Opening Speech by Senior Minister of State for Transport, Dr Amy Khor, at the 6th ITS Singapore Summit 2024

Mr Fred Kalt, President of ITS Singapore 

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen 

Introduction

1.     A very good morning to all. It is my pleasure to join you for the ITS Summit 2024. It is heartening to see familiar faces gathered here today.  

2.     This year’s theme on ‘Innovating Transportation Through AI’ is particularly timely, reflecting AI’s growing influence in transforming the transportation landscape in Singapore. Just in May this year, the Government announced an additional $300 million investment to bolster quantum technology research which can potentially enhance generative AI capabilities and efficiency. Concurrently, in the industry, Grab’s collaboration with OpenAI aims to enhance accessibility, customer support and mapping technologies. These are exciting developments.

AI Applications in Land Transport

3.     AI is not new to the transportation scene in Singapore; it has been deployed in the transportation sector to analyse extensive transport datasets. The Land Transport Authority, or LTA, leverages on AI, including use of machine learning, to analyse large sets of transport data to identify patterns, trends, and potential issues. This enables LTA to make more informed, data-driven decisions in designing transport networks that cater to the needs of all residents, including those with specific needs.

4.     LTA also leverages on computer vision technology for road operations such as the detection of road incidents and traffic conditions. Recently, LTA used AI for road maintenance and detection of road defects such as potholes. This has helped LTA identify and address road issues more efficiently, improve road quality, and prolong infrastructure lifespan.

5.     These applications of AI are just the beginning of its potential. With AI, we can reimagine transportation with streamlined operations, enhanced safety measures and improved connectivity and intelligence.

6.     For example, with access to richer datasets and leveraging AI’s analysis of real-time traffic data to analyse congestion patterns, traffic flow and incident detection, we can look forward to more dynamic adjustments to traffic signal timings. Furthermore, we anticipate that there will be more advanced AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants that are able to better emulate human interaction and provide real-time, personalised information for commuters. These innovations will help to optimise transportation efficiency, make travel safer, offer better user experience, and elevate overall commuter satisfaction.

Key Considerations in Applying AI in Transportation

7.     As we explore these exciting developments in technology, I would like to highlight several key considerations for the ITS ecosystem to ponder when applying AI in transportation. These are: first, innovating and developing competencies; second, building AI governance; and third, growing public acceptability.

Innovating and Developing Competencies

8.     Over the years, the ITS ecosystem has been building up its competency in the areas of digitalisation, data exploitation and analytics in tandem with technologies advancement. This will need to be expanded to further areas of AI, to be able to capitalise on its potential. 

9.     In this regard, LTA will be setting up a Roads Innovation Lab. This lab will serve as a space where LTA staff have the freedom to experiment and receive upskilling on AI applications. This ensures no one needs to start from scratch, reducing the learning curve and enhancing their ability to implement new technologies effectively. The lab will also facilitate collaboration between LTA and the private sector to co-innovate and address problem statements. This will foster continuous innovation and integration of ITS applications and materials within the industry. 

Building AI Governance 

10.    As we build our competencies and innovate, it is equally important to ensure that these advancements are governed ethically and transparently. Robust governance and frameworks are essential to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly. To achieve this, LTA has established an AI Office to oversee the governance of data usage within LTA. The AI office will ensure that we use AI in accordance with ethical principles such as fairness and privacy protection. 

Growing public acceptability

11.    Another equally crucial aspect is the interpretability and public acceptance of AI systems. AI models and their decisions need to be understood and explained to build trust among stakeholders. While the possibilities for AI are vast, technology should not be harnessed for its own sake. We must always focus on the value it brings to the end user. 

12.    Our hardware innovations must therefore come with heartware, ensuring that AI technology is well interfaced with different segment of the society, enhancing the overall quality of life and promoting inclusivity.

Conclusion

13.    In conclusion, these key considerations will guide us in ensuring that technological advancements, like AI, bring meaningful and lasting improvements. Together, we can work towards creating a transportation ecosystem that is efficient, safe, inclusive, and beneficial to all. 

14.    I encourage you to engage with the experts here today, ask questions and explore the vast possibilities AI has to offer. I wish you all a productive and insightful summit ahead. Thank you.