Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, has suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) may require a safety framework similar to that of civil aviation to build public trust in the technology. Speaking on September 17, Teo emphasized the importance of establishing multiple layers of safeguards and standards to ensure AI can be reliably and safely integrated into society.

In a post on LinkedIn, Teo noted that trust is fundamental for widespread reliance on any technology and that AI’s safety protocols are still in the early stages of development. She called for increased research and rigorous testing, highlighting that creating effective safety measures will demand time and sustained effort.

Teo drew comparisons to the civil aviation industry, where a comprehensive system of rules and standards underpins passenger safety. This system includes regulations on aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, airspace management, and airport operations. The industry also mandates thorough training and consistent implementation of safety procedures. According to Teo, without such guarantees, neither passengers nor crew would choose to participate in air travel, and aviation would not have expanded as it has.

Applying this analogy to AI, Teo argued that foundational work to create safety frameworks must begin promptly. In Singapore, she said, efforts are underway to develop safeguards in tandem with AI adoption. This involves formulating methods to rigorously test and certify AI systems, enhancing the country’s technical capacity to assess sophisticated models, and providing practical guidelines to organizations for responsible AI use.

Teo highlighted several local initiatives aimed at advancing AI safety. These include AI Verify, a toolkit designed to help companies assess the fairness and robustness of AI outputs, and the Singapore AI Safety Institute, a national entity that evaluates AI models for safety risks. She also mentioned the country’s AI governance frameworks, which serve as reference guides to support enterprises in deploying AI responsibly.

In closing, Teo underscored the importance of international collaboration to address the shared challenges posed by AI, signaling Singapore’s commitment to working with global partners to develop effective safety standards. Her remarks come amid an ongoing global debate about the rapid pace of AI development and concerns over the need for regulatory measures to prevent misuse, including the potential risks of losing human control over advanced AI technologies.