Signed by Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, and Australia’s Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, the agreement was formalized during a bilateral meeting held in Singapore.
The MoU builds on the existing Singapore-Australia Digital Economy Agreement (SADEA), signed in 2020, and expands collaboration under the broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) framework. It outlines key objectives to enhance AI ecosystems and ensure technologies are deployed safely, securely, and ethically.
These include promoting knowledge exchange across government, industry, and research sectors; facilitating access to AI technologies, markets, and talent pools; strengthening ties between research institutions and businesses to accelerate AI commercialization; and encouraging governance frameworks that foster ethical and responsible AI deployment while aligning regulatory standards.
Teo emphasized the significance of the agreement, describing it as a meaningful milestone that opens new opportunities for collaboration across research, business, and government. She said, “By fostering public trust through the development and deployment of responsible AI, we can fully unlock the transformative potential of AI to deliver tangible benefits for our peoples and businesses.”
Husic stressed the role of international cooperation in addressing AI challenges, highlighting that trust is crucial for realizing AI’s benefits. He noted, “Together with our closest partners across the region, we’re addressing common challenges, including the safe and responsible use of AI.”
“Singapore and Australia are global tech leaders, offering a compelling opportunity for our countries’ brightest minds and leading institutions to build skills and learn from each other.”
