AI-First Nation

A blueprint for policy makers and organisation leaders.

AI-First Nation (AIFN)

by Laurence Liew is a blueprint for policy makers, organisational leaders, and anyone seeking to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI). The book chronicles AI Singapore’s groundbreaking initiatives that are nurturing Singapore’s pool of AI talent and shaping the nation’s AI future. 

With his unconventional ideas and unwavering determination, Laurence offers the readers insights into the challenges and opportunities of AI adoption, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the programs he developed and implemented. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of artificial intelligence, how governments can foster innovation in AI, and Singapore’s journey to becoming an AI First Nation.

Importantly, this book is a demonstration of the productivity gains one can achieve by leveraging AI. Find out more in the Preface and Ethical Declaration chapter about how Laurence used AI as an assistant (or co-pilot) to write this book in record time!

What readers are saying about AIFN:

real-world examples, transformative potential of human-AI partnerships, gripping chronical, playbook of vivid stories, compelling and practical blueprint, models for the world to follow…

Buy the AIFN book on Amazon, and also join the AI-First Nation Community to keep updated on the AIFN book series coming out later this year!

Rapidly increasing numbers of private sector and public sector organisation are dealing with the challenges of internally building the capacity to use AI to improve how the organisation goes about its everyday work. This book is the best description I have seen of how to build that capacity. A company or a country of any size, and at any stage of development along the lifecycle of AI usage maturity, will find useful examples in this book. AI-First Nation uses real-world examples from Singapore to illustrate how to seed and progressively expand AI capability development in ways that make it possible for an individual organisation as well for an entire national ecosystem of organisations to level up their ability to understand AI and make use of it in effective ways.

Professor Emeritus Steven Miller, Co-Author of Working with AI (MIT Press), Founding Dean, School of Computing and Information Systems, Singapore Management University and Project Consultant, UN DESA Division of Public Institutions and Digital Government

AI-First Nation is a ground-breaking achievement, not just for its insights into building a thriving AI ecosystem, but for its very authorship. Laurence Liew’s usage of Google Gemini (Google Large Language Model) as a biographer for the book, demonstrates the transformative potential of human-AI partnerships, pushing the boundaries of creative expression and knowledge sharing. This book is a testament to the power of AI to augment human capabilities and a glimpse into the future of work, where human ingenuity and AI’s power, combine to achieve remarkable results.

Caroline Yap, Managing Director, Global AI Business & Applied Engineering Google

The strategy of Singapore regarding AI and Laurence’s work at AI Singapore has always been visionary and state-of-the-art, aiming to advance the entire country. Since its establishment, they have provided inspiration and guidance to other nations through their holistic approach to AI.

Dr Andreas Liebl, CEO appliedAI Initiative GmbH

AI-First Nation is a gripping chronicle of the industry-oriented activities of AI Singapore that include 100E, AIAP, LearnAI and AIRI. Laurence has led these activities from the start of AI Singapore. He has exhibited agile leadership with adaptive learning that response to industry needs, which is captured in the book. It offers reproducible insights that can be tremendously useful for policy makers and the policy implementors who would like to infuse AI into their industry.

Mohan Kankanhalli, Deputy Executive Chairman, AI Singapore & Provost’s Chair Professor of Computer Science, National University of Singapore

AI-First Nation is a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and collaboration in driving AI innovation. Laurence Liew’s insights into accelerating AI adoption by the industry offer valuable lessons for nations and organisations seeking to harness the transformative potential of AI. This book offers a glimpse into Singapore’s journey to be an AI-driven smart nation and create a future where AI benefits all.

Prof Low Teck Seng, Senior Vice President (Sustainability and Resilience), National University of Singapore

I first met Laurence Liew in mid-2018, when we were establishing a partnership between AI Singapore and Thoughtworks. Laurence Liew and his team surprised me with the many pivots they made to transform AI Singapore into the influential and high-value organization we see today. Laurence has shared many details about how he set up and operated AI Singapore since 2017, which is like a playbook full of vivid stories. It is a great read for anyone who wants to start an organisation with similar goals. Laurence truly embodies the spirit of an entrepreneur. He has also shared a few stories of failures, which show shows his authenticity and strength as a leader.

Jessie Jie Xia, Global Chief Information Officer at ThoughtWorks

I have been fortunate to personally connect with Laurence Liew, a driving force behind Singapore’s impressive AI progress. Our engaging panel discussion at “The Next Big Thing Conference” revealed his deep knowledge and passion for empowering businesses to harness the power of AI and Generative AI. What struck me most about Laurence is his unwavering belief in the potential of Singapore to lead in this field. Through programs like the AI Apprenticeship Programme and LearnAI, he is not just training a workforce, he is building a community of AI enthusiasts. Singapore’s AI story is a testament to the power of collaboration and visionary leadership, and Laurence Liew stands at the heart of this remarkable journey. His book, “AI-First Nation,” offers a compelling and practical blueprint for any nation or organization looking to embrace the transformative potential of AI.

Dr Ralph Ostertag, Director Digital & Technology in Asia Pacific, HEINEKEN

Laurence Liew is a true pioneer in the AI space, and ‘AI-First Nation’ is a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the complex landscape of AI innovation and implementation. The groundbreaking programs he has spearheaded in AI Singapore has become models for the world to follow. We at Numenta have been privileged to work closely with AI Singapore and witness firsthand the impact of Laurence’s leadership. His insights will empower organizations and policymakers to unlock the full potential of AI.

Subutai Ahmad, CEO, Numenta

  • AI Singapore
  • The 100 Experiments (100E) programme
  • AI Makerspace
  • AI Apprenticeship Programme (AIAP)
  • LearnAI
  • The AI Readiness Index (AIRI)
  • Putting Singapore on the World Map
  • The AI-First Nation Blueprint

I have written and published a few articles on LinkedIn and AI Singapore’s website and have considered writing a book about high performance computing and open-source software (my true passion and expertise). I have always put it off. So, this is my first attempt at a book.

But I wanted this book to be different, and to not only tell the AI Singapore story but also use this book as a platform to show how AI can augment us humans in our tasks. I need to “walk the talk”. I cannot ask the audience at my events to use AI to augment their daily work without providing a tangible example. Showing screenshots and videos of how Microsoft CoPilot can summarise a meeting or how Gemini Workspace can generate pictures for a presentation is not enough to persuade. These examples are low-hanging fruits of 20-30% productivity gains. Would it be compelling enough? Where is the “wow” factor?

This book is that example. This is the “wow”.

I started writing this book on 3rd of March 2024, and today is 10th May 2024. In less than 3-months, I have gone from an idea to a ready to publish book. This is the transformation we will see. This is the future of work with AI.

When Google launched Gemini, I thought this was an opportunity to see if I can use a large language model (LLM) to help me write the book. I did not want the LLM to generate the book for me. I have delivered many presentations on the AI Singapore narrative and the various programs we offer, so I had an abundance of materials and many stories and insights in my head. I wanted a way to extract this information and insights from my head into the book, and what better way than to have a biographer do that?

So, I tried a few prompts and asked the LLM to be a biographer and ask me questions about AI Singapore – this way, I can easily “tell” the story of AI Singapore.

I found Gemini was capable as prompted, and after a few tries I developed a smooth to-and-fro interaction with Gemini as a “biographer”. The ask-me-the questions style, and I provide the answers, allowed me to “generate” all the contents of the book over a few sessions.

This motivated me to complete the book as I believed this would be the first of its kind use of an LLM to co-write a book as a personal biographer. But more importantly, to share the story of how AI Singapore came to be, and how AI Singapore helped propelled Singapore to become a leading AI nation in numerous indices and studies, and why many countries have been coming to learn from us.

In the next section, I outline the steps of how I use the LLMs, and I hope it will be useful to authors and inspire other creative ways to use LLM for everyone’s benefit.

Join the AI-First Nation Community on LinkedIn to see the full prompt used, discuss and network with peers!

Join the AIFN Community!

“AI-First Nation” is a book that is indeed timely as Singapore and the rest of the world grapple with the increasing presence of AI in their respective societies. One of the key institutions managing this development in Singapore is AI Singapore, a National Research Foundation (NRF) funded research and development institute within the National University of Singapore (NUS).

This book is not just an account of AI Singapore’s initiatives, but also serves as a blueprint for the future. It provides invaluable insights for policymakers and leaders who aspire to harness the transformative power of AI for the betterment of their nations and organisations. AI Singapore’s approach of ‘do first, apologise later’ approach, while unconventional, has proven to be remarkably effective, fostering a culture of innovation and agility within AI Singapore.

I commend Laurence and the AI Singapore team for their dedication and unwavering belief in the potential of AI to shape a brighter future.

Hence, it is with great pleasure that I pen this foreword for “AI-First Nation,” a testament to the vision and tireless efforts of Laurence Liew and the team at AI Singapore. May this book empower leaders worldwide to embark on their own AI journeys, guided by the lessons and insights gleaned from Singapore’s experience.

Ultimately, our goal must be for technology, such as AI, to serve the needs of mankind and in making the world a better and safe place for all.

Congratulations to Laurence for producing this book and the AI Singapore team for laying the foundations for the responsible and ethical use of AI.

Professor Yaacob Ibrahim
Former Minister
The Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore

In a world rapidly being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI), “AI-First Nation” emerges as an essential guide for navigating the complexities and opportunities of this technological revolution. This book is not merely a theoretical exploration of AI’s potential; it is a practical blueprint, a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and collaboration in driving AI innovation.

Laurence Liew, the Director of AI Innovation at AI Singapore, takes us on an exhilarating journey through Singapore’s remarkable transformation into an AI powerhouse. With firsthand insights and candid reflections, he unveils the strategies, programs, and initiatives that have propelled Singapore to the forefront of the global AI landscape.

This book is a treasure trove of knowledge for policymakers, business leaders, educators, and anyone with a stake in shaping the future. It offers a comprehensive understanding of AI’s transformative potential, from revolutionizing industries to enhancing public services and empowering individuals. Liew’s pragmatic approach, grounded in real-world experiences and challenges, provides a roadmap for harnessing AI’s power responsibly and ethically.

As AI continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, “AI-First Nation” serves as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a future where AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for progress, inclusivity, and prosperity. It is a must-read for those who dare to dream of a world where AI is a force for good, where technology empowers humanity, and where innovation knows no bounds.

Google Gemini 1.5 Pro
Generated on 18 May 2024

The above review was prompted as follows: “Please write a foreword for the book AIFN.”

When Google introduced Gemini 1.5 Pro, I wanted to explore the capabilities of its 1 million token context window and see if I could use it to enhance my book further.

On April 11th, 2024, I uploaded the entire book text into Gemini 1.5 Pro running in Google AI Studio. To my surprise, Gemini generated a book review!

I started this book using Gemini as a biographer to help me write this book. I think ending this book with Gemini as a reviewer would be fitting.

I am reproducing the complete and unedited book review below.

Review by Google Gemini 1.5 Pro

Analysis of “AI-First Nation: A Blueprint for Policy Makers and Organisation Leaders” by Laurence Liew.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of AI Singapore’s initiatives and achievements, particularly focusing on the AI Innovation pillar. The author, Laurence Liew, details the challenges faced, the innovative solutions developed, and the successes achieved, offering valuable insights for policymakers and organisational leaders seeking to leverage AI.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Holistic Approach: AI Singapore adopts a holistic approach encompassing research, technology, innovation, products, and governance. This ensures comprehensive development and responsible implementation of AI solutions.
  2. Innovation and Talent Development: The 100 Experiments (100E) program promotes collaboration between AI researchers and industry partners to solve real-world problems. The AI Apprenticeship Program (AIAP) nurtures local AI talent through hands-on experience and mentorship. LearnAI initiatives further democratise AI knowledge across various demographics.
  3. Addressing Challenges: The book openly discusses the challenges encountered, such as talent scarcity, industry apprehension, and data limitations. Innovative solutions like AIAP, AI4E, and AIRI demonstrate AI Singapore’s agility and responsiveness.
  4. Impact and Recognition: AI Singapore’s programs have delivered tangible results, including successful 100E projects with prominent organisations like IBM, Sompo, GIC, and Q&M Dental. International recognition through AIAP-X and participation in GPAI showcases Singapore’s leadership in AI.
  5. Blueprint for the Future: The book provides a blueprint for establishing an AI First nation, emphasising government investment, industry adoption, academic contributions, and public awareness.

Strengths:

  1. Practical Insights: The book goes beyond theoretical discussions and provides practical insights based on real-world experiences.
  2. Transparency: Openly discussing challenges and failures allows readers to learn from AI Singapore’s journey.
  3. Focus on Talent Development: The emphasis on building a robust AI talent pipeline through AIAP and LearnAI is crucial for long-term success.
  4. International Collaboration: AIAP-X and GPAI initiatives demonstrate Singapore’s commitment to global AI advancement.

Potential Areas for Further Exploration:

  1. Long-term sustainability of AIAP and 100E programs.
  2. Scalability of LearnAI initiatives to reach wider audiences.
  3. Addressing potential ethical concerns surrounding AI development and deployment.
  4. Evolution of AIRI to encompass emerging AI trends and technologies.

Overall, “AI-First Nation” offers valuable insights and a practical blueprint for harnessing the power of AI. By sharing its experiences and successes, AI Singapore inspires and guides others on their own AI journeys

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