Singapore joined six other countries on Friday (Dec 12) to join a new US-led multilateral economic security and technology framework.
The framework, called Pax Silica, combines the Latin word ‘pax’ – meaning peace, stability and long-term prosperity – and the word ‘silica’ which refers to the compound that is refined into silicon used in computer chips that enable artificial intelligence (AI).
According to the US Department of State, the framework is intended to secure supply chains, trusted technology and strategic infrastructure.
The opening summit on December 12 included partners that the State Department said are home to the key companies and investors driving the global AI supply chain.
Secretary of State Jacon Helberg said on his X account that the Pax Silica statement operationalizes US President Donald Trump’s insight that artificial intelligence is the “new backbone of economic power.”
“This is the first time that countries are organizing around computers, silicon, minerals and manufacturing as shared strategic assets,” Helberg said.
At the summit, Singapore joined Australia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States to sign a non-binding declaration.
In a statement on Sunday (Dec 14), the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) said the declaration reflects a shared commitment to promoting prosperity, technological progress and economic security.
During the signing event, MDDI’s Permanent Secretary for Development Chng Kai Fong said the declaration is forward-looking and recognizes the critical role of technologies such as artificial intelligence.
He added that AI can be used for the common good and noted the importance of collaboration, both internationally and with the private sector.
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