Singapore has unveiled what it describes as the world’s first comprehensive governance framework dedicated to the responsible deployment of agentic artificial intelligence, marking a new chapter in the city-state’s AI policy strategy.
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo announced the Model AI Governance Framework (MGF) for Agentic AI at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22. Developed by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the framework builds on Singapore’s original 2020 Model AI Governance Framework and is designed to guide organizations deploying AI agents—systems capable of reasoning and taking actions autonomously on behalf of users.
Unlike traditional or generative AI tools, agentic AI systems can complete multi-step tasks, access sensitive data, and interact directly with digital environments, such as updating databases or initiating payments. While this capability can improve efficiency in areas like customer service and enterprise productivity, it also introduces new risks, including unauthorized actions, automation bias and weakened human accountability.
The new framework emphasizes that humans must remain ultimately accountable for AI systems. It provides guidance across four key dimensions: assessing and bounding risks at the outset; defining meaningful human oversight checkpoints; implementing technical safeguards such as lifecycle testing and controlled access to tools and data; and promoting transparency and user education.
IMDA said the framework is intended for organizations developing AI agents in-house or adopting third-party solutions. It incorporates feedback from government agencies and private-sector stakeholders and is positioned as a “living document” that will evolve as technologies mature. Additional guidance on testing agentic AI applications is also in development.
The initiative complements Singapore’s broader AI governance efforts, including the AI Verify toolkit and the Starter Kit for Testing of LLM-Based Applications. Singapore is also advancing international cooperation through its AI Safety Institute and leadership of the ASEAN Working Group on AI Governance.
Officials say the goal is to balance innovation with guardrails, ensuring AI’s benefits can be realized in a trusted and accountable ecosystem.
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