In an effort to prepare for a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, public servants in SINGAPORE will soon be required to participate in a mandatory AI literacy course. This initiative was announced on Friday (Sep 19) by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.

The course aims to promote responsible AI usage within the public sector and will be a complement to existing digital leadership training programs, according to Mr Gan, who spoke at the annual Public Service Leadership ceremony.

Mr Gan stated, “As leaders, we must set the tone by being open to using AI in our own work, encouraging our teams to do the same, and guiding our people to use these tools effectively and thoughtfully.”

Government Emphasizes AI’s Importance

Describing AI as “one of the defining technologies of our time,” Mr Gan emphasized the necessity for the public service to acknowledge AI’s profound impact and adapt its strategies accordingly.

He also noted the increasing adoption of AI by businesses to enhance competitiveness and generate new value.

Mr Gan asserted, “The public service must not only keep up with these changes, but also lead in applying AI-driven tools to govern better and serve better.”

“The public service must not only keep up with these changes,but also lead in applying AI-driven tools to govern better and serve better.”

AI Adoption in Public Service

According to Mr Gan, approximately one-third of the 150,000 public servants in SINGAPORE regularly utilize an in-house AI assistant called Pair. Moreover, over 16,000 custom AI bots have been developed to automate tasks and improve responsiveness.

He urged public servants to find meaningful applications for AI within their respective fields, highlighting that proficiency in these tools will be crucial for effective regulation and the protection of SINGAPORE.

Mr Gan concluded, “With stronger capabilities in AI and data, we can detect scams earlier, respond faster to cyber threats and reduce online harms more effectively.”