Bernice Khoo, Director, Technology Office and Director (Research), National AI Group, Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), Singapore

1. How do you use technology/policy in your role or organisation? 

As the Director of the Technology Office (TO) at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), I support MDDI’s priorities in the Information domain, and for its mission to safeguard Online Safety. My team scans for emerging technologies and advises various departments on technology build and buying decisions.  

For Online Safety, 2024 has very much been about setting up the Online Trust and Safety (OTS) programme and the Centre for Advanced Technologies in Online Safety (CATOS) at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). I believe that there is an increased need to fund research and technology development projects in this area as new methods and tools are constantly required to safeguard our online space spaces.  

In my second MDDI portfolio, I oversee the research department in the National AI Group (NAIG) and work closely with AI Singapore (AISG). My role involves developing the National AI Research and Development (NAIRD) Plan and kickstarting initiatives that would allow Singapore to continue to stay at the forefront of AI research. 

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

The most impactful project I have worked on was the launch of the OTS programme, CATOS, co-organising the inaugural Online Trust and Safety (OTS) Forum. This is a newly established platform to gather like-minded people from diverse backgrounds to discuss research and technologies to prevent, detect and mitigate online harms. The community includes academics, policymakers, technologists, companies and not-for-profit organisations, and it is heartening to see everyone work together towards a common goal of building safer online spaces.  

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It’s been rewarding seeing our plans roll out and our vision for safer online spaces taking shape. One moment that left a deep impression was when I watched researchers from CATOS explain the in-s and out-s of generative AI, (GenAI), deepfakes and detection technologies to young kids, older adults and elderly folks who came by their booth at the National Library Board’s S.U.R.E community outreach. It was heartwarming to see our researchers impart their scientific knowledge to educate the public on the opportunities and risks of AI. Every bit of effort counts.  

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024? 

Even in times when I felt overwhelmed with work and asked myself whether what I was doing was making a real difference, I realised I could draw energy and inspiration from like-minded people who cared about safety and security in the digital space.  

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

I really would love to find or develop tools that would help raise awareness and educate the public on mis/disinformation or reduce people’s susceptibility to mis/disinformation. 

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

AI is an incredible tool but also a double-edged sword. For the public sector, even as we develop new applications and adopt AI to help with our work, we should be aware of risks, and potential misuse of the technology and ensure that we remain digitally inclusive.  

6. What are your priorities for 2025? 

Work-wise, both teams that I work with are rather lean, therefore, one of my priorities for 2025 is to build up both the teams at TO and the NAIG Research team to better support MDDI’s work. 

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As a behavioural scientist by training, I am passionate about building psychological resilience and ensuing cognitive security – protecting humans from information-based threats. So, I hope to keep abreast of the latest work in this field and apply them to my work.  

7. Who inspires you today? 

Phillip Yeo and a couple of my current bosses who advocate for mindset shifts in the way the public service does things. They embrace flexibility, foster risk-taking, and empower those who work with them.  

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

Find ways to navigate bureaucracy and not let it wear you down.