S'pore proposes new governance framework for generative AI

It is seeking international feedback to help global discussion on issue: Josephine Teo

- Goh Yan Han

Singapore has proposed a new governance framework for generative artificial intelligence and is seeking international feedback on it.

The new Model AI Governance Framework for Generative AI builds on an existing framework from 2019 that covers only traditional AI, and comes at a time when the generative AI scene is still developing.

The framework, developed by the AI Verify Foundation and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), is part of Singapore’s contribution to the global conversation in this space, said Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo on Jan 16.

Speaking to The Straits Times in Davos, Switzerland, where she is attending the World Economic Forum annual meeting, Mrs Teo said AI governance cannot be done only at the country level.

“Our contribution to the global conversation is partly why we have chosen the World Economic Forum to be the launch pad for the updated framework and to seek international inputs,” she said.

“It’s also partly because this field is so nascent. We believe that in order to make progress, somebody has to offer something, put it on the table, and then the global conversation can be further enriched.”

The framework – termed the MGF-GenAI – is expected to be finalised in mid-2024.

Mrs Teo added that the progress of this framework was in parallel with that of the National AI Strategy 2.0 launched in December 2023.

Examples of generative AI include popular content creation tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, while traditional AI include tools that can predict fraud, diseases and employee flight risks.

The new framework, which is meant to be quite comprehensive, identifies nine key dimensions of AI governance, such as accountability and security, as well as testing and assurance, said Mrs Teo.