Singapore Think Tank Accused of Misusing AI to Target Analysts and Intelligence Community

Ahmed Hassan, staff reporter for News Directory 3, reports from Singapore.

The Straits Times has reported that a think-tank operating under the name "Asia-Pacific Strategic Research Institute" (APSR) is under investigation for allegedly using artificial intelligence-generated profiles to target analysts and members of the intelligence community in Singapore and neighboring countries. The allegations, first disclosed by the newspaper, mark a growing concern over the use of AI in geopolitical influence operations.

According to the report, the APSR, which claims to be based in Singapore, has been linked to a series of targeted outreach efforts directed at defense analysts, cybersecurity experts, and government officials. The organization’s communications, including email campaigns and social media interactions, were found to rely on AI-generated personas designed to appear as independent researchers or industry professionals. These profiles, the report states, were used to solicit confidential insights or to disseminate narratives aligned with the think-tank’s stated policy positions.

Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed in a statement that it is "reviewing the activities of the APSR and assessing potential risks to national security." A spokesperson noted that the ministry "takes all allegations of foreign interference seriously and is coordinating with intelligence agencies to determine the scope and intent of these activities." The statement did not specify whether the APSR is foreign-linked or if it operates under local oversight.

The Straits Times cited internal documents and interviews with unnamed government officials as the basis for its findings. One official described the AI-driven approach as "a new frontier in information warfare," citing the difficulty of distinguishing between genuine professionals and synthetic identities. "These profiles are not just fake—they are designed to mimic real-world expertise, making them particularly insidious," the official said.

The APSR has not publicly responded to the allegations. However, a statement released by the group’s website said it "adheres to the highest standards of academic integrity and transparency" and accused the Straits Times of "falsely characterizing its work." The statement also claimed the organization is "registered with the Singapore Business Registry and operates in compliance with local laws."

Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which regulates digital services, has launched an independent review of the APSR’s online activities. A spokesperson for IMDA said the agency is "investigating whether the organization’s use of AI tools violates existing regulations on digital ethics and data privacy." The review is expected to examine the technical methods used to generate the profiles and whether they comply with Singapore’s 2023 AI Governance Framework.

The case has reignited debates about the risks of AI in geopolitical contexts. Dr. Lim Wei Liang, a cybersecurity expert at the National University of Singapore, warned that "the line between legitimate research and covert influence operations is becoming increasingly blurred." He pointed to a 2024 incident in which a U.S.-based think-tank was found to have used AI-generated content to sway public opinion on trade policies. "What we’re seeing now is a more sophisticated version of the same tactic," Dr. Lim said.

Regional partners have also expressed concern. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s office issued a statement calling for "greater regional cooperation to address the misuse of AI in intelligence operations." The statement did not name the APSR but referenced "unverified entities leveraging technology to undermine trust in public institutions."

The Straits Times report notes that the APSR’s activities may be part of a broader pattern of AI-driven influence campaigns. In 2025, the European Union’s Cybersecurity Agency identified similar tactics used by anonymous groups targeting defense officials in Germany and France. The EU has since introduced stricter regulations on AI-generated content in political and security contexts.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet commented on the potential regional implications of the case. However, a senior diplomat familiar with the matter said the government is "aware of the growing use of AI in espionage and is reviewing its own countermeasures." The diplomat added that Singapore is "exploring partnerships with international bodies to develop shared standards for AI accountability."

As the investigation unfolds, the APSR case highlights the challenges of regulating AI in a way that balances innovation with security. For now, the focus remains on determining the extent of the think-tank’s activities and whether its actions constitute a breach of Singapore’s national security laws.

The Straits Times reported that the Ministry of Home Affairs has not ruled out criminal charges if evidence of foreign collusion or data misuse is found. A formal inquiry is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

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This article is based on reporting by The Straits Times and statements from Singapore government officials. No direct quotes from the APSR were verified in this context.