Impact of Generative AI on Singapore's Arts and Creative Sectors
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Alex Yam's query to the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth on the impact of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) on Singapore's arts and creative sectors and the support available to protect intellectual property and creative livelihoods. In response, Mr David Neo stated that the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) is actively engaging the arts community and supporting an Institute of Policy Studies Policy Lab research study on AI expected in the first half of 2027. To safeguard artists' rights, the National Arts Council (NAC) provides copyright resources via the Arts Resource Hub and partners Pro Bono SG to offer legal literacy and guidance on emerging AI issues. Furthermore, NAC’s Arts x Tech Lab supports capability development, cross-disciplinary experimentation, and access to prototyping equipment for practitioners integrating AI. MCCY and NAC will continue monitoring developments to help artists navigate the opportunities and challenges brought by Gen AI.
Transcript
78 Mr Alex Yam asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the Ministry has assessed the impact of generative artificial intelligence on Singapore's arts and creative sectors; and (b) what support is being considered to help artists adapt to generative artificial intelligence while safeguarding intellectual property and creative livelihoods.
Mr David Neo: This response will also address Dr Choo Pei Ling's Written Parliamentary Question on whether the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) has conducted or commissioned any studies to understand the adoption and impact of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI). [Please refer to "Understanding Adoption and Impact of Generative AI on Singapore’s Arts and Creative Sectors", Official Report, 4 August 2026, Vol 96, Issue 33, Written Answers to Questions section.]
MCCY has been engaging the arts community on the impact of Gen AI. Some practitioners have expressed concerns about the impact on livelihoods, as well as legal and ethical issues. Others have shared that AI can serve as a collaborative tool to support ideation, experimentation and new forms of artistic expression.
MCCY is supporting the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI's) Response, Early Intervention, Assessment in Community Mental Health's collaboration with the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Policy Lab to conduct a research study on AI. IPS expects to publish its findings in 1H2027. MCCY will work closely with relevant agencies to assess the findings of the study.
The National Arts Council (NAC) has been actively helping artists work and innovate with GenAI, while recognising that technology should complement, not replace, the originality, lived experience and creative judgement that artists bring to their work.
To help artists' safeguard their rights in the evolving AI landscape, NAC's Arts Resource Hub provides arts self-employed persons (SEPs) with resources on intellectual property and copyright protection. In addition, NAC is partnering Pro Bono SG on an arts legal support initiative to empower SEPs with legal literacy and increase access to legal guidance and personalised advice, including on emerging AI-related issues.
For practitioners who wish to explore integrating AI into their creative practice, NAC's Arts x Tech Lab supports capability development, experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Lab provides a dedicated space, access to tech equipment for prototyping and curated artist-led activities, such as workshops and showcases. These enable artists to explore new creative possibilities while strengthening their practice.
MCCY and NAC will continue to keep a close watch on AI developments and engage the arts community as we navigate the opportunities and challenges that AI brings.