SMU Centre for AI & Data Governance

Expanding on the success of our three previous workshops exploring the AI Governance principles of Accountability, Transparency and Fairness in Smart Cities, Singapore Management University CAIDG is proud to jointly organise 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐈 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 (“𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩”) with Seoul National University, AI Policy Initiative, under the banner of the SMU-Microsoft Asian Dialogue on AI Governance. The Dialogue was initiated in 2019, funded by Microsoft, to address the lack of an Asia-wide forum for AI governance discussions. It has since evolved into a key research network, gathering experts across disciplines.    The recent Standards Workshop was held on 25 and 26 September at Seoul National University and participants explored how to operationalise normative AI ethical principles into practice, particularly, through the role and employment of standards setting. Participants also delved into the many complexities of AI governance in practice, shared insights on best practices in setting AI standards, and how to foster successful AI governance across the different jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region.    We would like to express our appreciation to all participants for their insightful contributions and to our co-organizers at Seoul National University for their excellent event planning and warm hospitality. #AIGovernance #SMULaw #SMUxMicrosoft

Congratulations to Asst Prof Nydia Remolina on the acceptance of her new paper, 𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐩𝐬, for publication in the Journal of Financial Transformation. In this paper, Asst Prof Remolina explores how Generative AI is reshaping the financial sector and addresses the regulatory challenges it presents. Analyzing regulatory models in the EU, U.S., Singapore, and China, she highlights the need for sector-specific frameworks to ensure safe and ethical AI adoption in finance. Read the pre-edited version here: https://bit.ly/3BERkdM #GenerativeAI #AIinFinance #FinancialRegulation #FinTech #AI #Innovation

On 26 September, Assoc Prof Jason Grant Allen, Director of CAIDG, presented at the Barun ICT Research Center, Yonsei University, on Singapore’s evolving AI governance framework. In his presentation, Assoc Prof Allen highlighted Singapore’s status as one of the most AI-ready nations globally, with AI being a key driver of economic development. He outlined Singapore’s AI governance framework, key policies, and international influence, emphasizing Singapore’s proactive stance on responsible AI adoption. Key points included Singapore’s AI governance milestones, such as the National AI Strategy (NAIS) 1.0 and 2.0, governance principles, and instruments like the IMDA Model AI Governance Framework and the recent GenAI Model Framework (2024). He also discussed AI Verify, practical tools for testing AI systems, and sector-specific initiatives that engage industries and foster accountability. Assoc Prof Allen concluded by addressing Singapore’s international and regional influence, its evolving governance approach, and its ongoing efforts to build AI literacy and trust among citizens. #AIGovernance #Singapore #AIFramework #Technology #Innovation

Today marks the end of an incredible journey with our Research Associates, Sharanya Shanmugam and Wenxi Z., at CAIDG. Over the past 4 years, Sharanya and Wenxi have contributed significantly to the Centre’s events, dialogues, and conferences, driving forward important research. During her time at the Centre, Sharanya explored participatory governance in smart cities, emphasizing inclusion for vulnerable communities. Her notable works include "Conversations at the Intellectual Property and Artificial Intelligence Interface: Understanding the Needs of Singapore's Innovation Community", and "Participatory Digital Futures: How digital transformation can be made good for all” where she advocated involving vulnerable communities in the process to create more equitable and user-centric solutions for a more collaborative and inclusive process that benefits all communities and work towards a more inclusive digital future. Wenxi's interdisciplinary research on smart cities, robotics, and Digital Self-Determination applied academic theories to practical policymaking. Her thought leadership is reflected in her publications on smart cities and AI ethics such as "Trust in Robotics: A Multi-Staged Decision-Making Approach to Robots in Community”, which explores the pivotal role of trust in human-robot interactions (HRI) and its broader societal impact. Together, they co-authored "Auditing AI for Whom? A Community-Centric Approach to Rebuilding Public Trust in Singapore” which addressed global concerns about AI's ethical and legal implications. They also co-authored "Comparing Smart City Data Protection Approaches: Digital Consent and the Accountability Framework in Singapore” where they proposed ways to enhance consent and accountability while incorporating data subjects' voices into policymaking. We thank Sharanya and Wenxi for their invaluable contributions and wish them continued success as they take their research to greater heights! Read more of their work on SSRN: Sharanya: https://bit.ly/4eqpXmo Wenxi: https://bit.ly/4f1QAOD

Yesterday, SMU IndustryCONNECT hosted an insightful masterclass and panel discussion on the 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. The panel featured distinguished law experts, with Prof Yaacob Bin Ibrahim, Honorary Advisor to the Singapore Computer Society, leading the masterclass and joining the panel. The esteemed panellists included Ahmad Firdaus Daud (BSc IS 2008 & JD 2012), Senior Counsel and Head of Legal Southeast Asia, Korea, and Greater China at Avaya; Xiang Zheng Teo (LLM 2015), Vice President of Advisory at Ensign InfoSecurity; and Josh Lee Kok Thong (LLB 2015), Managing Director (APAC) at Future of Privacy Forum and CAIDG Research Affiliate. Prof Yaacob Bin Ibrahim offered valuable insights into AI’s impact on public policies and corporate governance. This was followed by a dynamic panel discussion on AI's role in transforming industries, decision-making, and consumer experiences, while addressing key ethical and governance challenges. #AI #PublicPolicy #CorporateGovernance #Law #Ethics

Jose Luna, a PhD student at SMU SCIS focused on AI governance, co-authored a recent paper titled 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐦𝐬: 𝐀 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬-𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 & 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬.   As Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technologies evolve at an unprecedented rate, global governance approaches struggle to keep pace with the technology, highlighting a critical issue in the governance adaptation of significant challenges.   Set to be featured at the AAAI/ACM AIES’24 Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society, this paper presents a critical exploration of global GenAI governance efforts and emphasizes the need for a harmonized framework. The paper examines evolving governance approaches and evaluates their effectiveness in addressing key GenAI governance processes. By analyzing and comparing different approaches, the authors identify clear gaps and raise concerns about the current state of GenAI governance.   Read the full paper here: https://bit.ly/4d9aypb   #AIGovernance #GenerativeAI #SMUResearch

What role does AI play in the gig economy and how does it impact modern labour? Tune into this podcast by the Centre for Communication Governance at National Law University Delhi, where Jane Loo (CAIDG Senior Research Associate & YPHSL Adjunct Faculty) and Nadia Dabee, PhD , FHEA (Senior Lecturer at The University of Auckland Business School) dive into how gig work differs from traditional work, explore models for worker rights, safety and discrimination, and discuss the future of the gig economy on platforms. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation! #AI #GigEconomy #ModernLabour #AIGovernance #TheCCGTechPodcast

CAIDG was privileged to host Dr Anke Moerland (Associate Professor of Intellectual Property Law in the International Law Department, Vice-Dean for Research and Director of the Graduate School of Law, Maastricht University) for an internal research seminar on 𝐀𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬.   During the presentation, Dr Moerland shared some of the research she has been carrying out during the last years about the use of AI technologies by IP Offices, in particular in relation to trademarks. Having interviewed several Offices, Dr Moerland introduced a few of the AI technologies that are available for users or examiners at different Offices, the general and specific impediments faced with these technologies, some of the legal difficulties of using AI for trademark assessment and finally some of the concerns IP Offices have when integrating AI technologies in their regular procedures. We thank Dr Moerland for sharing valuable insights on the intersection of AI technologies and trademark law.   More about Dr Moerland: https://lnkd.in/dM_pAmQE #IntellectualPropertyLaw #AIandTrademarks #AITechnologies

Singapore, a leader in Smart City innovation, integrates AI to enhance urban living. However, ensuring these benefits reach all societal segments, especially marginalized communities, requires a more inclusive approach. SMU Centre for AI and Data Governance (CAIDG) researchers Wenxi Z., Sharanya Shanmugam and CAIDG Director Jason Grant Allen, have proposed a community-centric AI audit framework to address this challenge. Their study, supported by the Notre Dame-IBM Tech Ethics Lab, advocates for AI audits that incorporate community feedback and external validation, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in AI governance. The team emphasized the need to balance technological advancement with community values to ensure AI’s ethical and equitable deployment. They underscored the importance of including perspectives from vulnerable groups, who may interact with AI systems differently from typical users. By involving these groups in the auditing process, the framework aims to create AI systems that are ethical, transparent, and beneficial to all. Key Highlights from the Research: 💡 Singapore’s AI Leadership: Singapore is at the forefront of Smart City innovation, using AI to improve urban living and resource management. 🔍 Need for Inclusivity: As AI systems evolve, there is a crucial need to ensure that benefits are shared equitably, especially among marginalized communities. ✅ Community-Centric AI Audits: CAIDG researchers propose a new framework for AI audits that emphasizes community feedback and external validation. 🧠 Challenges in Current AI Audits: Traditional AI auditing frameworks often miss the nuanced experiences of end-users, particularly those from marginalized communities. 🗣 Roundtable Discussion: CAIDG researchers held a roundtable to discuss the feasibility of community-centric AI audits, stressing the importance of involving end-users in the AI development process. 🎯 Legal and Societal Impact: CAIDG researchers advocate for making AI audits more inclusive and potentially legally binding to enhance the credibility and societal alignment of AI systems. We thank the Notre Dame-IBM Technology Ethics Lab, a key component of the ND Institute for Ethics and the Common Good and the Notre Dame Ethics Initiative, for their support in this interdisciplinary research that enabled us to promote critical discussions on rebuilding public trust through ethical AI governance and community-centric auditing practices. Read the full article to understand how community-centric AI audits can shape a more inclusive and equitable future for urban growth: https://bit.ly/3B8rUoE #SmartCity #Inclusivity #AIAudits #UrbanLiving #AITransparency #AIGovernance #SMUResearch #SMULaw

Recently, Jane Loo (CAIDG Senior Research Associate & SMUYPHSL Adjunct Faculty) and Vivian Tan (CAIDG Research Affiliate & Public Sector Professional in New Zealand) presented at Victoria University of Wellington on 𝐀𝐈 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥?   As artificial intelligence (AI) gains prominence, managing its associated risks and challenges will become increasingly paramount. During the presentation, Jane and Vivian explored the value of AI transparency as the “magic pill” in inspiring more ethical, responsible, and trustworthy AI systems. Using two case studies from the public sector and popular chatbots, they provided a nuanced perspective on the role of transparency across diverse contexts. Additionally, their presentation considered the limitations of the transparency ideal, aiming to stimulate new perspectives and discussions on how transparency can be more effectively conceptualized and operationalized.   Watch the full recording here: https://bit.ly/3z7yhIr   #AITransparency #AIEthics #ResponsibleAI #SMUResearch