(Pictured above) A diverse delegation of 29 government officials from 27 countries, together with IPOS International’s Head of Academy, Mr. Peh Toon Meng, at the start of the transformative AI programme. [Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore]

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the way governments operate, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency, personalise citizen services, and improve decision-making. At the heart of the public sector’s digital transformation, AI empowers governments to serve their citizens more effectively, promote innovation, and foster sustainable economic growth.

Under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) collaborated with IPOS International for two programmes in July and September 2024, bringing together government officials from across the globe to explore the transformative power of AI for public services.

Programme Overview

Held at IPOS International, this five-day programme focused on key topics such as integrating AI in government agencies, addressing privacy and security concerns, and protecting intangible assets. Through curated learning journeys and expert-led discussions, participants gained practical insights into how AI can reshape public sector operations, driving digital transformation across industries.

Caption: Garuda Robotics’ CEO presents innovative AI-powered drone solutions, showcasing how these technologies are transforming infrastructure monitoring and surveillance sectors.

Caption: Participants engaged in a hands-on session where the trainer demonstrated the practical application of AI technologies.

Caption: Dynamic class discussions with participants actively exchanging ideas, led by IPOS International’s Head of Faculty, Mr. Ng Chong Yuan, on the applications of AI in governance.

Who Attended

The programme attracted a diverse group of mid-to senior-level government officials from developing countries and territories around the world, involved in policymaking and the use of AI in public service delivery.

• Session 1 (8-12 July 2024): 15 government officials from the Palestinian Authority, primarily from the Ministry of Telecoms and Information Technology and the Ministry of Finance.
  
  
• Session 2 (23-27 September 2024): 29 participants from 27 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas, including key policymakers in ICT, innovation, and digital transformation.

Caption: A delegation of 15 officials from the Palestinian Authority, accompanied by Non-Resident Representative of Singapore to the Palestine, Mr. Hawazi Daipi, and IPOS International’s Managing Director, Mr. Kok Kitt Wai, on the opening day of their programme.

Programme Highlights

The programme’s immersive learning journeys provided participants with firsthand exposure to AI applications in action, showcasing innovative solutions that intersect technology, public service, and human experience:

• Garuda Robotics: Demonstrated how AI-powered drones are enhancing public services, from infrastructure monitoring to surveillance
   
• Smart Nation CityScape: Highlighted Singapore’s digital transformation, featuring interactive displays on how AI-driven Smart Nation initiatives are integrated into everyday life
   
• The GEAR (Kajima Lab): Explored AI-driven innovations in urban space creation, with insights from start-ups developing cutting-edge solutions to real-world challenges
   
• MasterCard Experience Centre: An immersive journey that showcased how AI is reshaping human interactions and financial services, highlighting the power of AI to reshape industries.

These experiences offered participants not just a glimpse into the future of AI, but actionable insights they could take back to their countries to drive tangible improvements in public services.

Caption: Staff at The GEAR (Kajima Lab) demonstrated how real-time data optimised the indoor environment, providing participants with insights into smart building technologies. [Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore]

Caption: Start-up partners at Kajima Lab shared their entrepreneurial journeys and AI-powered innovations, offering participants a glimpse into the future of urban solutions. [Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore]

Caption: At the Mastercard Experience Centre, participants explored the future of commerce through virtual shopping and interactive AI-driven experiences that reshaped consumer interactions. [Left Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore]

Caption: Participants dived into collaborative group work, discussing AI applications to real-world governance scenarios and exchanging insights with peers.

About the Engagement

Now in its second year, the "Transforming Public Service with the Power of Artificial Intelligence" programme continues to foster international collaboration and drive innovation. By equipping government officials with the expertise to implement AI-driven solutions, the programme empowers public sectors worldwide to remain adaptive, forward-thinking, and capable of leveraging technology for the greater good.

Caption: Delegation from both sessions at the IPOS International Office, wrapping up their immersive experience into AI’s transformative role in public services.

About Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP)

As a responsible member of the international community, Singapore provides technical assistance for developing countries through the SCP. Since 1992, more than 150,000 government officials from over 180 countries, territories and intergovernmental organisations have participated in the SCP capacity-building programmes. More information about the SCP can be found at www.scp.gov.sg.