Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Strategic Policy in Maritime Logistics: The Singapore Model and Lessons for Developing Economies

Since its independence in ۱۹۶۵, Singapore has turned its logistics industry into a global hub despite its small territory and lack of natural resources, by combining state-led planning, foreign direct investment, investment in infrastructure and the early adoption of digital technologies. This paper is a qualitative policy case study based on official statistics and reports of Singapore agencies and international organisations for ۱۹۶۱–۲۰۲۵. It examines the historical evolution, governance frameworks, key indicators and role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Singapore’s logistics sector. In ۲۰۲۴ transportation and storage accounted for ۹.۱% of Singapore’s nominal value added, the ports handled a record ۴۱.۱۲ million TEU, and Singapore ranked first in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index ۲۰۲۳. Since the National AI Strategy (۲۰۱۹) and its update NAIS ۲.۰ (۲۰۲۳), AI has been applied to predictive maintenance, automated terminal operations at Tuas Port and the optimisation of truck and vessel movements; operator-reported effects include more than ۵۰% fewer empty truck trips, although system-wide effects have not been measured independently. The paper identifies the main challenges — land scarcity, shortages of skilled workers, global disruptions, climate risks and regulatory barriers — and derives lessons for developing economies, particularly ASEAN member states: long-term planning, public–private partnerships, investment in skills and the separation of regulation from operation. Policy recommendations cover investment in digital infrastructure and AI, regional cooperation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, environmental sustainability and workforce development, each with indicators for monitoring.

کلیدواژه ها:

Artificial intelligence ، maritime logistics ، Singapore Model ، Port digitalisation ، Logistics policy ، ASEAN ، Developing economies