14 April 2016
- RSIS
- Media Mentions
- Artificial Intelligence: Policy Implications for Small States – Analysis
Artificial Intelligence promises to benefit humankind in unprecedented ways. But small states are especially vulnerable to the technology’s downside short of strengthening social cohesion and resilience.
Artificial intelligence or AI, broadly defined as human-like intelligence and qualities exhibited by machines, has made a huge technological leap since 1956 when the term was first coined. Tech giants like Google and IBM believe that AI will benefit mankind in unprecedented ways. For example, autonomous vehicles are expected to enhance both traffic safety and flow whereas care-bots will aid in areas such as elderly and patient care.
However, AI’s coming-of-age has also sparked concerns about the technology’s downside, particularly when it is integrated into our daily lives. Given their relatively smaller size, small states like Singapore could be especially vulnerable and will struggle to cope. So will AI unleash more harm than good?
… Tan Teck Boon is a Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
RSIS / Online
Last updated on 15/04/2016