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Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Ms. Rahayu Mahsam, represented Singapore at the G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting (DEMM). This significant event, part of Brazil’s 2024 G20 Presidency, gathered ministers and representatives to address critical issues impacting the global digital economy.
During the DEMM, the participating ministers focused on four priority areas essential for enhancing the digital landscape. Minister Rahayu articulated Singapore’s contributions and experiences in these domains:
Digital Inclusion and Connectivity: Rahayu emphasised the necessity for all citizens to engage meaningfully and safely online. Singapore’s Digital Society Report serves as a pivotal tool in tracking the nation’s digital landscape and identifying areas for improvement in inclusion efforts.
The Minister expressed Singapore’s commitment to working with the international community to develop robust indicators that can enhance digital inclusion strategies. By fostering a digitally inclusive environment, Singapore aims to empower all citizens, ensuring equitable access to opportunities in the digital economy.
Digital Government and Infrastructure: A critical element of effective digital governance is the establishment of trustworthy digital public infrastructure. In Singapore, more than 97% of citizens aged 15 and above have a digital identity, which facilitates secure transactions across over 800 organisations and 2,700 services.
Minister Rahayu welcomed the Brazilian Presidency’s initiative to establish general principles for governing digital identity and offered to share insights from Singapore’s extensive experience. This exchange aims to help other nations enhance their digital identity frameworks, fostering greater trust in digital government services.
Integrity of Online Information: Addressing misinformation and disinformation is paramount for sustaining trust in the digital economy. Rahayu commended the G20 Presidency for prioritising this issue. Singapore has implemented a suite of legislative measures, including the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) and the Foreign Interference Countermeasures Act, to combat the spread of false information.
Additionally, Singapore prioritises media literacy and public engagement, collaborating with industry leaders to enhance user protection. This year, the establishment of the Centre for Advanced Technologies in Online Safety (CATOS) will focus on developing innovative tools to detect harmful content, including deepfakes, contributing to a safer online ecosystem.
AI for Sustainable Development: Minister Rahayu highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving inclusive growth and addressing societal inequalities. Guided by a vision for AI that serves the public good, Singapore launched its updated National AI Strategy in December 2023.
This strategy outlines how AI can be harnessed to improve various sectors, including healthcare, education, and urban planning, ultimately benefiting both Singapore and the global community. Rahayu expressed gratitude to the Brazilian Presidency for facilitating discussions on AI and its applications within the G20 framework.
At the G20 DEMM, Minister Rahayu engaged with her counterparts from Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Portugal, and Japan. These discussions underscored Singapore’s dedication to digital cooperation, exploring new collaboration opportunities in AI governance, online safety, and digital government initiatives.
Following the G20 meeting, Rahayu visited the United Kingdom from 15 to 18 September. During this working visit, she met with key counterparts to further bilateral cooperation in the digital and health sectors. Engaging with industry and academic experts, Rahayu reinforced the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure a secure and trusted online environment.
Additionally, she co-hosted the National Day Reception for the diplomatic community in London, strengthening ties and promoting Singapore’s digital agenda.
Through her engagements at the G20 DEMM and in the UK, Minister Rahayu Mahsam highlighted Singapore’s proactive role in shaping the digital economy, emphasising collaboration and innovation as key drivers for sustainable growth in the global digital landscape.
