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
Public Statements (2)
“This refresh builds on our experiences and insights implementing NAIS 2.0. It is a 'double-click' rather than a system reboot.”
“The National AI Impact Programme aims to broaden the base of enterprise users. Specifically, we will help 10,000 SMEs use AI meaningfully.”
Recent Talks (2)
Parliamentary AI record (27)
Accuracy Benchmarks and Liability Frameworks for Intelligence Deepfake Detector Before Public Rollout and Integrating Real-Time Media Verification into ScamShield
2026-05-06 · Parliament 15
Workers' Party MP Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in writing what technical accuracy benchmarks or liability frameworks the Intelligent Deepfake Detector (INDEPTH) must meet before transitioning from public service use to public use, and whether the Government will pilot a verification API within the ScamShield app to give citizens real-time risk scores for suspicious media. Minister Josephine Teo replied that INDEPTH is a deepfake detection platform designed specifically for Government agencies and is not intended for public use; revealing its detection capabilities would not be in the public interest as malicious actors may exploit such information. On ScamShield, she explained the app — built by Open Government Products with the National Crime Prevention Council and the Singapore Police Force — blocks verified scam calls, filters scam SMSes, and lets users check and report suspicious calls, messages and links, including content showing signs of digital manipulation such as deepfakes. The Government will keep strengthening its detection capabilities and public education, but has no plans at this juncture for a real-time risk-scoring verification API. The tension: the opposition wants government-grade detection tools in citizens' hands; the Government declines on security-through-secrecy grounds.
Ensuring Meaningful Human Accountability for Public-facing Autonomous AI Agents and Pathways to Mandatory Governance in High-risk Sectors
2026-05-06 · Parliament 15
Following the launch of the Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI, Workers' Party MP Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in writing how the Ministry intends to ensure "meaningful human accountability" for autonomous AI agents interacting with the public absent explicit disclosure requirements, and what triggers would shift the Framework from a voluntary code to enforceable standards for high-risk sectors. Minister Josephine Teo replied that the Framework sets out guidance for organisations: high-stakes or irreversible actions should not proceed without human review, with checkpoints or action boundaries requiring human approval. It also emphasises transparency towards users — declaring upfront that users are interacting with agents, and the agents' capabilities and data access. She said agentic AI use cases and safeguards are still evolving; together with sector regulators, the Government will monitor how sectors deploy agentic AI, consult international best practices, and adjust the framework as necessary. No concrete triggers for moving from voluntary to mandatory were given. The tension: the opposition pressed for a clear hardening pathway; the Government kept a flexible monitor-and-adjust stance.
Assessment of AI-generated Deepfake Political Videos and Regulatory Intervention Thresholds under POFMA and OCHA
2026-05-06 · Parliament 15
Workers' Party MP Ms Sylvia Lim filed written questions to the Minister for Digital Development and Information: does the Government test on vulnerable groups before deciding that AI-generated deepfake videos of political office-holders are so obviously fabricated that POFMA directions are unnecessary, and what threshold of public confusion must be met before proactive intervention under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA)? Mrs Josephine Teo replied that under POFMA a Minister can issue a Correction Direction against false statements of fact communicated in Singapore where it is in the public interest, including deepfake videos; under OCHA the Government can direct online service providers to block Singapore users' access where there is reasonable suspicion of a First Schedule offence or activity preparatory to scams or malicious cyber activity. She stressed that harmful content is assessed holistically and intervention is not determined by any single factor, and pointed to public education — IMDA's Digital Skills for Life framework and the SG Digital Office's Gen AI workshops for seniors — as being as important as legislation.
Regulating Smart Glasses and AI Wearables to Prevent Covert Recording and Unconsented Data Collection
2026-05-06 · Parliament 15
Workers' Party MP Mr Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information whether the Ministry will introduce visual indicator requirements for smart glasses to prevent surreptitious recording in public, and how it ensures AI-enabled wearables do not facilitate mass collection of biometric or environmental data without the explicit consent of bystanders. Mrs Josephine Teo replied that under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), organisations — including individuals creating content for commercial purposes — are accountable for how personal data is collected and used, and that photography and recording are subject to the same rules regardless of the device's form factor. While the PDPA generally does not require consent for recording in public spaces, any subsequent use or disclosure, including for AI features, must be for a reasonable purpose and comply with other laws. Non-consensual recording or misuse of intimate content may constitute offences under the Penal Code and the Protection from Harassment Act, and content creators can be held accountable under the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act. No device-specific new regulations were committed.
Review of Personal Data Protection Act 2012 to Address Use of Inferred or Derived Data Generated by AI
2026-05-05 · Parliament 15
Workers' Party MP Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Ministry of Digital Development and Information in writing whether it intends to review the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) to address the use of inferred or derived data, including behavioural profiles generated by AI systems, and if so, what principles would guide such a review. Minister Josephine Teo replied that under the PDPA, data about an identifiable individual is personal data which organisations must safeguard when in their possession or control, and this also covers data about the individual that an organisation derives in the course of business from such personal data. She added that the Personal Data Protection Commission has published Advisory Guidelines on the Use of Personal Data in AI Recommendation and Decision Systems, setting out principles such as using data only for legitimate business purposes and limiting collection to what is needed. The reply effectively declines to commit to legislative review: the Government's position is that existing statutory definitions already cover derived data, supplemented by soft-law guidelines, leaving AI behavioural profiling without a dedicated legislative response.
Mandatory Government Security Vetting for Personnel with Access to Singapore's Critical Information Infrastructure
2026-04-08 · Parliament 15
Workers' Party MP Gerald Giam asked MDDI whether mandatory centralised government security vetting should be introduced for personnel with access to Singapore's critical information infrastructure (CII) — including foreign-national technical experts in telco and energy — to mitigate insider threats and state-sponsored APTs. Minister Josephine Teo replied with three positions: (1) profile-based assumptions about who is "safer" are themselves a vulnerability — defence has to assume any person with access could be an insider threat; (2) security vetting is not a silver bullet, since determined adversaries will specifically work around any known vetting regime; (3) the operative model is zero-trust architecture with least-privileged access, continuous verification and anomaly monitoring — defence-in-depth, not vetting alone. Giam pressed whether the public-servant standard (G50) should be extended to CII super-user / admin roles; the Minister noted that for certain access types arrangements already exist, but specific requirements are not publicly disclosed for security reasons.
Assessing Adequacy of Current Cybersecurity Readiness against Evolving Threats while Ensuring Operational Security
2026-04-07 · Parliament 15
MP Sharael Taha, citing rising geopolitical tensions and the growing use of cyber operations in hybrid conflict, asked in writing whether the Government assesses that Singapore's cyber threat exposure has heightened, and how it assesses overall cybersecurity readiness to protect critical information infrastructure, Government systems, businesses and residents against evolving threats including AI-enabled attacks, without compromising operational security. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo replied that Singapore's status as a financial hub and digital economy makes it an attractive target; critical systems face higher standards under the Cybersecurity Act; the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) will update standards and equip critical-system owners with proprietary threat detection systems against advanced threat actors and AI-enabled threats; GovTech will require Government vendors managing critical systems to meet Cyber Trust Mark requirements; and the mandatory baseline for home routers will rise from Cyber Labelling Scheme Level 1 to Level 2, with similar standards explored for IP cameras. The Government conceded that even with the best defences, vigilance against AI-enabled cyber threats remains necessary.
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 (6)
National AI Strategy Update 2026
2026-05
At ATxSummit 2026, Josephine Teo unveiled an update to NAIS — a "double-click" rather than a "system reboot". Three directions, ten refreshed priorities, four National AI Missions (Advanced Manufacturing, Financial Services, Connectivity, Healthcare), plus the National AI Impact Programme (10,000-SME target) and the Champions of AI programme.
NVIDIA Singapore AI Research Lab
2026-05
At ATxSummit 2026, NVIDIA announced its first Singapore research lab — its second in Asia Pacific — focused on embodied AI and efficient AI computing.
Punggol Digital District Multi-Operator Robot Testbed
2026-05
At ATxSummit 2026, IMDA announced a precinct-scale, multi-operator, mixed-use public-environment embodied-AI testbed at Punggol Digital District — launching later in 2026. First participants: Certis, DHL, Grab, QuikBot; paired with the Centre for Intelligent Robotics (IMDA + NRP).
OpenAI for Singapore
2026-05
OpenAI and MDDI announced OpenAI for Singapore at ATxSummit 2026: a commitment of more than S$300M, OpenAI’s first Applied AI Lab outside the United States, and 200+ Singapore-based technical roles over the next few years.
National AI Strategy 2.0 (NAIS 2.0)
2023-12
Upgraded national AI strategy with twin tracks — AI for Public Good and AI for Growth — and nine priority sectors.
Singapore Government × Google AI Agents Sandbox
2026-05
Google and the Singapore Government launched a global-first AI Agents Sandbox in August 2025 and published a May 2026 whitepaper on opportunities and risks of computer-use agents in public-service settings.
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.