Award Banner
Award Banner

'For the good of our people': PM Wong says Singapore will support Commonwealth in using tech for development

'For the good of our people': PM Wong says Singapore will support Commonwealth in using tech for development
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong with Samoa PM Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa (right) at the official welcome reception and state banquet during Chogm on Oct 24.
PHOTO: MDDI

APIA, Samoa — Singapore believes in the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and will support fellow Commonwealth states in using technology for development, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Oct 25.

At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in Apia, Samoa, Wong said states can use digital technology to build more resilient societies in the face of global challenges.

"We look forward to working with our Commonwealth aiga (Samoan for family), especially fellow small states, to use technologies for the good of our people, our economies and the world, and in the process, to build a secure and resilient future," he added.

Wong, who is also Finance Minister, arrived in Samoa on Oct 23 for the biennial summit involving leaders and officials from 56 member states.

In his remarks on Oct 25, he noted that the meeting's theme of "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth" is especially relevant in the uncertain world today.

There are conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, while geopolitical rivalries continue to sharpen, with consequences for everyone, Wong said.

"So it is important as a Commonwealth family, we find ways to bolster our individual and collective resilience," he added.

He highlighted digital technology as one area of co-operation.

Singapore has been using AI for the public good, said Wong. This includes to predict and manage extreme rainfall, optimise growth and yield on fish farms, and detect and diagnose diseases.

The Republic is also continuing to invest in new AI capabilities for students and small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as for science and research, he added.

It hopes to do its part to ensure digital inclusion so all countries can reach similar goals, he said.

Wong noted that Singapore has worked with the United Nations Development Programme to launch a Digital Inclusion Playbook 2.0 in September, which offers practical strategies to close the digital divide.

It has also worked with Rwanda to launch the world's first AI Playbook for Small States, with contributions from various other Commonwealth small states.

Singapore is committed to supporting fellow Commonwealth member states in using technology for development, added Wong.

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who is also in Samoa for Chogm-related meetings, had spoken on exploring opportunities in AI and other new technologies at the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting on Oct 24.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong arriving at Taumeasina Island Resort to attend a reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III for new heads of government in Apia, Samoa, on Oct 25. PHOTO: The Straits Times

He said Singapore believes AI is poised to bring widespread transformation, including in healthcare and finance.

Singapore has created the world's largest digital twin — a 3D online replica of the entire country — and is happy to share its technological approach, he added.

Dr Balakrishnan acknowledged concerns about AI safety, adding that Singapore shares these concerns and has drawn up AI governance principles which will be regularly reviewed and adjusted.

"We would be happy to share these frameworks and to contribute to the global discourse on AI governance, and in particular, to raise the capacity and training opportunities for members of the Commonwealth, especially for smaller states who otherwise lack access to these tools and methodologies," he said.

Dr Balakrishnan also spoke of threats and challenges, such as wars and climate change.

"The question we should ask is how the Commonwealth can contribute to resilience, given the situation we face," he said.

"We believe this is critical, because more than ever before, we need a rules-based multilateral system that provides the basic infrastructure, the undergirding and foundations for peace, security, growth and development."

The Commonwealth must support international and multilateral institutions, in particular, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), said Dr Balakrishnan.

"As the principal judicial organ of the UN, we believe it is indispensable. We need to uphold the rule of law and to encourage the peaceful settlement of disputes," he said, adding that Singapore has nominated Ms Rena Lee, its Ambassador for International Law, as an ICJ judge in the 2026 elections.

In ending his remarks, Dr Balakrishnan sought to lay out common goals.

"If the more than 50 of us can commit to lowering trade barriers, to closer economic integration, to sharing technology and a collective commitment to improving our resilience, the Commonwealth will find increased and renewed salience, and in that respect, please keep open the possibility of a free trade area for the Commonwealth," he said.

On the sidelines of the Oct 25 meeting, Wong also met his counterparts from various countries.

In a joint Instagram post with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, in which both were pictured at breakfast with their spouses, the pair said they got to know each other better and discussed exciting opportunities for both countries.

Wong also met Guyana President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape.

He also met Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa to discuss strengthening bilateral co-operation and closer collaboration with the Pacific.

Later in the day, Wong met Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley.

He also attended a lunch reception hosted by Britain's King Charles III for the new heads of government in the Commonwealth.

In a Facebook post, Wong said: "The Commonwealth family is large and diverse, but we find strength in diversity, and in our shared commitment to tackle common challenges like climate change."

Read Also
singapore
Tuas Port to be 'port of the future', setting new standards, says PM Lawrence Wong

This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.

homepage

trending

trending
    Online voting not feasible due to 'voter impersonation' risks: ELD
    'She should be with her family': Employer gives maid plane ticket, $800 to return to Myanmar and search for missing mum
    Nintendo Switch 2 to launch in June with US$449.99 price tag
    'Blessed beyond measure': Desmond Tan and wife expecting second child
    Gossip mill: Chantalle Ng dating longtime friend, ex-TVB actress now sells chicken feet, Leslie Cheung's partner pays tribute on his 22nd death anniversary
    Probe finds former Smap idol Masahiro Nakai committed sexual assault, victim says 'What I've lost will never be recovered'
    Woman rescued from top of overhead bridge near Nex mall, detained under Mental Health Act
    MaNaDr admits to lapses, introduces 1-minute minimum teleconsultation rule
    New bus interchanges in Woodleigh and Pasir Ris to open in late April
    Life-sized dinosaurs, pre-historic plants: Gardens by the Bay to transform into Jurassic World this May
    How this Singaporean went from volunteer to CEO of a non-profit
    19 years' jail for mum who abused 4-year-old girl, whose body was burned after she died

Singapore

Singapore
    • 'Don't cheat, don't be greedy': Elderly couple in their 90s share secret to longevity with DPM Heng in viral clip
    • Singaporean girl, 15, who wanted to fight for ISIS is first female teen to be given ISA restriction order
    • 'He needed something to help him fight,' says man who bought Hokkien mee for dying patient
    • MOH to allocate $800m for active ageing centres as part of new initiatives to improve seniors' access to activities
    • Shanmugam's views on Israel-Palestine conflict 'sharply different' from that of former NMP Calvin Cheng's
    • GE2025: WP's likely replacement for Raeesah Khan outlines plans for improvements in Sengkang
    • Vivian says he did not 'like' FB post offering to relocate Singaporeans to Gaza; Meta investigating
    • Sports car driver allegedly high on laughing gas arrested on Orchard Road
    • GrabCab becomes Singapore's 6th taxi operator, plans to launch '100% green fleet'
    • 'Irresponsible parents': Man flips middle finger at driver after near accident with child at City Hall

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • Gossip mill: Diana Ser's son to enlist, Takeshi Kaneshiro back after 3 years, agency says late Sulli wasn't forced to film nude scene
    • 'I was right there just 3cm behind her': Exo's Kai recalls joys of simple life during military service, meeting commuter checking him out online
    • E-Junkies: The Click Five will consider making new music if upcoming tour goes well
    • Former NCT idol Lucas to make acting debut in Taiwan
    • Jim Carrey pays tribute to Val Kilmer's 'grace and courage'
    • Val Kilmer reportedly discussed reprising his role as Batman before his death
    • Sum 41 releases final music video before splitting up
    • Brad Pitt to return for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood follow-up on Netflix

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • A first look: Blue Bottle Coffee's cafe at Raffles City, here's what to expect
    • 'The menu is a reflection of us': Singaporean woman and American husband open restaurant selling soul food
    • Life after death: Guide to be launched to help parent caregivers plan for autistic children's future
    • Tea, drums and rangoli: These stewards of culture and heritage are being honoured for preserving tradition in Singapore
    • What to do this weekend (April 4 to 6)
    • Long-range cruiser: GAC E9 luxury MPV with over 1,000km of range now in Singapore
    • Deepal officially arrives in Singapore with opening of new showroom
    • We ask parents how they keep their children's screen time low - here's the lowdown
    • The best new-launch condo layouts we've seen so far in 2025
    • Where to find 999-year landed homes by the sea in Singapore: Touring Ponggol 24th Avenue

Digicult

Digicult
    • A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress
    • Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years
    • Games in April: RPGs, racing and Ronaldo in a fighting game
    • Is it time to get a MacBook at a good price? The M4 MacBook Air says yes
    • China's Baidu launches 2 new AI models as industry competition heats up
    • China's top universities expand enrolment to beef up capabilities in AI, strategic areas
    • International Women's Day: Meet the Singapore women levelling up in gaming
    • US indicts slew of alleged Chinese hackers, sanctions company over spy campaign
    • Meet the women powering innovation in tech in Singapore and beyond
    • Games in March: JRPGs, co-op games and wrestling

Money

Money
    • Giant deal: Malaysian company to acquire Cold Storage and Giant supermarket chains in Singapore
    • Australia says US tariffs 'not act of a friend' but rules out reciprocal move
    • South Korea's acting president calls for talks with US over tariffs
    • Southeast Asian nations, hit particularly hard by US tariffs, prep for talks with Trump
    • China urges US to immediately lift tariffs, vows retaliation
    • Trump's tariffs stoke global trade war as China and EU vow response
    • HDB to launch 3,000 balance flats in July 2025: What homebuyers need to know
    • With 61 years left on its lease, this Bishan maisonette matches national record at $1.5m
    • Why are homebuyers choosing pricier new launch 2-bedders over resale options in 2025?
    • Looking to live near JB? Here are the cheapest condos by the Causeway in Woodlands

Latest

Latest
  • US South, Midwest face 'generational' flood threat after severe storms, two dead
  • Hungary says it is withdrawing from ICC as Israeli leader Netanyahu visits
  • Daily roundup: New bus interchanges in Woodleigh and Pasir Ris to open in late April — and other top stories today
  • Philippines assures China potential F-16 purchase not intended to harm any nation
  • Musk will stay until he completes Doge mission, White House says
  • Thousands of Haitians take to streets to protest surging gang violence
  • Tornadoes and heavy rains rip across central and southern US
  • Danish PM pledges to support Greenland against Trump pressure
  • Taiwan details surge in Chinese activity on last day of war games

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • Thai woman struggles to evacuate during earthquake while her dog sleeps unfazed
  • Workers painting exterior of Geylang block discover man's skeletal remains in flat
  • 'New, younger' PAP team vows to reclaim WP-controlled Sengkang GRC, says Lam Pin Min
  • New face Jackson Lam 'very good on the ground' and will be asset to Parliament, says Shanmugam
  • Woman who publicised tips on how she evaded GST for luxury purchases fined $18k
  • Powerful quake in Southeast Asia kills several, 81 trapped in Bangkok building rubble
  • Dog dies after being skinned alive in Malaysia, animal welfare group condemns 'barbaric' act
  • Blue for seafood, red for meat: Case partners Koufu to have colour-coded price labels at 'cai fan' stalls
  • WP will campaign for 'responsible and loyal opposition' in GE2025 to earn seats in Parliament, says Pritam
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.