minimizing the uncertainties and risks of new technology, Singaporean policymakers have developed a Model AI Governance Framework that is oriented towards governance based on a number of basic principles, without going into details.
The Governance Framework consists of two main components: a set of ethical principles for responsible AI deployment and a set of governance practices to realize these principles. Specifically, the Governance Framework sets out four ethical principles for AI: fairness, transparency, human-centeredness, and accountability[10]. Governance measures are identified in four key areas:
Ensure a transparent internal governance structure: Develop a clear organizational structure that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of each individual and department in each stage related to AI. Establish standard processes to monitor the development, deployment and operation of AI. In addition, organizations need to develop a reporting and risk management mechanism related to AI, and train employees on AI ethics and their responsibilities in the process of deploying this technology.
The central role of humans in the development and use of AI: Assess the potential impact of AI on people and society. Next, identify key points in AI decision-making that require human supervision or intervention. At the same time, establish a process for humans to intervene or veto AI decisions when necessary. Ensure that the final decision on important issues remains with humans, affirming the irreplaceable role of humans in the use of AI.
Managing the entire operational process: This includes data management to ensure the accuracy, representativeness, and timeliness of the data input to AI. In addition, algorithm management to ensure transparency and repeatability is also important. Thoroughly documenting the design and purpose of an AI model not only helps ensure accountability but also facilitates future improvements and development. Finally, establishing a process for continuous testing and evaluation of the performance of an AI system helps ensure that the technology always operates effectively and reliably.
Stakeholder engagement and communication: Provide transparent information about the use of AI to users and stakeholders. Organizing educational activities and raising awareness about AI among the public helps create an environment conducive to the development of this technology. At the same time, establishing channels to receive feedback from users and stakeholders on the impact of AI is also important to improve AI systems and governance processes, which not only helps improve the quality of the technology but also strengthens public trust in AI.
Notably, the AI Governance Framework is designed as a living document, ready to change and adapt flexibly to keep up with the rapid development of AI technology.
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| Life SG app with over 40 government services. |
Reference points for Vietnam
Vietnam is also in the process of developing strategies, policies and legal frameworks for AI development and governance. Recently, our Party and State have demonstrated strong political determination in promoting research, application and development of AI technology. Resolution No. 52-NQ/TW on “Some guidelines and policies to proactively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution” has identified AI as one of the breakthrough technologies that need to be prioritized[11].
Decision 127/QD-TTg 2021 of the Prime Minister approving the "National Strategy on Research, Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence to 2030" aims to bring Vietnam into the group of 4 leading countries in ASEAN and the top 50 countries in the world in AI[12]. However, to realize these great ambitions, there must be a roadmap and solutions that are synchronous, fundamental and breakthrough.
Singapore's experience offers some valuable lessons that Vietnam can learn and creatively apply in its own context:
Firstly, it is necessary to build a long-term vision and national strategy on AI development and application based on Vietnam's strengths and practical needs. The strategy needs to identify key programs and projects on research, ecosystem development and AI application, especially priority areas where Vietnam has great potential and demand such as smart agriculture, smart cities, healthcare, education, transportation, etc.
It is necessary to continue to improve the legal framework and preferential policies on tax, credit, land, infrastructure, and human resources to encourage businesses, research centers, and universities to invest in AI. In particular, it is necessary to focus on developing and perfecting the national database system as a foundation for AI development and application while paying attention to protecting the security and safety of personal data.
Second, it is necessary to expand the deployment of AI-based applications and services in many fields to increase transparency and efficiency of public administration. The Government pilots public products and services that apply AI to improve operational efficiency and serve people, such as legal consulting chatbots, virtual assistants to support information searches, online licensing, and smart traffic regulation.
Realizing AI application projects will help people see the practical benefits of technology, thereby increasing social support for the national digital transformation process.
Third, we should refer to Singapore's flexible and agile approach to AI governance. Instead of applying rigidly framed imperative rules, we should build a governance framework based on some basic principles to both control risks and not constrain innovation. Basically, we can refer to Singapore's Model Framework on the principles of accountability at all stages, risk management in AI decision-making logic, ensuring transparency and fairness of AI, and focusing on human interests and safety in AI applications.
State management agencies need to proactively consult with stakeholders such as businesses, experts, and users to come up with an AI management approach that is both practical and receives high social consensus.
Fourth, it is necessary to continue to actively participate in international discussions on AI development and governance within the framework of ASEAN and the United Nations, contributing to the development of common standards on regional and global AI ethics and governance.
This requires the cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with specialized ministries to ensure a balance between major strategic orientations of foreign affairs and harmoniously handling technical issues, protecting interests, and preventing risks for domestic enterprises.
Researching and appropriately applying Singapore's experience will not only help Vietnam maximize the great potential of AI in socio-economic development but also effectively address the challenges posed by AI, contributing to the successful implementation of the national digital transformation goal and soon making Vietnam a center of innovation in the ASEAN region as the major orientations set out by the Party and Government.
(*) Institute for Strategic and Foreign Policy Studies - Diplomatic Academy
[1] “Artificial Intelligence - Singapore | Market Forecast.” nd Statista. https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/artificial intelligence/singapore.
[2] References from sources: Singapore National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, https://www.smartnation.gov.sg/files/publications/national-ai-strategy.pdf; AI Singapore (National Artificial Intelligence Agency of Singapore): https://aisingapore.org/; Infocomm Media Development Authority (Singapore) - Artificial Intelligence: https://www.imda.gov.sg/AI .
[3] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-government-services-optimization-singapore-smart-nation-babin-ad7re
[4] https://opengovasia.com/2023/09/06/singapores-asar-transforming-vaccine-safety/
[5] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/robotic-nursing-assistant-can-take-patients-vital-signs-freeing-up-nurses-for-other-tasks
[6] https://theindependent.sg/robot-companion-for-elderly-in-2019-all-set/#google_vignette
[7] https://vnextglobal.com/category/blog/best-logistics-software-Singapore
[8] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/singapore-driverless-cars-autonomous-vehicles-transport-road-traffic-safety-3233236
[9] https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/lifesg-app-replaces-moments-of-life-offers-more-than-40-government-e-services
[10] Model AI Governance Framework - Second Edition (Singapore): https://www.pdpc.gov.sg/model-ai-gov
[11] Resolution No. 52-NQ/TW of the Politburo on a number of guidelines and policies to proactively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: https://tulieuvankien.dangcongsan.vn/van-kien-tu-lieu-ve-dang/hoi-nghi-bch-trung-uong/khoa-xii/nghi-quyet-so-52-nqtw-ngay-2709-2019-cua-bo-chinh-tri-ve-mot-so-chu-truong-chinh-sach-chu-dong-tham-gia-cuoc-2909
[12] Decision 127/QD-TTg 2021 approving the "National Strategy on Research, Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence to 2030": https://thuvienphapluat.vn/van-ban/Cong-nghe-thong-tin/Quyet-dinh-127-QD-TTg-2021-Chien-luoc-quoc-gia-nghien-cuu-phat-trien-ung-dung-tri-tue-nhan-tao-460789.aspx
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