As more businesses look to inculcate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their core business models, countries are coming forth with guiding documents that would help business mould AI systems in line with national policies and strategies. Singapore's AI Ethics & Governance Body of Knowledge (BoK) has released a reference document to help Singapore-based businesses develop responsible AI technologies. The document contains ethical aspects that pertain to the development and deployment of AI technologies. 

BoK is the initiative of the industry group Singapore Computer Society (SCS) which was formed in 1967 to support its 42,000 members with training and development as well as networking opportunities. The BoK's core team comprises of more than 60 professionals from multi-disciplinary backgrounds. The aim of BoK is to help in the "responsible, ethical, and human-centric" deployment of AI for competitive advantage. It covers use cases that exhibit both - the positive and the negative outcomes of AI adoption and exhibits the technology's potential that can be used to support a safe ecosystem with proper utilisation. 

The BoK is based on the country's latest Model AI Governance Framework, which was updated in January 2020. The document will continue to evolve as the local digital landscape evolves, said SCS during its launch Friday.

 As AI increasingly becomes more 'human-like', mimicking human action and thought, SCS President Chong Yoke Sin noted that rogue or misaligned AI algorithms with unintended bias could cause significant damage. This underscored the importance of ensuring AI was used ethically.  "On the other hand, stifling innovation in the use of AI will be disastrous as the new economy will increasingly leverage AI," Chong said, as she stressed the need for a balanced approach that prioritised human safety and interests. 

 Singapore's Minister for Communications and Information S. Iswaran further emphasised on the need to build trustworthy and responsible AI systems while speaking at the SCS' Tech3 Forum. He said that this will promote the adoption of the technologies and be able to help industries use AI technologies to the optimum. 

 "Responsible adoption of AI can boost companies' efficiencies, facilitate decision-making, and help employees upskill into more enriching and meaningful jobs," Iswaran said. "Above all, we want to build a progressive, safe, and trusted AI environment that benefits businesses and workers, and drives economic transformation."

 So that businesses can deploy AI technology responsibly with the advice given by proficient experts in AI technology-related ethics as well as governance. "[The BoK] will guide the development of curricula on AI ethics and governance. It will also form the basis of future training and certification for professionals -- both in the ICT and non-ICT domains. These professionals will serve as advisors for businesses on the responsible implementation of AI solutions," he said. 

 Chong noted that the focal point was the individual using or affected by AI. 

 "It is not merely the technology and methodologies, but the human that should be at the centre of our analysis and decision-making: she said. "Around this core are secondary principles and values, such as auditability and robustness, that help us achieve this core set of putative global norms for ethical AI."

 The SCS has also planned to develop an AI ethics and governance certification course for professionals in partnership with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU). The course will be available for the training and certification of professionals to help and advise organisations on AI ethics and governance. The course will be a part of NTU's upcoming MiniMasters programme in AI and AI ethics, designed to guide participants in understanding and solving problems brought about by the adoption of AI.