The Albanese Government is working closely with regional partners to promote the safe and responsible uptake of artificial intelligence, inking a new agreement on AI with Singapore. 

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic has used his visit to Singapore to announce a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on AI cooperation with Singapore, alongside Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo.

Under the MoU, both countries agree to work together across the breadth of AI interests, including how we develop and deploy AI safely and build a capable workforce. 

The agreement will focus on expanding cooperation on AI safety research, building on international cooperation as part of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes.

This work reinforces our domestic efforts to ensure protections for Australians, while supporting the safe and responsible uptake of AI by businesses both small and large. 

Just this year the government introduced the Voluntary AI Safety Standard and outlined options for mandatory guardrails in high-risk settings.

The MoU comes off the back of Australia’s strong engagement with Singapore, including the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee meeting this month, and the 9th Annual Leaders’ Meeting in March between Prime Minister Albanese and then Prime Minister Lee.

For more information and to read the MoU, visit: https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/memorandum-understanding-cooperation-artificial-intelligence-between-australia-and-singapore

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic

“For the huge benefits of AI to be fully realised it needs to be trusted, with international partnerships an important way to ensure checks and balances are in place globally. 

“Together with our closest partners across the region we’re addressing common challenges, including the safe and responsible use of AI. 

“Singapore and Australia are global tech leaders, offering a compelling opportunity for our countries’ brightest minds and leading institutions to build skills and learn from each other.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo

“This MOU marks another meaningful milestone between Singapore and Australia. 

“It opens new doors for AI collaboration across multiple channels – from research institutes and businesses to government. 

“By fostering public trust through the development and deployment of responsible AI, we can fully unlock the transformative potential of AI to deliver tangible benefits for our peoples and businesses and realise Singapore’s vision of AI for the Public Good for Singapore and the world.”