A new Memorandum of Understanding between AI Singapore and the United Nations Development Programme has been signed to advance AI literacy in six pilot countries. AI for Good (AI4Good) programme will be utilised to accelerate efforts beyond Singapore.
SINGAPORE — May 29, 2025 — AI Singapore (AISG) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand access to AI learning in six pilot countries from Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean, and bridge the digital divide.
Despite significant progress, around one in three people worldwide remain offline, preventing them from accessing essential services, educational resources, and economic opportunities. The barriers they face, including limited network coverage, affordability issues and a lack of basic digital literacy, must be urgently addressed. Moreover, while emerging technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence, present us with remarkable development opportunities, they also present risks which can deepen existing inequalities, perpetuate biases, and exclude marginalised groups. AI education and capacity building efforts are critical to support developing countries in harnessing the potential of AI.
Championing AI literacy through supporting education, training, and accessibility
The partnership will extend AISG’s successful AI4Good programme – initially launched in 2024 to bolster national AI capabilities across Asia – to an international scale.
“AI does not just present an opportunity; it offers many possibilities. Our AI4Good initiative in Singapore is a testament to its transformative power as Singaporeans are empowered with the right tools and knowledge to actively engage in the digital economy. Yet, the full potential of AI remains untapped. To fully realise its benefits, we must pursue a more inclusive and sustainable global society, both within Singapore’s borders and beyond. This demands bold, innovative partnerships with organisations who share our commitment to bridging the digital divide, and we look forward to the partnership with UNDP to make this vision a reality,” said Mr Koo Sengmeng, Director of AI Talent Development, AI Singapore.
This MOU outlines five key strategic areas which are aimed to increase AI literacy, empower educators in AI instruction, create inclusive learning opportunities, raise ethical AI awareness, and build institutional capacity to sustain and scale AI literacy initiatives. Ultimately, the programme will equip individuals, particularly marginalised groups, with crucial AI skills for job searches, entrepreneurship, and social engagement, thereby ensuring their equitable participation in the digital economy. Educators will also gain access to helpful resources to integrate AI literacy across various learning environments.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving and holds enormous potential to transform societies and advance sustainable development. To ensure everyone can benefit from this transformation, our efforts must be rooted in equity and sustainability. Through our partnership with AI Singapore, UNDP and the countries we serve gain access to cutting-edge learning and accelerated AI literacy,” said Mr Robert Opp, Chief Digital Officer, United Nations Development Programme.
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For media enquiries, please contact:
Abigail TOH
AI Singapore
Email: atoh@aisingapore.org
Melody KOH
Tate Anzur
HP: 9799 9155
Email: melody.koh@tateanzur.com
Li Wen NG
UNDP
Email: liwen.ng@undp.org
About AI Singapore
AI Singapore (AISG) is a national programme launched by the National Research Foundation (NRF), Singapore, to catalyse, synergise and boost Singapore’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to power our future digital economy.
AISG will bring together all Singapore-based research institutions and the vibrant ecosystem of AI start-ups and companies developing AI products, to perform use-inspired research, grow the knowledge, create the tools, and develop the talent to power Singapore’s AI efforts.
AISG is driven by a government-wide partnership comprising NRF, Smart Nation Group (SNG), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), amongst others.
For more information on AI Singapore, please visit https://www.aisingapore.org
About the United Nations Development Programme
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s leading agency on international development, working in over 170 countries and territories to achieve sustainable development. It focuses on eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and helping countries develop policies, skills, partnerships, and institutions. UNDP’s long-term vision is to help create a world in which digital is an empowering force for people and planet.
For more information on UNDP and its digital programmes, please visit: https://www.undp.org/digital
Source: UNDP