AsiaTech x Singapore 2024: Exchange on the Singaporean-German Digital Dialogue

As one of the leading digital conferences in Asia, this year's AsiaTech x Singapore provided an opportunity to discuss current digital policy developments and initiatives. The conference focused on regulatory approaches for artificial intelligence (AI) and measures against disinformation and deepfakes.

The city state of Singapore is considered a pioneer in the regulation and promotion of AI. Their AI strategy (“Singapore National AI Strategy 2.0”), which was revised in 2023, includes concrete approaches to promote AI development and implementation, while the “Model AI Governance Framework” provides companies with guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of AI. An example of the Singaporean approach to soft regulation of new technology is the “AI Verify” testing programme, which aims to contribute to transparency and trustworthiness in the development and use of AI.

Exchange with stakeholders: Ideas for Singaporean-German cooperation

During their visit to Singapore, the BMDV delegation gained insights into the development and application of digital technologies – e.g., at a meeting with the Centre for AI and Data Governance, in dialogues with the German technology companies Infineon and SAP, and by participating in the Start2 Group's German-Singaporean Startup Pitch Night. As part of the Pitch Night at the IMDA PIXEL Innovation Hub, BMDV exchanged views with innovative young companies from Singapore and Germany on the opportunities and challenges of digital business models.

As part of a stakeholder meeting at the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK), the BMDV delegation met representatives of the Digitalisation and Innovation Committee and other companies, discussed current developments and needs in the field of digitalisation and jointly developed ideas for expanding cooperation.

As the summit of AsiaTech x Singapore, the ATxSummit provided an opportunity for intensive dialogue with government and industry representatives on AI governance, quantum computing and sustainability. State Secretary Schnorr took part in a panel discussion on the topic of disinformation and deepfakes and contributed his perspective: Generative AI poses new and complex challenges for democratic processes that can only be overcome through close cooperation between governments, civil society and tech companies.

Next steps in the Singaporean-German Digital Dialogue

Together with MCI and IMDA, BMDV agreed on the next steps for intensifying the Singaporean-German Digital Dialogue. Areas such as AI labelling, digital trade and the development of innovation-friendly framework conditions for new technologies offer starting points for close cooperation between the two countries.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Singaporean government defines concrete activities and goals for the Digital Dialogue. Participation opportunities and events within the framework of the Singaporean-German Digital Dialogue will soon be available on this website!