In a significant stride towards fostering responsible innovation, Singapore and the United States have collaboratively aligned their artificial intelligence (AI) governance frameworks. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore and the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) successfully completed a joint mapping exercise, aligning IMDA’s AI Verify and NIST’s AI RMF. The primary objective of this collaboration is to harmonize international AI governance frameworks, thereby reducing the compliance burden for companies operating in both nations.
Joint mapping for compliance
The alignment of AI Verify, Singapore’s testing framework for responsible AI deployment, with NIST’s AI RMF, a resource aiding companies in mitigating AI-related risks, marks a strategic move. This collaborative effort seeks to provide companies with greater clarity, enabling them to meet the requirements within both frameworks efficiently. By reducing compliance costs, the initiative aims to create an environment conducive to AI deployment and innovation.
According to a statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministry emphasized that the initiative would afford companies heightened lucidity, enabling them to align with the requisites delineated within both frameworks. This strategic move is anticipated to yield a reduction in compliance costs, thereby cultivating an environment more propitious for the deployment and innovation of artificial intelligence (AI).
In conjunction with the collaborative endeavor of joint mapping exercises, meticulous arrangements are currently in progress to institute a bilateral AI governance group. The imminent establishment of this group is poised to assume a pivotal role in the propulsion of mutual principles, serving as a facilitative conduit for the seamless exchange of information germane to the domains of safe, trustworthy, and responsible AI innovation. It is noteworthy that both participating nations are unwavering in their commitment to engaging in consultative dialogues concerning the formulation and evolution of international standards pertaining to AI security, safety, trust, and overarching principles of responsible innovation.
Also, the collaborative synergy unfolding between the venerable US National Science Foundation and the esteemed AI Singapore is slated to hone in on multifaceted aspects of AI, with an ardent focus on the crucial spheres of safety and security. Concurrently, this collaborative paradigm endeavors to spearhead initiatives expressly designed to amplify the contours of workforce development in the dynamic realm of artificial intelligence.
Bilateral AI governance group and collaborative research
The announcement of these bilateral efforts came during the inaugural US-Singapore Critical and Emerging Technology Dialog held in Washington. This dialog not only covered AI but also delved into key areas such as the digital economy, data governance, critical infrastructure, technology supply chains, and quantum technology. Among the initiatives arising from this dialog is the development of a bilateral roadmap for digital economic cooperation. This roadmap will address common principles on issues such as data governance, digital standards, and consumer protection.
Also, the collaboration extends to the defense sector, with plans for the US Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit and Singapore’s Ministry of Defence formalizing a partnership. This collaboration aims to leverage commercial and dual-use technologies, including AI, to address operational challenges for their respective militaries. The scope of collaboration also encompasses information exchange on post-quantum cryptography migration between NIST, the US Department of Homeland Security, Singapore’s National Quantum Office, and Ministry of Communications and Information.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore highlighted the commitment of both the United States and Singapore to leading in future technologies. They emphasized the intention to engage in close consultations to develop measures that contribute to building a strong innovation ecosystem. The focus is on ensuring that emerging technologies play a constructive role in enhancing shared security and prosperity. This collaborative effort between Singapore and the United States not only strengthens their partnership but also sets a precedent for international cooperation in the realm of AI governance and responsible innovation.
