International Experts Discuss Implications of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence on Global Security at Island Forum 2014

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (clockwise sixth from left) hosting the delegates to lunch at the Island Forum 2014.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted lunch for the delegates participating at the Island Forum 2014 this afternoon. The sixth Island Forum, organised by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), is held from 3 to 5 November 2014 and is attended by about 26 delegates from Austria, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States. Senior officials from MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) interacted and exchanged ideas with leading roboticists, industry leaders and experts on the theme "Advancements in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Society, Security and Conflict." Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit officiated at the opening reception at the Mandarin Orchard Hotel on 3 November.

The delegates shared insights on the technological advances in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, and its impact on societies, economies and security. The discussions also delved into military applications of robotics and artificial intelligence, and its implications on the nature of conflict and warfare. As the SAF works towards realising its vision in 2030, diverse international perspectives gathered at the Island Forum will deepen MINDEF and the SAF's understanding of developments in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, and enable the SAF to better transform in the next bound of its development.

The Island Forum, which has been organised since 2002, provides an important platform to engage a diversity of perspectives from academia, industry leaders and practitioners in addressing key contemporary issues related to security and defence through robust dialogue. In previous forums, delegates discussed the “Impact of Societal Change on Engagement, Governance and Security" and “Complex Networks: Risk and Resilience” - topics which are of particular interest to MINDEF and the SAF in an increasingly diverse and complex operating environment.

Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit (second from left) exchanging ideas with leading roboticists, industry leaders and experts at Island Forum 2014.

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