Against the backdrop of Singapore’s 60th anniversary, we must pause for a moment of profound reflection.

SG60 is more than just a milestone in time. It is a powerful invitation to contemplate the nation’s journey and, more importantly, to firmly set our sights on the future. It offers us a unique lens through which we can examine the enduring principles that define our collective success – openness, boldness, multiculturalism, and resilience.

In an age shaped by artificial intelligence, these very attributes will form the bedrock of our continued growth.

In my book, ‘Growth by Choice’, I argue that true progress never happens by accident. It results from strategic decisions and an unwavering commitment to a chosen path.

For Singapore, this has always meant consciously embracing the future, even when its contours remain uncertain. Today, technology, particularly the transformative power of AI, increasingly defines the future. Through this technological prism, Singapore’s foundational values will face tests and, ultimately, strengthen.

Becoming the digital frontier of ideas

Singapore’s economy grew on an openness to global trade, capital, and talent. In the digital era, this openness must extend to the free flow of data, ideas, and algorithms. This is not just about adopting technology; it requires fostering a mindset that is inherently curious and receptive to new paradigms.

Singapore’s willingness to experiment with AI in governance, urban planning, design thinking and healthcare exemplifies this spirit. We choose to learn, adapt, and lead, rather than to resist the inevitable tide of change. This deliberate choice is what will distinguish stagnation from sustained growth.

Navigating the algorithmic unknown

Singapore’s history is replete with bold decisions – from land reclamation to establishing a world-class airline, from investing in biotechnology and advanced engineering, to becoming a smart nation.

This fearlessness, often born out of necessity, has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Today, boldness in the context of AI means more than just adopting new tools; it means daring to design and make new systems, redefine industries, rethink public services, and challenge conventional wisdom.

The sheer scale and speed of AI’s development demand a new kind of courage. It requires us to take calculated risks, to invest in nascent technologies, and to accept that failure often precedes breakthrough innovation.

Choosing growth often means choosing discomfort, stepping beyond the familiar to unlock unprecedented opportunities. AI can empower this boldness by providing insights and patterns that reduce uncertainty, allowing us to make more informed, yet still audacious, leaps forward.

AI as a bridge, not a barrier

Singapore’s strength lies in its vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. This multiculturalism, carefully nurtured over decades, attests to our collective resilience. In an increasingly globalised and digitalised world, AI presents both opportunities and challenges to this delicate balance. On one hand, AI-powered translation tools and cross-cultural communication platforms can bridge divides, fostering greater understanding and collaboration. On the other, the potential for algorithmic bias, if unchecked, could inadvertently lead to societal divisions.

The choice we need to make is clear. How do we leverage AI as a tool for deeper integration and empathy? We need to actively design and build AI systems that are inclusive, representative, and sensitive to diverse cultural nuances.

This requires a conscious effort to ensure that the data sets training our AI models reflect the rich diversity of our society, and that the ethical frameworks governing AI development embody multicultural perspectives.

True growth includes everyone, drawing strength from every segment of society.

Future-proofing with intelligent systems

Singapore’s journey has been one of constant adaptation and resilience in the face of external shocks. We have dealt with economic crises and global pandemics. AI offers unprecedented capabilities to enhance this resilience, transforming our ability to anticipate, mitigate, and recover from future challenges. Predictive analytics can forecast supply chain disruptions, intelligent systems can optimise resource allocation during emergencies, and AI-driven cybersecurity measures can fortify our digital infrastructure against evolving threats.

Building a resilient future means investing in AI not just as a productivity tool, but as a strategic asset for national security and societal well-being. It means fostering a workforce that is adaptable and continuously upskilling, capable of collaborating with intelligent machines.

Resilience isn’t about resisting change, but about embracing it with agility and foresight.

The human core of the AI revolution

Ultimately, while technology is a powerful enabler, the spirit of SG60 remains deeply human. Technology is a tool, but the intentions, ethics, and wisdom of those who wield it determine its impact. Singapore’s continued success hinges on our collective commitment to responsible AI development, ensuring that these powerful algorithms serve humanity, rather than the other way around.

As we celebrate SG60, let us leverage the transformative power of AI not just for economic gain, but to build a more inclusive, robust, and future-ready Singapore.

We must be a nation that continues to choose growth, not by chance, but by conscious, collective design.

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