Singapore joins EU and other nations in call for control and international oversight of frontier AI

Singapore is the only South-east Asian country involved in the joint call.

 PHOTO: REUTERS

SINGAPORE – Amid growing concerns over the risks of artificial intelligence in recent weeks, Singapore, the European Union and 19 other countries are calling for control and international oversight of frontier AI models, a move that was also welcomed by the chief of the United Nations.

In explaining Singapore’s reason for supporting the joint call on AI safety, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in a Facebook post on Sept 22 that the country wants to harness AI effectively to benefit the Republic and its people.

“But as AI becomes more powerful, we must also guard against the risks. And because these risks cross borders, effective safeguards will require international cooperation,” he said, adding that practical ways to build common ground and involve more countries must continue to be found.

“AI holds tremendous promise, but it must always remain under human control and oversight,” added PM Wong.

In a statement on Sept 21, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the joint call for control of frontier AI models initiated by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

The declaration, issued on the same day, was adopted by the leaders of the EU and other nations on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly taking place in New York.

Singapore is the only South-east Asian country involved in the joint statement. China and the United States, the global leaders in AI, are not part of the declaration.