Singapore launches Model AI Governance Framework (Gen AI) and AI Governance Playbook for Digital Forum of Small States (Digital FOSS)

Model AI Governance Framework (Generative AI)

1. In 2019, Singapore was among the world’s first to articulate AI governance principles through the publication of the Model AI Governance Framework (MGF)¹, updated in 2020, to promote the responsible use of Traditional AI.

2. The advent of Generative AI has reinforced existing risks and introduced new ones. In January 2024, AI Verify Foundation and IMDA extended the work done for Traditional AI and proposed the first comprehensive framework for Generative AI governance, pulling together different strands of global conversation. The Proposed Model AI Governance Framework for Generative AI (MGF-Gen AI) was announced at Davos by Minister for Communications and Information for international views.

• The MGF-Gen AI sets forth a systematic and balanced approach to address generative AI concerns while facilitating innovation. It comprises nine dimensions (see Annex A) to be looked at in totality, to foster a trusted ecosystem. Within these nine dimensions, the framework calls for all key stakeholders, including policymakers, industry, the research community, and the broader public, to collectively do their part.

3. AI Verify Foundation and IMDA have since received over 70 responses on the MGF-Gen AI, from a mix of local and international companies (Mediacorp, SIA), tech MNCs (Microsoft, OpenAI, Google), audit firms (KPMG, Ernst & Young) and Government agencies (A*STAR, US Department of Commerce). Respondents endorsed the MGF-Gen AI as a comprehensive and robust approach to Generative AI concerns.

4. The MGF-Gen AI is finalised today and can be accessed here: https://aiverifyfoundation.sg/resources/mgf-gen-ai/.

Digital Forum for Small States (Digital FOSS) AI Governance Playbook

1. The development and adoption of AI poses unique challenges for small states. To enable small states to harness AI positively, Singapore will be working with Rwanda to lead the development of a Digital Forum of Small States (Digital FOSS) AI Governance Playbook.

2. Tailored for small states, the playbook will address the challenges associated with the secure design, development, evaluation, and implementation of AI systems, taking into consideration the unique constraints that small states face.

3. The aim is to facilitate collaboration among policymakers in FOSS, to establish a trusted ecosystem where AI technologies are utilised for the benefit of the public.

4. Singapore, as the convenor of Digital FOSS, will facilitate the consultation of small states on an outline of the playbook during the Digital FOSS Fellowship Programme, which is in its second run this year². The outline has been developed in collaboration with Rwanda, following preliminary consultations with a few small states at the beginning of the year.

5. The input received from Digital FOSS will play a pivotal role in shaping the playbook as a useful guide for small states and foster an inclusive global discourse on AI.

6. The playbook will be available in end-2024.

• Annex A: Nine Dimensions of the Model AI Governance Framework for Generative AI (408.25KB)