Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) hosted the inaugural Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Military Domain (REAIM) Regional Consultations (Asia), in partnership with the Netherlands and Republic of Korea, on 26 and 27 February 2024. RSIS’ Military Transformations Programme co-organised the event together with the Geneva-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.

Defence and foreign affairs officials from 15 countries (including Singapore) participated in the regional consultations event, which aimed to foster a more inclusive Asia-focused dialogue on REAIM. Participants exchanged views, shared best practices, and discussed areas of potential cooperation for military AI governance.

In his keynote address, Deputy Secretary (Policy)-Designate, Brigadier-General Frederick Choo from Singapore’s MINDEF said that “there is much work to be done in the realm of AI governance and norms. To effectively harness the opportunities for improved productivity, and quality of life presented by AI, we must be keenly aware of the downside risks. Strong governance necessitates an all-hands approach between nations, and within nations.”

The regional consultations event is part of a series being organised ahead of the second REAIM summit due to be held in Seoul in September 2024. The inaugural REAIM summit was held in February 2023 in the Hague and concluded with a Call to Action endorsed by more than 50 states and territories.