Singapore has reportedly introduced the world’s first comprehensive governance framework for the responsible deployment of agentic artificial intelligence, setting a global benchmark for how autonomous AI systems should be developed and used.

The Model AI Governance Framework for Agentic AI was announced by Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Developed by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the framework builds on Singapore’s 2020 Model AI Governance Framework and responds to the growing use of AI systems capable of reasoning and acting independently on behalf of users.

Agentic AI differs from traditional and generative AI by its ability to take actions such as updating records or executing transactions. While this promises significant productivity gains, it also raises risks related to unauthorized actions, errors, and diminished human oversight. The new framework addresses these challenges by outlining practical technical and organizational measures to ensure safe and reliable deployment, while reinforcing that humans remain ultimately accountable for AI-driven decisions.

“As the first authoritative resource addressing the specific risks of agentic AI, the MGF fills a critical gap in policy guidance for agentic AI. The framework establishes critical foundations for AI agent assurance. For example, it helps organizations define agent boundaries, identify risks, and implement mitigations such as agentic guardrails,” said April Chin, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Resaro.

IMDA developed the framework in consultation with government bodies and private sector stakeholders and plans to evolve it as a living document. The agency has invited feedback and case studies and is preparing additional testing guidelines, building on its existing safety and reliability assessment tools.