AI Influence Profile
Josephine Teo
Minister for Digital Development and Information
Positioning
The lead force behind Singapore's AI policy; runs the National AI Strategy, the Agentic AI governance framework, and the bilingual AI talent programme.
Official channels
Parliamentary speeches (20)
MDDI Committee of Supply 2026 — AI as Strategic Advantage
2026-03-02 · Parliament 15
The most AI-intensive debate in Budget 2026. The MDDI GPC delivered coordinated scrutiny across six themes: AI value proposition, digital capabilities, ethical governance, inclusive growth, infrastructure and cybersecurity, and a high-trust digital society. Minister Josephine Teo announced: (1) support for 100,000 workers to become "AI bilingual", starting with accountancy and legal professions and scaled via TeSA; (2) the world's first Model Governance Framework for Agentic AI; (3) Singapore will host the second International Scientific Exchange on AI Safety to update the "Singapore Consensus"; (4) targeted action to close the SME AI gap so that frontier firms do not pull away. MP focus areas: deepfake regulation (Christopher de Souza), AI media literacy (Fadli Fawzi), data centre investment competition, AI impact on PMEs, and cybersecurity against AI-enabled threats.
Assessment of AI Technology Uptake among Singaporean SMEs Versus MNCs, and Individuals
2026-02-04 · Parliament 15
An MP asked whether the government has studied AI software adoption broken down between Singapore SMEs, MNCs and individuals. The government replied that since 2023, IMDA has been tracking adoption across firms of different sizes and their workers via the annual Singapore Digital Economy Report. The core debate is on adoption differences across actors and the transparency of the data.
Deployment of Agentic AI Systems in Civil Service and HR Policies to Support Officers Made Redundant
2025-11-06 · Parliament 15
An MP asked about the government's plans to deploy agentic AI systems to automate civil service job functions, and about HR policies for officers made redundant by AI. The government replied that AI deployment will proceed cautiously, with a focus on upskilling officers to work alongside AI on complex problem analysis and solution design — reflecting a balance between efficiency gains and risk control.
Committee of Supply – Head Q (Ministry of Digital Development and Information)
2025-03-07 · Parliament 14
MPs asked about digital infrastructure resilience and security safeguards, focusing on cloud and data centre security guidelines. The government emphasised the strong growth of Singapore's digital economy and the issuance of guidance to lift infrastructure security, ensuring digital transformation is sustainable and inclusive. The core debate: how to further strengthen infrastructure against round-the-clock operational risks.
Reasons behind Government's Decision to Stop Practice of Partially Masking NRIC Numbers
2025-01-07 · Parliament 14
An MP asked why the government decided to stop the practice of partially masking NRIC numbers and whether the AI era has accelerated reverse-engineering risks for personal data. The government replied that this would be addressed in detail the next day via a Ministerial Statement. The core debate: balancing data privacy protection with the security challenges of advancing technology.
Current and Projected AI-specific Computing Power Available and Plans for National Cloud
2024-11-13 · Parliament 14
An MP asked about the scale of Singapore's AI-specific compute, plans for a national cloud, and the related legal framework. The government replied that Singapore's data centre capacity leads the region, AI compute is dynamically allocated, demand is met via the National Supercomputing Centre and commercial cloud, and there is no current mandate for private data centres to contribute compute. The core debate: whether legislation should mandate private-sector participation in a national cloud.
Accuracy of Deepfake Detection Technologies and Differentiating Between Harmful Deepfakes and Legitimate Political Satire or Memes
2024-08-07 · Parliament 14
An MP asked about the accuracy of the government's deepfake detection tools, how to distinguish harmful deepfakes from legitimate political satire, and how false positives are handled. The government replied that tools are constantly updated and accuracy rates are not published, with harmful content addressed under POFMA; satire is not automatically unlawful. It is studying international experience on whether further election-safety safeguards are needed. The core debate: balance between technical transparency and free speech.
Provision for Deletion of Personal Data Upon Request under Personal Data Protection Act 2012 and Recourse Available to Individuals
2024-04-03 · Parliament 14
An MP asked whether the PDPA includes a right to deletion of personal data and the available recourse. The government replied that the law requires organisations to stop retaining or properly dispose of personal data when no longer needed, with or without consent, and the Personal Data Protection Commission has the power to direct organisations to destroy or stop using such data. The core debate: whether there is an explicit "right to erasure" clause and how it is enforced.
Risks and Benefits from Widespread Adoption of Facial Recognition Technology and Oversight Mechanisms to Ensure Responsible and Ethical Use
2024-03-04 · Parliament 14
An MP asked about the risks and benefits of widespread facial recognition technology (FRT) adoption in Singapore, the regulatory framework, and public engagement. The government replied that facial images, as biometric data, fall under the PDPA, security uses dominate, and existing guidance and governance frameworks ensure responsible, ethical use. The core debate: balancing technology adoption with privacy protection.
Regulations to Tackle Deepfake Software Being Used in Scam and Fraud Cases
2024-02-05 · Parliament 14
An MP asked about the government's regulation and prevention measures against deepfake software used in scams. The government replied that the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) authorises action on online platforms, and it is pushing technology R&D and industry collaboration while strengthening public education to improve detection and response. The core debate: how to effectively curb deepfake abuse and protect online safety and public interest.
Measures to Enhance Public Technological Understanding to Combat Cybercrime and Deepfake Content
2024-02-05 · Parliament 14
An MP asked how the government helps the public understand AI and its capabilities to combat cybercrime and deepfake content. The government cited cross-agency cybersecurity work, the OCHA's powers over platforms, R&D on deepfake detection, and multiple public education campaigns. The core debate: how to effectively combine technology and education to lift public awareness and capability.
Workers Facing Highest Risk of Displacement from Artificial Intelligence and Reskilling Programmes Available
2024-01-09 · Parliament 14
MPs asked which job categories face the highest displacement risk from AI, the projected numbers for each, and what expanded reskilling programmes are available. The government replied that AI's impact is not fully predictable; it runs Industry Transformation Maps, SkillsFuture and similar programmes to support upskilling and career conversion, and encourages transition into AI roles — reflecting an active stance on AI challenges. The core debate: AI's specific employment impact and the effectiveness of reskilling.
National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2.0 vs Energy and Environmental Sustainability
2024-01-09 · Parliament 14
MPs asked how the government will balance the compute growth required by NAIS 2.0 with energy sustainability goals. The government replied that it lifts data centre efficiency, promotes liquid cooling, sets green standards, and supports green compute methods to keep AI infrastructure environmentally sustainable. The core debate: reconciling AI development needs with climate commitments.
Proportion of Students Who Have Undergone Code for Fun Enrichment Programme
2024-01-09 · Parliament 14
An MP asked what proportion of students have gone through the Code for Fun (CFF) programme since 2019, how digital literacy is ensured for students who didn't take it, and how the curriculum will be updated to develop AI talent. The government replied that since 2020 CFF is mandatory at upper primary, around two-thirds of secondary schools offer it, and over 50,000 students are covered each year. From 2025, AI and data literacy will be added, supported by both formal curriculum and co-curricular activities. The core debate: how to ensure digital fundamentals for non-participants and keep the curriculum updated.
Data Security Incident Involving Personal Data of Members of Shopping Loyalty Programme
2023-11-22 · Parliament 14
An MP asked, regarding a data breach at a Singapore luxury resort operator's loyalty programme, when the incident was reported and why notification was delayed. The Communications and Information Minister replied that the incident was reported to the regulator within the required timeframe, with delayed user notification due to prioritising containment, impact assessment and confirming notification requirements. The regulator is investigating whether the breach caused significant harm and whether notification was timely.
Government's Approach and Policy on Governing Safe and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Development
2023-11-22 · Parliament 14
An MP asked about the government's policy on safe, responsible AI development in Singapore and the next steps in governance. The government replied that it has explained its approach multiple times, supports international cooperation and standards alignment, encourages firms to participate in AI ethics certification, and deepens AI governance collaboration through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. The core debate: balancing tech progress with ethics/safety and the concrete implementation of international cooperation.
Feasibility of Establishing Body to Regulate Artificial Intelligence
2023-07-06 · Parliament 14
MPs asked whether the government is studying the feasibility of an AI regulator and the state of international cooperation. The government emphasised a practical, risk-based governance approach, opposed one-size-fits-all regulation, cited existing IMDA and PDPC AI governance initiatives, and stressed the importance of international cooperation. The core debate: whether to establish a dedicated AI regulator and how to balance innovation with risk management.
Leveraging New Artificial Intelligence Technologies in e-Government Services
2023-05-09 · Parliament 14
An MP asked how the Public Service plans to use new AI technologies such as ChatGPT in e-government services and whether they will replace existing chatbots. The government replied that AI is already used in multiple digital services and that new technology can lift quality and efficiency, but accuracy and reliability must come first; usage guidance will be developed to safeguard accountability and data security. The core debate: balancing safety with usefulness in deployment.
Initiatives to Develop Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem and Its Deployment in Singapore
2021-11-02 · Parliament 14
An MP asked MCI about its initiatives to grow the AI scene and its deployment in Singapore. The government cited the National AI Strategy and the five National AI Projects, stressing industry-academia-research collaboration, funding, and talent development to drive AI innovation and adoption while prioritising governance and international cooperation. The core debate: balancing tech development with ethics oversight to keep AI safe and trustworthy.
Committee of Supply − Head U (Prime Minister's Office)
2019-02-28 · Parliament 13
Questions focused on how the Public Service can use AI and data analytics to lift efficiency, integrate services, and meet citizen needs. MPs emphasised that technology should be citizen-centred and avoid mechanical enforcement, with the government pushing high-tech, high-touch, and high-adaptability transformation in the public sector to lift productivity and service quality.
Policies championed (1)
AI videos (17)
Josephine Teo on Singapore's AI priorities and online safety safeguards
2026-03-31 · 45:00 · The Straits Times
At a Lorong AI media Q&A, Josephine Teo details bilingual AI talent, agentic AI governance, the National AI Impact Plan, and AI's impact on the workplace.
Josephine Teo on enterprise AI adoption and online safety regulation
2026-03-31 · 02:30 · CNA
Josephine Teo says the government is prepared to intervene if enterprise AI adoption falls short of expected outcomes, while releasing IMDA's second Online Safety Assessment Report.
Singapore's National AI Impact Plan: supporting 10,000 firms and 100,000 workers
2026-03-02 · 02:45 · CNA
Minister Josephine Teo announces the National AI Impact Plan, targeting training of 100,000 AI professionals and support for 10,000 firms by 2029.
Josephine Teo urges nations to proactively address agentic AI governance risks
2026-02-20 · 05:12 · CNA
At the World Economic Forum, Josephine Teo unveils the world's first agentic AI governance framework and calls on nations to proactively shape AI governance rules.
Singapore's view of AI has shifted: Josephine Teo interview
2026-02-11 · 22:15 · The Straits Times
Josephine Teo details Singapore's AI strategic shift — from cautious observation to full embrace — and how the government systematically drives AI adoption.
Josephine Teo on Singapore's national AI strategy
2026-02-10 · 14:52 · Mothership
Josephine Teo walks through Singapore's national AI strategy across three pillars: talent, industry, and international cooperation.
Singapore releases the world's first agentic AI governance framework
2026-01-22 · 08:19 · CNA
IMDA launches the world's first agentic AI governance framework at the World Economic Forum, establishing deployment norms for autonomous AI systems.
Josephine Teo on AI at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum
2025-11-19 · 27:26 · The Straits Times
At the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, Josephine Teo discusses Singapore's AI strategy, talent development and global governance cooperation.
Josephine Teo on AI's role in SMEs, education and society
2025-11-19 · 06:17 · The Business Times
Josephine Teo on how AI can help SMEs transform, reshape education, and reach every part of society.
LKY School of Public Policy: work, AI and the role of public policy
2025-10-30 · 29:38 · Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
At the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, Josephine Teo digs into how AI is shifting employment and what public policy should do about it.
Josephine Teo on how AI uplifts Singapore's financial services industry
2025-10-06 · 09:49 · The Straits Times
Josephine Teo discusses prospects for AI applications in Singapore's financial services and the regulatory balance required.
Josephine Teo urges workers to build basic AI skills
2025-05-27 · 09:01 · CNA
At Asia Tech x Singapore, Josephine Teo urges workers across industries to actively learn foundational AI skills to remain competitive.
Josephine Teo on CNBC: Singapore's bold AI push
2025-04-01 · 30:00 · CNBC International
At CNBC Converge Live, Josephine Teo discusses Singapore's AI strategy, risk management and talent development.
Singapore: a nation of AI engineers — interview with Minister Josephine Teo
2024-10-19 · 56:40 · Latent Space
On the Latent Space podcast, Josephine Teo discusses Singapore's AI industrial policy, talent strategy and governance experience in depth.
How Singapore's AI strategy became a roadmap for other nations
2024-09-04 · 24:46 · Fortune Magazine
Fortune analyses why Singapore's AI strategy has become a reference model for small economies worldwide.
Josephine Teo's address at the Singapore Conference on AI
2023-12-11 · 20:24 · MDDI Singapore
At the inaugural Singapore Conference on AI, Josephine Teo delivers an address articulating the AI governance vision alongside the launch of NAIS 2.0.
Singapore launches AI Verify open-source testing framework
2023-06-07 · 06:54 · CNA
At Asia Tech x Singapore, Singapore launches the AI Verify Foundation, establishing the world's first open-source community for AI governance testing.