During a recent visit to Washington, DC, Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong announced Singapore’s interest in establishing a talent exchange program with the United States focused on artificial intelligence (AI). The aim is to attract skilled professionals in AI while also investing in training local workers to become proficient in this rapidly advancing field.

Gan emphasized the necessity of collaboration between countries to formulate a comprehensive set of guidelines for the safe and secure development of AI, particularly generative AI. Recognizing the US as a leader in AI technology, he stated that Singapore is eager to work together to create “guard rails” that will prevent misuse of AI by malicious actors.

This initiative is part of the broader US-Singapore Partnership for Growth and Innovation (PGI), launched in October 2021 to foster cooperation in emerging sectors such as the digital economy and clean energy. Gan noted that these discussions reflect the evolution of bilateral relations since the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA) was established two decades ago, enhancing mutual understanding and opportunities for collaboration.

While acknowledging the shifting sentiment towards trade, Gan expressed confidence in Singapore’s ability to navigate these changes, particularly in the context of national security and supply chain resilience. He mentioned that about 6,000 US companies operate in Singapore, highlighting the city-state’s role as a trusted partner for American firms.

Gan co-chaired a joint committee meeting of the USSFTA with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, focusing on shared interests like digital economy initiatives and trade facilitation, including paperless trading. He remarked on the US’s recognition of the importance of digitalization for economic development and the need for clear rules and guidelines to support this momentum.

As Gan wraps up his trip with planned visits to Ottawa and New York, Singapore continues to position itself as a pivotal hub for trading and financial services in the region, seeking to leverage new opportunities in evolving supply chain arrangements.