Amidst the global buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) and the surge in investments in related infrastructure, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasizes the need for governments to address the legitimate concerns surrounding jobs and livelihoods. This call to action comes during the G20 Summit, where leaders gathered to discuss creating a fair and just future for all. Wong highlights the immense potential of AI to improve and transform lives, noting that we are still in the early stages of this AI journey. The excitement and "exuberance" surrounding AI are evident in the massive investments flowing into data centers and other infrastructure. However, he urges fellow world leaders to look beyond the hype and focus on the responsible use of AI. The goal, he says, is to harness AI's long-term potential to build a more efficient and responsive government and boost productivity across all sectors of the economy.
Singapore, Wong explains, has been proactively integrating AI into its public sector to streamline processes, enhance service delivery, and enable public officers to concentrate on higher-value tasks. Businesses are also embracing AI applications, with smaller enterprises accessing AI-powered software and larger companies utilizing advanced AI models or developing in-house models to redesign work processes and scale up new solutions. To facilitate this transition, Singapore is establishing regulatory sandboxes and test beds, allowing companies to experiment safely and bring cutting-edge AI solutions to market more rapidly.
One of the critical challenges, according to Wong, is addressing the genuine concerns about jobs and livelihoods and assisting workers in adapting to the AI-driven world. Singapore takes a proactive approach by closely collaborating with employers and unions to reskill and upskill workers, facilitating transitions to new and better jobs. As an example, Wong mentions how automation in Singapore's ports has allowed crane operators to work in more comfortable, air-conditioned environments, resulting in increased productivity and better pay. He emphasizes that similar challenges will arise in various industries, and countries can learn from each other's experiences.
Wong commends India, Brazil, and South Africa for their leadership in G20 efforts to explore how governments can promote decent work through AI, considering it essential for a fair and just future. The G20, according to Wong, has a crucial role in coordinating global efforts to transform AI into a catalyst for economic growth and good jobs. Singapore is eager to collaborate closely with the G20 to achieve this goal.
Additionally, Wong's trip to Africa includes a visit to Ethiopia, where Singapore and Ethiopia share a long-standing friendship and robust trade relations. Ethiopia was Singapore's 8th largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa last year, with bilateral trade in goods amounting to S$275 million (US$211 million). Singapore firms have also established a presence in Ethiopia, operating in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure development, consulting, agribusiness, and fast-moving consumer goods distribution.
