SG creates new Gen-AI frameworks, asks global input to build trust

Singapore has unveiled a new framework for generative artificial intelligence (AI) and is asking the international community for its views. According to the IMDA, given AI’s impact is not limited to individual countries, the proposed framework aims to facilitate international conversations among policymakers, industry, and the research community, to enable trusted development globally.

“While it remains a dynamically developing space, there is growing global consensus that consistent principles are needed to create a trusted environment - one that enables end-users to use AI confidently and safely, while allowing space for cutting-edge innovation,” said IMDA.

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The new framework expands on the existing framework covering traditional AI which was last updated in 2020. “With Generative AI, there is a need to update the earlier model governance framework to holistically address new issues that have emerged,” said IMDA. It added that the proposed framework integrates ideas from the earlier discussion paper on Generative AI2, which put forward a conceptual foundation. It also draws on earlier technical work to provide an initial catalogue and guidance on suggested practices for safety evaluation of Generative AI models.

The framework looks at nine proposed dimensions to support a comprehensive and trusted AI ecosystem. The core elements are based on the principles that decisions made by AI should be explainable, transparent, and fair. Beyond principles, it offers practical suggestions that model developers and policymakers can apply as initial steps.

“AI governance remains a nascent space. Building international consensus is key, as demonstrated by the successful mapping and interoperability of national AI governance frameworks between Singapore and the US, through the IMDA and the US National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) crosswalk,” said IMDA.

“The proposed Model Governance Framework for Generative AI takes this one step further by covering the latest developments in Generative AI. In turn, this will inform Singapore’s next steps, as we adopt a practical approach to maximise both trust and innovation. This framework will evolve as techniques and technologies develop.

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