Cheryl Tan, Deputy Director, AI Masterplanning, Governance, AI Central, HTX, Singapore

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation.

As a Deputy Director at AI Central, I lead efforts related to AI masterplanning, governance, and ecosystem development across HTX and our Home Team departments, ensuring strategic adoption and the responsible use of AI.

Prior to taking on my role at AI Central, I was privileged to have worked with HTX’s Sensemaking & Surveillance Centre of Expertise, where I supported the development of AlchemiX, HTX's deepfake detection tool for the Home Team. Our R&D efforts revealed that deepfakes cannot circumvent fundamental physical laws, such as lighting, shading and reflections, thus presenting opportunities for detection.

AlchemiX's showcase at the Smart Nation 2.0 launch demonstrated its potential to enhance national security and public trust, and I'm eager to see its continued growth.

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year?

Our HTxAI movement, which was announced in June 2024, has set an ambitious goal of building a 300-strong AI workforce by end-2025. We will focus our efforts on developing cutting edge solutions and harnessing the power of AI in three ways: improving citizen experience, improving employee experience and productivity, and improving mission outcomes.

This initiative promotes collaboration across the entire Home Team together with the Whole of Government, industry, and academia, with the aim of cultivating a vibrant AI ecosystem.

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?

Many would think work-life balance is just a buzzword, but HTX's leaders have made it a reality and taught me that balance isn't optional; it's essential.

The leadership team's emphasis on self-care and personal growth has created an environment where I feel empowered to pursue my interests outside of work, and this has helped me rediscover my childhood love for table tennis, which has since become my go-to stress reliever.

This experience has reinforced my appreciation of HTX's commitment to employee well-being and inspired me to prioritise balance (and integration) in all aspects of work and life. Kudos to the leadership team for making balance cool!

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025?

As we step into 2025, I'm eager to explore advancements in Explainable AI and Responsible AI techniques to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness in AI decision-making.

Our R&D efforts span discriminative and generative AI models. Specifically, we'll investigate model interpretability techniques, adversarial robustness and security measures, fairness metrics and bias detection algorithms, as well as generative model explainability. These innovations will empower us to develop trustworthy AI solutions.

5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector.

AI will continue to transform the way the public sector operates and delivers services. In my view, AI's impact will intensify as demographics shift and societal challenges intensify.

Leveraging AI will enable the public sector to enhance citizen experiences, augment workforce capabilities and address critical skill gaps. However, mitigating AI's inherent risks means proactive measures such as robust cybersecurity frameworks, disinformation countermeasures and stringent ethical guidelines must be enacted.

Effective leadership and strategic planning are vital to harnessing AI's benefits while safeguarding against its threats. To unlock AI's full potential, strategic investments in R&D, talent, and partnerships locally and globally will be imperative.

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6. What are your priorities for 2025?

I have two key priorities in 2025. The first has to do with the building of a high-performance team that will be core to the HTxAI movement. I'm committed to hiring the best talent, fostering collaborative environments and nurturing professional growth.

Secondly, I'm passionate about advancing Explainable AI and Responsible AI, and making AI more transparent and accountable so as to ensure the safe and responsible development and use of AI.

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators?

Curiosity, creativity and passion for learning will ignite progress. Collaborate with your community to develop practical solutions that address real needs. Technology is just a tool; people must always come first.

To drive progress, break down silos and communicate openly. Lead with empathy, empower your team and foster trust. Prioritise self-care, learning and growth to stay adaptable in a rapidly changing landscape. By working together, we can turn innovative ideas into meaningful impact!

8. Who inspires you today?

Honestly, I'm constantly inspired by everyday people I meet in my life. Friends, family, colleagues – everyone has a story or an experience to share. Life's journey is full of incredible teachers who offer unique perspectives. These encounters help me learn to appreciate the little things, find joy in unexpected places and cherish the beauty of connection. I'm grateful for the valuable lessons and wisdom, which continue to inspire me to grow, adapt and thrive personally and professionally.