Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat underscored the significant impact of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) on economies and societies at the NCS Impact 2024 event, while also addressing the importance of managing technological risks.
On 11 July 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat delivered a keynote speech at NCS Impact 2024, held at Paragon Mall. The event gathered technology leaders and stakeholders from the region and beyond. Attendees included Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad, Singtel Group CEO Yuen Kuan Moon, and NCS CEO Ng Kuo Pin.
Looking ahead, DPM Heng spoke about potential breakthroughs in frontier technologies like quantum computing, humanoid robots, and advanced AI, which could revolutionize fields such as cryptography, materials science, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and healthcare.
However, he also addressed the downside risks of technology, such as digital threats and the ethical use of AI. With over 90% of Singapore residents communicating online and increased technology adoption among firms, the exposure to cyber risks has risen. He stressed the importance of protecting against cyber threats and ensuring AI systems are ethical and safe.
To mitigate these risks, Singapore has initiatives like the SG Cyber Safe Programme and the Model Governance Framework for Generative AI, emphasizing transparency and accountability. Additionally, Project Moonshot aims to provide a safer environment for AI use through an open-source toolkit for evaluating large language models.
DPM Heng commended NCS for launching the AI-Digital Resilience Matrix (AI+DR framework) to help organizations assess their AI and digital resilience readiness. He also highlighted NCS’s strategic collaborations with companies like Amazon Web Services, Dell Technologies, Schneider Electric, and Income Insurance to drive innovation and digital transformation.
In his speech, DPM Heng underscored the need for practical use cases and applications of technology, mentioning Singapore’s development of ASEAN’s first AI large language model, SEA-LION, trained in local and regional languages. He encouraged partnerships across different domains to effectively harness technology for economic growth and societal benefit.
He also focused on building the capacity of firms and workers to use technology, citing initiatives like the Digital Enterprise Blueprint and the Information & Communications Job Transformation Map (I&C JTM). He praised NCS for its efforts in upskilling and reskilling tech professionals through programs like NCS Fusion and Ignite.
In conclusion, DPM Heng called for collaboration among technology experts, providers, and users to explore and innovate together, emphasizing the importance of forums like NCS Impact in strengthening the technology ecosystem.
Source – PMO
