Event Report:

On 24 July 2025 NICCE hosted an webinar titled In Conversation with the author of 'AI First Nation: A Blueprint for Policymakers and Organisational Leaders,' Mr Laurence Liew. This webinar was a conversation with the author of the book 'AI First Nation: A Blueprint for Policymakers and Organisational Leaders,' Mr Laurence Liew.

The webinar was based on a question-and-answer modality, including questions from both the moderator and the audience. The speaker introduced his book, AI First Nation: A Blueprint for Policymakers and Organisational Leaders, highlighting his work with AI Singapore and the motivations behind its creation. He explained that the book emerged from a need to document recent developments in Singapore's AI landscape and serves as a strategic guide for policymakers and organisational leaders navigating the evolving field of artificial intelligence.

The speaker then introduced AI Singapore and its objective to build national capacities in AI, create social and economic impact via AI, accelerate the AI ecosystem in Singapore and help Singapore build Deep capacities in AI. The speaker highlighted the role of AI in creating an impactful solution at the national level, AI research, AI innovation, AI governance and helping companies deploy AI solutions and products extending to multiple sectors.

The speaker highlighted his work in the 100 Experiments (100E) programme, which delivered over 100 real-world AI projects across various industries, from startups to multinational corporations.

The speaker introduced the AIAP Foundation Agentic Learning Platform, a learning platform that can learn about AI. This serves as an avenue to take up a project based on their interest assigned to them by the consultant. Next, he introduced about AI Readiness Index, which helps assess a company's AI awareness. He highlighted the wide range of training and programs that would allow people access to AI. He also highlighted AI Singapore's role in creating an ecosystem to teach like-minded people from around the globe.

In regard to the success of the AI Readiness Index, the speaker added the need for people in the company to be AI literate for any company to integrate an AI-oriented solution.

Next, the Speaker emphasises the steps that developing nations like Nepal can take to build AI capability. He emphasises things such as growing local talent, enhancing capabilities and skills.

The speaker next mentions why policymakers and organisational leaders were the primary object of the book. In that regard, he mentions a need to be flexible and think out of the box. He highlights AI as a necessary tool to be integrated into one's life.

The next speaker elaborated on AI Law, mentioning that there is a possibility in future for a country to adopt a more AI-centric framework, law and International standards. He mentioned that AI regulations and standards enable people to be more innovative. He advocated for a tripartite approach between Government, Industry and Academia.

Conclusion

The webinar provided an insightful and thought-provoking discussion on the strategic integration of AI into national policy and organisational frameworks. Mr. Laurence Liew offered a comprehensive overview of Singapore’s AI journey, highlighting the importance of structured programs, institutional readiness, and cross-sector collaboration. His emphasis on building local talent, fostering innovation, and developing an AI-literate workforce resonated strongly with the audience, particularly in the context of developing nations like Nepal. The session underscored the value of adopting a flexible, forward-looking approach to AI governance and implementation. As nations strive to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, initiatives like AI First Nation offer a timely and practical blueprint for navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.