8 in 10 believe AI will boost Singapore’s economy, according to Telenor Asia study

• 6 in 10 believe AI will benefit society
• Excitement for AI grew nearly 10% in the last two years, the greatest increase across Southeast Asian countries polled
• Personal data privacy remains top of mind for 4 in 10 Singaporeans, more than regional peers

Singapore, 19 November 2024 – Mobile phones have become indispensable tools for Singaporeans, with 97% owning a smartphone and spending a significant amount of time on it daily. Three in four people already use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools on their mobile devices to enhance their daily routines, and nearly half (47%) say AI is the emerging technology they are most excited about.

These findings are from the Telenor Asia’s latest Digital Lives Decoded 2024 (Singapore) report, which focuses on how mobile connectivity is shaping smarter and safer lives in the city state. The overall picture is one of optimism and excitement, especially when it comes to adoption of new technologies like AI. Lingering concerns around personal data privacy, highlight the need for continued education and robust privacy measures to create a safer digital environment. 

“People in Singapore see AI as a force for economic and social good. This is encouraging as Singapore builds its position as a global hub for AI and new technologies. The increasing integration of AI into mobile devices is helping individuals lead smarter lives. However, there are also clear concerns about privacy and security that need to be addressed to continue building trust in the digital world. As AI becomes more embedded in the everyday, we are excited about the new possibilities it can unlock for customers, businesses, and societies,” Håkon Bruaset Kjøl, SVP Head of Investment Management and Deputy CEO of Telenor Asia, says.

1. Singaporeans are the most optimistic in the region about AI

AI is seen as a catalyst for positive change in Singapore, with 8 in 10 believing that it will have a positive impact on the economy and 6 in 10 believing it will benefit society. Other key areas where respondents expect AI to have an positive impact include education, transportation and crime prediction/ prevention. This is very much in line with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), which lays out how the country plans to harness AI for the public good over the next three to five years. That said, concerns about job security remain prevalent, especially among Gen X and Baby Boomers. Interestingly, 6 in 10 Gen Zs and millennials are positive about AI’s impact on the future of their jobs.

People in Singapore are also becoming increasingly enthusiastic about AI every year. Excitement around AI has increased by almost 10% in the last two years, from 38% to 47% in 2024. This is the greatest increase across Southeast Asian countries polled. Nearly 4 in 10 Singaporeans say they use AI at work, 1 in 4 Singaporeans say they use AI for online shopping or on social media and 1 in 4 Singaporeans is not aware they use AI at all.

The role of AI has also grown in significance, with people using it to improve research and generate ideas. Looking ahead, they hope to leverage AI more for problem solving and data analysis.

2. Singaporeans recognise AI’s potential for enhanced efficiency and security on mobile

People are also cognizant of the ways in which AI can contribute to a smarter and safer life. 54% of respondents believe AI can make their mobile more efficient, and 6 in 10 feel AI integrations will make a positive impact on their daily mobile use.

Interestingly, even those concerned about data privacy share similar views on efficiency and are excited about the potential benefits of AI. 44% of Singaporeans say they expect AI smart devices to provide enhanced security and stronger data privacy controls.

As Singapore sets itself up for a new era of AI-integrated devices, there are also concerns about over-reliance on AI and its impact on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is important because for all the excitement, there remain concerns to be addressed. 

3. Mobile use is contributing to smarter living in Singapore, but personal data privacy remains top of mind

In the era of AI-integrated devices, being able to track physical health, manage finances and online learning are some of the ways people are using their mobiles to lead smarter and more connected lives. 1 in 3 say monitoring their health and fitness through various apps and connected devices has enabled them to live a smarter life, with older generations more likely to say this. This is in line with the government’s Healthier SG movement which encourages people to track daily physical activity with wearables. 87% find their mobile devices a helpful tool for maintaining their social life, and 1 in 4 say the device enables a smarter life through connecting them with like-minded individuals online.

However, personal data privacy risks are high on the list for Singapore. 4 in 10 are concerned about how companies are using their personal data, and 55% cite misuse of personal data as their primary worry when it comes to AI-integrated devices. This reflects the country’s heightened awareness of data privacy issues, likely a result of high internet penetration, advanced digital economy and literacy, and privacy regulations like the Personal Data Protection Act.

Håkon Bruaset Kjøl concludes, “It is clear that a multi-pronged approach to privacy and online safety is needed. By prioritising education, awareness, and ensuring high standards around responsible use of technology, together we can create a more secure digital landscape that empowers all Singaporeans to thrive confidently in the digital age.”