Apec members should keep cross-border data flowing to unlock value of AI: PM Wong
They should also prepare workers for artificial intelligence, as well as build trust
[GYEONGJU] Keeping cross-border data corridors open is one of three things that Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) members can do to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday (Nov 1) morning.
“AI will drive the next wave of growth in our economies,” he said in his intervention at the second session of the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting, on the theme of preparing a future-ready Asia-Pacific.
“It will uplift productivity, and transform the way we work and live.”
Singapore focuses on applying and using AI, he noted. While the Republic cannot create leading-edge AI foundation models itself, it can use them to develop and create “applications with the biggest impact, in areas like finance, logistics, healthcare and advanced manufacturing”.
“But we can’t do this work alone, and we are very keen to cooperate and exchange best practices with other Apec economies,” said PM Wong.
He suggested ways to unlock the potential of AI while fostering the responsible use and development of it.
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One such step is to “keep data corridors open, because data is what powers AI models”, he said.
“That’s why we support the Apec Cross-Border Privacy Rules, which facilitate the free flow of data with trust, in order to promote AI innovation.”
He added that trade agreements such as the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement – between Singapore, Chile, New Zealand and South Korea – can also enable seamless data flows.
Preparing workers, building trust
Another step is to prepare the workforce for AI through reskilling and job redesign, said PM Wong. “By doing so, we can ensure that the returns from AI investments will accrue not just to the owners of capital, but also to workers, and importantly to all our people.”
Apec economies must also continue to build trust in AI, he said. That is why Singapore plays an active role in global efforts to advance AI standards: to have an overall framework for innovation, and so users know that they are using responsibly developed systems.
He noted that Singapore set up the AI Verify Foundation, which has over 170 members, to set such standards in partnership with the private sector. The Republic also convened experts to formulate the Singapore Consensus on Global AI Safety Research Priorities.
PM Wong commended South Korea for convening the first Apec Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting this year.
He also highlighted the Apec AI Initiative, which will promote cooperation on AI through policy exchanges and capacity-building projects, and foster investments in AI infrastructure.
“Singapore looks forward to working with Apec economies to ensure that our societies benefit from AI,” he concluded. “Together, we can put AI to work on the problems that matter most, so that our people can prosper together.”
In the same session, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung similarly urged Apec member economies to embrace the opportunities afforded by AI.
He said that South Korea hopes to work with Apec members to tackle issues related to AI and demographic change.
With the Apec Summit wrapping up on Saturday, PM Wong heads to Seoul in the afternoon to begin his official visit at the invitation of President Lee.
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