US and Singapore to strengthen Data, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence cooperation

Asia-Pacific, News, US July 17, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The U.S. Department of Defense and Singapore’s Ministry of Defence signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) on Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence cooperation. The SOI was signed during Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen’s visit to the Pentagon where he met U.S. Defense Secretary Austin.

The SOI was signed by U.S. Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Radha Iyengar Plumb and the Singapore Ministry of Defence Deputy Secretary (Technology) BG Yew Chee Leung.

Under the SOI, the U.S. and Singapore identified key areas of collaboration on quality data, the responsible development and use of AI, and talent management. “This SOI represents an important opportunity to deepen collaborative efforts, strengthen interoperability, and promote values-based global leadership on responsible AI in defense,” the Pentagon statement highlighted.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense statement, “The SOI adopts a holistic approach to technological collaboration enabling both defense establishments to discuss approaches and exchange best practices on leveraging data, analytics, and AI at speed and scale.”

U.S. Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Plumb underscored that Singapore is a key technology innovator in the Asia-Pacific region and one of the most valued defense partners of the United States. “We look forward to further deepening this critical relationship,” she said.

U.S. and Singapore sign statement of intent regarding data, analytics, and artificial intelligence cooperation — ^{Singapore Ministry of Defence Deputy Secretary (Technology) BG Yew Chee Leung and U.S. Department of Defense Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Dr. Radha Iyengar Plumb signed a U.S.-Singapore statement of intent regarding data, analytics, and artificial intelligence cooperation. (Image Credit: Singapore Ministry of Defence/Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)}

Singapore’s Defense chief visits Pentagon

On July 15, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomed Sing.apore Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The U.S. and Singapore defense leaders reaffirmed “the longstanding defense partnership” between both nations and underscored the importance shared vision for a “free and open Indo-Pacific region” and beyond.

U.S. Secretary Austin and Singapore’s Minister Ng reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the historic momentum in the U.S.-Singapore defense partnership.

Both leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral force posture cooperation to support deeper interoperability and address shared challenges. Austin and Ng also emphasized the importance of “ongoing efforts to expand joint training,” and further enhance “high-end training and interoperability”.

The U.S. defense secretary noted key bilateral cooperation between both nations and said, “Singapore is one of 29 countries currently participating in the Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC, exercise in Hawaii”, according to the Pentagon statement.

Austin also highlighted the important memorandum of understanding on defense innovation between the U.S. and Singapore and said, “This will help both of our countries to source cutting-edge technology quickly and effectively.”

Minister @Ng_Eng_Hen, our accomplishments underscore the outstanding progress that the U.S. and Singapore have made together to advance our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. Thanks for making the trip and it was great to see you at the Pentagon today. pic.twitter.com/YQz5bHDl6m
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) July 16, 2024

Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen praised U.S. Secretary Austin’s role and said, “you are at the helm of Department of Defense, you did put on record that situation in Europe could have gone very differently. But you stabilized, your leadership, helped stabilize and galvanize the community against Russia.”

He also applauded Austin’s role in the Middle East and the Asia Pacific regions and said, “For the Asia Pacific, the Indo Pacific region, your leadership in strengthening partnerships help reduce tensions and adventurism.”