Singapore and Sweden unite to advance trusted AI, quantum technology and 6G
Singapore and Sweden have signed an agreement to work more closely together on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technology and new telecommunications systems, including 6G networks.
The Joint Declaration on Strategic Cooperation on Trusted and Innovative Technologies was signed on Monday, October 19, during Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's state visit to Sweden, AsiaOne reports, citing Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Tharman and Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf witnessed the signing. The agreement marks a new step in cooperation between the two countries on new technologies and digital innovation.
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the agreement aims to make both countries' economies more competitive and better able to deal with challenges, while supporting technological progress and innovation.
The declaration names several main areas for cooperation. These include semiconductor technology, important hardware, the Internet of Things (IoT), uses of artificial intelligence, quantum technology and advanced digital infrastructure.
Both countries also plan to work more closely on reliable and secure connections, especially by developing and using 5G and newer 6G telecommunications technologies.
Cybersecurity is another major part of the partnership. This reflects growing concerns about cyber threats that are becoming more complex and advanced.
Singapore and Sweden plan to strengthen cooperation on protecting digital infrastructure, making information and communications technology systems more reliable, and developing post-quantum cryptography, which is designed to protect information against future threats from quantum computers.
The two countries will also look for ways to share knowledge and technical skills in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, trusted connections and digital transformation.
Rules for managing artificial intelligence are expected to be a particular focus of the agreement.
Both countries recognize that the rapid development of AI brings opportunities as well as challenges. They plan to share experiences and good practices for using AI responsibly and regulating AI systems.
Areas for cooperation will include digital improvements in public services, rules and regulations, preparing workers for changes, and steps to make AI applications safer and increase public trust in them.
The agreement also stresses the importance of countries working together to develop rules, guidelines and standards for technology.
Both countries plan to share ideas about new technology issues and, when appropriate, coordinate their work through international organizations and regional groups that develop standards.
During a joint press statement on Monday, President Tharman stressed the importance of cooperation among countries that share common interests at a time when the world is becoming more uncertain and divided.
He said countries with similar views should combine their strengths to tackle shared challenges and create new opportunities for economic growth and technological progress.
The agreement was signed during Tharman's five-day state visit to Sweden, which includes several official events and discussions.
On Tuesday, the Singaporean president is scheduled to give a lecture at the Stockholm School of Economics and attend a lunch hosted by the Stockholm City Council.
He is also expected to travel to Gothenburg on October 21 to attend a lunch hosted by Governor Sten Tolgfors.
The new declaration provides a framework for Singapore and Sweden to expand their work together on important technologies while supporting innovation, digital security and the responsible development of technology.