Artificial intelligence best used as complement to human labour

THE ports and borders sector looks to be growing. It was reported in March that parcel clearance in Singapore last year was more than 40 per cent higher than in 2014; separately, visitor arrivals in the country rose by 7.7 per cent to 16.4 million last year. Assuming this upward trajectory continues, it would mean busier years ahead for Singapore customs.

But inevitably, with growth comes issues that need to be addressed. We have seen reports that it is now tougher for clearance authorities to detect contraband items such as drugs and cigarettes.

Meanwhile, it was reported in May that new drugs have been designed to avoid easy detection. This points to the authorities coming increasingly under pressure to maintain vigilance on all fronts.