Gan Kim Yong on AI Literacy and Global Trade Challenges

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has set the stage for a robust discussion on navigating the complexities of global trade and the burgeoning role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public service. In separate recent addresses, Mr Gan highlighted the challenges Singapore faces in securing new free trade agreements (FTAs) and the necessity for public servants to embrace AI.

Challenges in Negotiating FTAs

At a dialogue session during Enterprise Singapore’s Scale-Up Ignite event, Mr Gan noted the increasing difficulty of negotiating FTAs due to global trade dynamics. The trend has shifted towards bilateral and unilateral agreements, meaning countries wield more control over tariff impositions, as illustrated by the 10 per cent tariff the United States has recently placed on goods from Singapore.

• Multilateral systems are becoming more fragmented.
• The ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement is being upgraded to facilitate deeper economic integration.
• Negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement face delays due to varying levels of digital readiness among member states.

Mr Gan expressed optimism about Singapore’s commitment to free trade, especially through ongoing collaborations within ASEAN. With a focus on advanced tiers for member countries, he aims for a flexible approach where all can eventually join as they meet requirements.

Mandatory AI Literacy for Public Servants

In a different context, Mr Gan announced that all 150,000 public servants will soon be required to attend a mandatory AI literacy course. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that public servants are prepared for an AI-driven era and can leverage AI tools effectively.

• About a third of civil servants already use an in-house AI assistant called Pair.
• More than 16,000 custom AI bots have been developed to help with task automation.

Mr Gan underscored the importance of AI as a defining technology and called for public servants to apply these tools meaningfully to enhance governance and service delivery. He believes stronger AI capabilities will lead to quicker responses to cyber threats and scams.

A Call to Action

Mr Gan encourages both private and public sectors to adopt a proactive stance in the face of global uncertainty. He urges businesses to keep a keen eye on international developments and to invest in their workforce. By fostering a culture of agility and readiness, he believes Singapore can navigate these complex challenges successfully.

As Singaporean society evolves, the integration of AI into public service and the negotiation of trade agreements reflects the nation’s commitment to adapting and thriving in a challenging global landscape.