Jack Neo uses AI to create SG60 song with AI image of Lee Kuan Yew

Local film-maker Jack Neo has created a new music video in conjunction with the month of National Day, using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to recreate images such as the appearance of Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and his voice.

Neo, 65, posted the music video for the song, We Are Singapore, on social media on Aug 18.

Referring to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s National Day Rally speech on Aug 17, Neo wrote in Chinese: “The speech by PM Wong yesterday once again reminded us of the importance of unity among Singaporeans. With this in mind, I would like to share with you a belated SG60 song. Although it was not released on National Day, August remains the month of National Day. It’s not too late to express this gesture.”

Neo revealed in an interview with Chinese-language evening daily Shin Min Daily News that it took him about a month to complete the entire song.

“I wrote the lyrics myself, taking two to three weeks to conceptualise them. The arrangement, composition and vocals were generated by AI,” he said. “The biggest challenge was that AI generated many versions of the song – each of which sounded great – so I had to choose the one I was most satisfied with. I chose this version because it resonated with a more Singaporean feel.”

The AI-generated image of the late Mr Lee appeared in the final scene of the music video. Neo used AI to recreate the iconic voice of Mr Lee, who said: “I wish Singapore a happy 60th birthday. Happy birthday.”

Neo said he believed many people would not forget the contributions made by Mr Lee to Singapore.

“Singapore is now celebrating SG60 with happiness, and I always feel that the nation’s prosperity, progress and global standing are inseparably linked to his tireless efforts back then,” he said. “Using AI to have him join us in the celebration feels very meaningful to me.”

Neo also incorporated AI-generated images of historical footage, faces of artistes such as himself, Terence Cao, Collin Chee and Dawn Yeoh, as well as Singapore’s Cabinet ministers in the video.

“Actually, what I really hoped for was to use AI to generate a version where several Singaporean singers who are well-known internationally, including Stefanie Sun, JJ Lin, A-do, Kit Chan and Tanya Chua, singing this song together,” Neo said. “I think that would be very interesting, more perfect and and more meaningful.”

The film-maker said he had tried using AI to generate images of these singers and the results were quite good. However, he decided not to use them as he has not sought permission from the singers and due to the tight production schedule.

Neo’s music video received different reactions on social media. Some netizens praised him for his innovation and courage in using AI for the video, while other netizens questioned if it was disrespectful to use Mr Lee’s AI-generated image.

Neo told Shin Min that he would continue to use AI to create songs as well as incorporate AI technology into film production. He had done so for his most recent movie I Want To Be Boss, which opened in Singapore cinemas in January.

He believes that AI will assist humans in many areas in the future, but humans will still be in control.

“Many people are afraid of AI, but I don’t think there is a need (to fear it),” he said “AI won’t replace humans. The only ones who will be replaced are those who don’t know how to use it.”

Lim Ruey Yan for The Straits Times