Denise Wong, Assistant Chief Executive and Deputy Commissioner of PDPC, Strategic Policy & Operations, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Singapore

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

At the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA), we see ourselves as the architects of Singapore's digital future. In my daily work, I oversee data and AI governance policy, working closely with the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).  

It's a fascinating area where we balance economic opportunities with public safety and trust. We're trying to push boundaries while creating a trusted ecosystem. It's exciting because Singapore isn't just doing this for ourselves - we're also playing a key role in convening these important conversations across the ASEAN region, and globally.  

Generative AI (GenAI) is a relatively new phenomenon, and Singapore has made early moves in the artificial intelligence (AI) safety space. We have engaged with industry partners to drive the AI Verify Foundation and co-create key AI governance initiatives that are both practical and implementable such as the Model AI Governance Framework.  

These initiatives demonstrate how we're using policy and technology hand-in-hand to create a trusted digital environment that benefits citizens while fostering innovation. 

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

This year, IMDA and the AI Verify Foundation published the Model AI Governance Framework for Gen AI. It’s the first comprehensive framework for Gen AI governance, pulling together different strands of global conversation.

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The framework provides practical guidance for organisations deploying generative AI, addressing challenges like trusted development and deployment of AI, and misinformation. This provides a blueprint for us to foster responsible AI development and build public trust in Singapore.  

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?

I guess it’s not really unexpected, but I constantly marvel at the fact that a small and agile team can have a significant footprint globally.  

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

Agentic AI systems. These systems have the potential to transform the workplace – we have to understand how to deploy them widely, and responsibly.  

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

AI is a game-changer for the public sector. It offers opportunities for enhanced efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and personalised citizen services. However, it also presents challenges in ethics, privacy, and public trust.  

The key is to harness AI's potential while addressing these challenges through robust governance frameworks. AI in government isn't about replacing human judgment but augmenting it to better serve the people. It's an opportunity to reimagine governance in the digital age, balancing innovation with responsibility – in a gist, using AI for public good.  

6. What are your priorities for 2025?  

One of our key priorities would be to continue leading and collaborating both regionally and globally on the conversation on AI governance and safety. Closer to home, the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics was recently endorsed earlier this year at the Fourth ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting and with this endorsement, we’re in the midst of setting up a working group on AI governance.  

As chair of the ASEAN digital ministers meeting, Singapore is facilitating these discussions. The guide will outline key AI governance principles and offer national and regional recommendations, which serve as a useful starting point for alignment among ASEAN countries.  

Beyond ASEAN, Singapore is one of 10 countries that was invited to be part of an international network of AI Safety Institutes and most recently, we co-led a pilot joint testing exercise with the US and UK to test methodologies and align on common best practices for model testing.

The findings from the pilot exercise will inform the Network’s future collaboration on testing in the lead-up to the French AI Action Summit in February 2025.  

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

For public sector innovators, focus on citizen-centric solutions and cross-sector collaboration. Embrace agility and inclusivity while balancing innovation with ethical considerations. Invest in digital literacy, measure real-world impact, and communicate transparently. Above all, remember that true innovation in the public sector isn't just about new technologies—it's about creating meaningful, sustainable improvements in citizens' lives through thoughtful, responsible implementation. 

8. Who inspires you today?

My mum! She was a working mother who balanced a demanding job in the finance sector with actively raising my sister and me. I hope to do the same with my three kids.