This APAC Country Is Most Prepared for GenAI
- By CDOTrends editors
- November 06, 2023
AI readiness not only marks technological prowess but also predicts economic and socio-political advancement. The latest 2023 Asia Pacific AI Readiness Index, commissioned by Salesforce, reveals a critical insight: Singapore has emerged as the most prepared nation for AI integration in the region. This status holds potential ripple effects across various sectors, signaling a transformative shift in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) landscape.
Singapore’s impressive score of 70.1 out of a possible 100 in overall AI readiness surpasses that of its regional counterparts, including tech giants Japan (59.8) and China (59.7). It is an achievement built on the back of the nation’s strategic national AI policies and a thriving ecosystem fostering innovation and responsible AI usage. The National AI Strategy of Singapore, which meticulously charts out the deployment of AI solutions in key societal sectors, coupled with initiatives like the AI Verify Foundation, lays a robust groundwork for this technological leap.
“We’ve seen a substantial chasm forming between the mature and emerging digital economies regarding their AI readiness,” noted the report. Despite the lag, countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam show promise, with national AI policies introduced recently suggesting impending progress.
The stakes of AI readiness have never been higher, with generative AI poised to bolster the APAC economy by up to USD4.4 trillion annually by 2030, as per McKinsey. Yet, the leap to generative AI demands formidable infrastructure, ample high-quality data, a skilled workforce, ethical oversight, and seamless integration into current systems.
Reflecting on the broader APAC region, the Index notes advancements across various economies, propelled by national strategies and initiatives. Singapore, leading the pack, has been instrumental in spearheading responsible AI adoption. Meanwhile, Indonesia and Thailand have shown significant strides in government AI readiness, echoing their recent implementation of national AI strategies. New Zealand’s prowess in digital government and open data, Australia’s commitment to building upon open data sources, South Korea’s creative outputs, and India’s burgeoning AI startup scene exemplify the diverse strengths within the region.
The pivot to AI, however, is not just a technological upgrade but requires a concerted effort across the public and private sectors. “Adopting a risk-based approach to AI regulation, fostering responsible AI and ethics, and leveraging AI for societal and economic benefits are crucial,” the report advises, pointing to the necessity of a united front to maximize AI’s potential.
Image credit: iStockphoto/takoburito