MDDI's Response to PQ on AI Capabilities That Require Domestic Ability to Operate and That Can Be Diversified to Foreign Providers

Parliament Sitting on 3 November 2026

Question for Oral Answer

*113. Mr Victor Lye asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether Singapore's National AI Strategy distinguishes between AI capabilities where diversified access to foreign providers provides sufficient resilience and those critical capabilities for which Singapore should retain an independent domestic ability to operate; and (b) if so, what principles determine this distinction.

Answer

Singapore’s objective is to ensure secure and reliable access to the AI capabilities we need. We make use of capabilities available globally, while strengthening resilience by working with multiple providers and building relevant capabilities in Singapore.

In deploying AI, we take a risk-based approach, considering factors such as the criticality of the use case, capability required, cost-effectiveness and the availability of suitable alternatives.

This approach allows Singapore to benefit from global innovation while maintaining resilience and flexibility to meet our national needs.

*Converted to written answer