Empowering Citizens to Build and Transform with Custom Tools

In Singapore, individuals with limited or no coding experience are increasingly developing sophisticated artificial intelligence tools. These tools are being used to automate tasks, support learning, and reshape daily routines. Examples range from healthcare workers creating patient service assistants to parents designing bots to assist their children with homework. The demand for custom AI courses has surged, with experts noting the ease and speed with which these bots can be built.

One example of this trend is Dinithi Jayasekara, who created an AI tutor to help her son with his Chinese homework. Using simple English prompts, she built a Custom GPT model in under two hours. This bot now helps her son draw comics and makes learning Chinese more enjoyable. According to Ms. Dinithi, a research fellow at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, extensive coding knowledge or technical expertise is unnecessary. Simple instructions in English are sufficient to create a functional AI tool.

At Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a chatbot named Chatty Charlie has become the most widely adopted custom bot in the hospital's history. Developed by frontline staff, it manages patient arrivals and emergencies and has facilitated thousands of conversations. Many staff members utilize AI helpers like Chatty Charlie and Ask Phoebe daily, transforming various tasks. These bots can significantly accelerate work processes. Experts note that the advent of these tools allows anyone to create customized AI chatbots quickly.

Experts emphasize that these technologies should be viewed as partners rather than mere tools. The most creative use of AI begins with human input, such as imagination or concepts developed from experience. AI then helps to articulate and refine these ideas, and also allows for the prototyping of ideas. The government's AI chatbot, used by a significant portion of public officers, assists with writing, research, and coding.

Emergency call centers across Singapore are also benefiting from AI. An AI agent called Merlin, developed by ST Engineering, understands Singlish and the Singaporean accent. It significantly increases productivity by automating routine tasks. This allows users to focus on higher-value tasks, leading to an enhanced user experience.

Experts stress the importance of responsible AI deployment, particularly as custom tools may have unpredictable behavior. Safeguarding personal data is also crucial. Education and the establishment of AI steering committees are essential for managing outcomes and security concerns within organizations.