Singapore stands alone as the sole Southeast Asian nation included in the United States' newly formed Pax Silica Declaration, an agreement designed to foster collaboration among trusted partners in the artificial intelligence sector. The declaration includes close U.S. allies such as Australia, the U.K., and Israel, but excludes other ASEAN nations despite their growing investments in AI-related industries.

The U.S. selected Singapore due to its robust infrastructure and governance, according to Ruben Durante, a professor of economics and Provosts Chair at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Durante stated that Singapore provides "strong governance, regulatory credibility, capital markets, logistics, and advanced data center and connectivity infrastructure," making it a reliable hub for AI supply chains.

The Pax Silica initiative aims to solidify cooperation on AI development and deployment among nations that share similar values and security interests. This "inner circle" approach reflects a growing concern in Washington about the potential misuse of AI technology and the need to secure supply chains for critical components, particularly semiconductors. AI, at its core, involves creating computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making. This requires vast amounts of data, powerful computing resources, and sophisticated algorithms.

Singapore's long-standing involvement in the semiconductor industry further solidified its position. U.S.-based National Semiconductor established a plant in Singapore in 1968, followed by the government's creation of Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing in 1987. Currently, Singapore accounts for approximately 10% of global chip production. Semiconductors are essential components in virtually all modern electronic devices, including those used in AI systems.

While other ASEAN countries, such as Malaysia, are investing heavily in their own AI ecosystems, including semiconductor manufacturing and data centers, Singapore's established track record and trusted relationship with the U.S. appear to have been decisive factors in its inclusion in Pax Silica. This decision highlights the strategic importance the U.S. places on reliable partnerships in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

Singapore has also been actively pursuing its own AI ambitions, investing in initiatives to upskill its workforce and promote AI adoption across various sectors. This commitment to becoming an "AI nation" aligns with the goals of Pax Silica, which seeks to foster innovation and responsible development of AI technologies. The long-term implications of Pax Silica remain to be seen, but it signals a clear intention by the U.S. to shape the future of AI through close collaboration with select partners.