Welcome Address by SMS Tan Kiat How at MDDI Family Joint Scholarship Ceremony 2025

MOS Rahayu

MDDI leadership team

Industry partners, colleagues and friends

Scholarship award recipients and family members

Good afternoon.

1. I’m happy to be here today to celebrate this milestone together with all of you. My heartiest congratulations to all the scholarship recipients. We are very proud of you.

2. I am here on behalf of Minister Josephine Teo who is currently away on an overseas work trip, and she sends her regards to everyone.

3. Today, we are here to celebrate the achievements and to award 81 scholarships under the MDDI Family to advance Singapore’s Tech, Media and Information Sectors.

   1. They include the MDDI Information Service Scholarship, NLB Scholarship, Smart Nation Scholarship and the MDDI Postgraduate Scholarship.

   2. We are also nurturing the next generation of tech and media leaders through the SG Digital Scholarship.

   3. Our scholars will be at the forefront of technologies, like AI, cybersecurity and quantum computing.

   4. All of you come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from younger individuals in their 20s embarking on undergraduate studies to those young at heart pursuing further education.

4. The diversity of our scholars reflects the diverse nature of MDDI’s work.

5. The role of MDDI will increasingly be more crucial in the coming years.

   1. We are facing a more uncertain future. We see an erosion of rules-based international order, sharper geopolitical tensions, spilling over into technology domains like semiconductors, AI chips and other digital technologies.

   2. We are seeing digital technologies becoming more pervasive in our lives, across work, living, learning, play and entertainment; and this is accelerated by AI. This introduces new threats like cybersecurity, but at the same time, it creates opportunities for Singapore and our economy.

   3. We are also seeing a more fragmented information space, changing consumption patterns for news and current affairs, greater reliance on social media platforms for latest happenings around the world and not just relying on mainstream media.

   4. We see a much more uncertain future, a much more digital future, and in the information space, a much more fragmented domain.

6. In such an environment, there are two important priorities for the MDDI family.

   1. The first is to create and seize growth opportunities in a more digital future, especially with Artificial Intelligence (AI);

   2. And second, to shore up trust to keep our digital and information space safe.

7. That is why we changed our name from Ministry of Communication and Information (MCI) to Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI). As our lives become more digital and the world grows more uncertain, it reflects a sharpened mission to help Singapore harness the fruits of digital progress, while also preserving trust in our information space, holding our people together.

8. AI is expected to disrupt nearly every industry, shifting the skillsets required across global labour markets. Singapore will not be spared. AI literacy will be a core competency for every person.

9. AI literacy isn’t just about knowing how to code or understanding algorithms. It’s about building a foundation of competencies that empower individuals to navigate AI-integrated world with confidence.

10. We are adopting a multi-pronged effort.

    1. AI for everyone – For example, IMDA has enhanced the Digital Skills for Life framework with content on Generative AI (Gen AI). Learners can understand the basics of Gen AI, its risks and how to manage these risks. The curriculum also suggests practical applications for daily activities such as generating recommendations for places to eat at or leisure activities to try. NLB has been exploring the use of technology such as Gen AI, to enable patrons to discover more content and authors. It also takes the opportunity to share with its patrons on the need for ethical and responsible use of such technologies. NLB is also educating the public about Gen AI through initiatives such as the S.U.R.E. (Source, Understand, Research, Evaluate) initiative, which help patrons to be discerning consumers of information, to better understand the benefits and challenges of Gen AI, and stay safe online. MOS Rahayu is driving this effort to build a more inclusive and safer digital society. Everyone can learn about AI and benefit from the use of AI.

    2. AI for workers – We want to fully unlock AI’s potential by developing a skilled and confident AI-ready workforce.

       1. AI Practitioners – We are committed to growing a strong pipeline of AI Practitioners and tripling our pool of Practitioners to 15,000 over five years. In 2024, we estimate the pool had grown by nearly 25%.

       2. AI Users – Beyond Practitioners, we also want to equip the broad base of tech workers to become confident AI Users, who can use AI-powered solutions and services to increase productivity. IMDA has trained 13,000 tech workers through Information & Communications (I&C) Jobs Transformation Map (JTM)-curated course offerings, including AI courses, since Aug 2023.

    3. AI for leaders – Most importantly, AI needs to be applied and used, not just as a technology for discovery, but as a tool to use in the workplace to create impact. To do so, we need the leaders of companies, organisations and firms to understand how to use AI effectively in their workplaces. We are investing $20 million to enhance AI Practitioner training for students over three years, including an increase in the number of AI-related SG Digital Scholarships and facilitate access to overseas internships in AI-related roles. We want to groom the next generation of digital leaders who are AI savvy and able to use AI effectively in organisations. Since 2024, IMDA has awarded over 70 scholars pursuing AI-related degrees who will join the 1,500-strong SG Digital Leadership Accelerator community to fast-track their development as future leaders in our digital economy.

11. We are doing more to support our economy, our organisations, firms and workers to make full use of AI in a new digital age and making sure that everyone can use AI to be an inclusive and safe society.

12. AI Literacy is a core competency in the coming digital age, and the Government is walking the talk.

13. We aim to be a public service that is AI-savvy and digitally empowered to maintain high performance, efficiency and responsiveness in delivering service to our citizens.

    1. We are promoting AI literacy into policy making, operations, and service delivery. We are looking beyond just upskilling technical teams. We are also ensuring our public sector workforce, from political office holders, public service leaders, to rank and file officers, understand how to use AI tools to improve way we work and serve.

    2. We have started this journey and are making good progress.

       1. We want all public officers to have the confidence in using AI and digital tools. We are setting a clear digital, data and AI competency baseline for all public officers and implementing new training programmes. We are also improving our public service leaders’ readiness to lead digital transformation efforts, such that every leader, at the political leadership level, as well as the civil service leadership level, is a digital leader.

       2. About one-third of our 150,000 public officers now regularly use Pair, a secure version of ChatGPT developed by Open Government Products. The number of active users grew by nearly 20% from the first quarter of this year to the second quarter, reaching 64,600 monthly active users. I suspect that my colleagues might have used Pair to write most of my speech, which I am very happy about – that should be the way to become more productive and use technology more effectively.

       3. Many of our public service officers have developed thousands of experimental chatbots using our in-house AI Bots platform to help them work smarter. I’m not surprised that many of them have very creative ideas for using technology when you empower them with the right skills and tools.

       4. Some of our public agencies, such as CPF, had also adopted AI solutions to help improve service delivery. Since March, CPF has been using AI to transcribe and summarise calls, which was previously done by call agents. This allows the call agents to focus better on assisting callers on their queries. More recently, CPF is piloting a new AI feature, which helps to identify and prioritise callers who could be less tech-savvy, thus bridging the digital divide.

       5. As we use technology much more extensively and intensively in our work, I am heartened to know that our scholars embody the spirit of wanting to build a better Singapore, like Jaden, who is looking to join CSA after his studies. During his time in the Police Force, Jaden assisted unfortunate scam victims through their ordeal, and was inspired by digital tools such as ScamShield, which was developed to protect Singaporeans from falling prey to scams, prompting him to pursue a career in CSA to strengthen Singapore’s cyber defences. We are seeing many of our scholars embarking on exciting transformation journeys of their own and started applying technologies to benefit the wider community.

14. Fundamentally, it is not about technology and tools.

15. It is about our mindset and attitude – to be technology-forward, with a drive to continually improve how we do things. This has been our DNA since the early days of computerisation and digitalisation. Singaporeans need to embrace this mindset and attitude to fully benefit from the new wave of AI technologies.

16. While technology adoption brings about tremendous potential for growth especially for small open economies like Singapore, we must work hard to ensure that technology does not exacerbate divides in our society. That is why MDDI’s effort to foster a safer online space and a more digitally inclusive society is so important.

17. First, amidst the evolving ways people consume information in a digital age, we must innovate how government messages are effectively conveyed to bring people together, forging a more cohesive nation and upholding a trusted digital information ecosystem that works for all.

    1. Our younger information scholars, like Li Xian, bring with them fresh perspectives shaped by growing up in the social media age. I understand she enjoys connecting with her friends and family through different ways on social media platforms like Instagram – a reminder that effective communications must evolve the way people live and interact today.

    2. It is also important for our existing officers to build their skills and deepen their understanding of new trends. Heikel, who is currently working on communications with the Ministry of Law, will soon pursue a master’s in political communications at the University of London. His example shows that continuous learning is essential, especially in a fast-changing communications environment.

18. Second, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, often exploiting the very technologies meant to help us. These threats can significantly disrupt the functioning of our essential services and undermine trust in our digital systems. Not only do we need to recognise the risks, but we also must understand the technological underpinnings behind these threats and respond effectively.

    1. Therefore, I am encouraged that our youths are taking the initiative to help others recognise the importance of addressing digital threats. Sean Seah, a recipient of the Smart Nation Scholarship (CSA), is one such example.

    2. Among his many achievements, he founded HACK@AC at Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). The initiative seeks to nurture interest and capabilities in cybersecurity among students – from secondary schools to Junior Colleges, Polytechnics and ITEs.

19. Thirdly, we must ensure that Tech is used for Good, benefitting the wider community. I am heartened to see that some of our scholars here today have already started on this journey.

    1. Like En Hao, one of the SG Digital scholars. His passion for helping others understand tech is evident through Project Tyros, where he transformed a basic mathematics tutoring programme into comprehensive coding workshops for the community. Also, as an advisor at SG Youth AI, he continues to demystify AI for the public, breaking down complex concepts into digestible insights.

20. Almost 30 years ago, I was in your position, receiving a government scholarship to study computers. 30 years ago, the world was quite different.

    1. Firstly, technology was very different. There were no smart phones, internet was only just beginning, and certainly there was no such thing as mobile broadband. When we studied computers then, it was a room full of servers. Computing power and the memory in the memory chips of smartphones today have probably surpassed all the capabilities in that room of servers.

    2. The external environment was very different too. Berlin Wall just came down a few years before, China hadn’t joined the World Trade Organisation, globalisation and international trade were picking up pace. It was an external geopolitical environment that was stable, open, and peaceful which benefitted many countries. It was a period where rising tide raises all boats, improving lives and standards of living. Singapore certainly benefited greatly.

21. 30 years on, the world has changed quite significantly, technology has transformed by leaps and bounds. We are talking about quantum computing, AI and the new ways of doing things that we could only have dreamed of in the past, which sounds like science fiction.

22. But some fundamental things shouldn’t change. I suggest three areas of values, which I hope that many of you will continue to bring forward in your future careers.

    1. First, sense of service to nation. It’s a privilege to be recognised for your accomplishments and potential. I hope that as you progress in your careers, do continue to remember that sense of service to the wider community to uplift lives of fellow Singaporeans and create more opportunities for many generations of Singaporeans to come.

    2. Second, it is also a sense of stewardship, stewarding the peace and stability that we have in Singapore. Like how your parents and grandparents from the Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation have stewarded Singapore for the last 60 years, leading to a Singapore that is stable, harmonious and vibrant, brimming with opportunities today, I hope that all of you continue to be responsible stewards.

    3. Lastly, solidarity as Singaporeans. The diversity that we have in Singapore is something that we are proud of, but it is something that we must continue to work hard to preserve – the sense of unity, identity and purpose, regardless of race, language, religion and background.

23. Lastly, my wish and something I would have said to myself 30 years ago – I hope that you will discover your purpose, as you embark on your next journey.

24. I wish you all the best in your studies. Congratulations again!