As artificial intelligence advances (AI) rapidly, countries worldwide are deliberating and implementing regulations to govern this emerging space. Nations in Southeast Asia recognise the need for a strong governance framework to help AI flourish while also protecting the interests of the public. This rapid advancement also brings with it a wave of optimism for the future, as AI has the potential to revolutionise various sectors, offering new opportunities and solutions.
AI governance in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) remains a balancing act, especially considering that the technology is still evolving. There is no way to be sure of the shape AI, and machine learning will take in the future or even a few years from now.
We explore how AI is transforming industries and the Malaysian economy
We look at Southeast Asia’s current landscape and AI trends and discuss the way forward.
The AI landscape in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia plays a crucial and influential role in shaping the artificial intelligence conversation, representing the voice of the global south. Countries within the region must implement rules that work best within their specific contexts while having an open dialogue with the rest of the world, showcasing their leadership in this global discussion.
AI adoption is still nascent, with most countries investing less than $0.5 per capita on AI solutions. The notable exception is Singapore, which has invested $68 per capita so far. While adoption is slow, governments have shown high levels of interest in leveraging the technology to bolster national development. Most states have released strategies and roadmaps to help plan for the future.
For example, Indonesia has announced a blueprint for the development of the technology between 2020 and 2045. The government is looking to integrate machine learning in five key areas: healthcare, education, food security, administration, and smart cities.
Much of the planning and collaboration between the nations is taking place within the ASEAN backdrop. Most of its member states have recently agreed to plans to build a common digital ecosystem focusing on data management, digitalisation, and innovation.
Policy and governance
Globally, many governments view AI as the next widescale opportunity for growth and development. Few governments are approaching this technology with a “checks and balances” approach. Instead, states want to accelerate development and adoption to capitalise on potential productivity gains and “first mover” advantages. Many ASEAN countries share this outlook as well.
The recently released ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics focuses on helping governments and institutions within the region to deploy and leverage AI systems while increasing users’ trust.
International governance has also become the primary factor that will influence regional governance. Policymakers within ASEAN are looking towards global institutions and international treaties to serve as a guide for policy and regulation. While international best practices will be considered, nations will also likely contextualise their laws to suit local needs and preferences.
Some of the areas of governance receiving the highest attention include workforce upskilling and training, supporting the innovation ecosystem, investing in research and development, and raising awareness amongst the citizenry.
The way forward
The success of artificial intelligence governance within the region depends on collaboration and implementation. The ASEAN Guide has recommended that each member state create a working group to spearhead the country’s AI governance.
This working group will provide an empowered forum through which discussions and consultations can take place. Ultimately, the working group will be responsible for implementation as well as monitoring progress. They also want to prevent the misuse of the technology for military applications, which can potentially destabilise the region. Such binding agreements may be challenging to enter into but are crucial to mitigate against severe risks in the future.
For example, the development of autonomous AI weapons is already in progress. These weapons can fire without human oversight. The use of such weapons can severely deteriorate international relations and cooperation. Also, it is possible that such weapons can unintentionally escalate conflicts.
Lastly, ASEAN wants its member states to take steps to ensure that its workforce is ready. They are emphasising the crucial role of upskilling the workforce so that it can leverage new tools to improve productivity within critical industries, reassuring the audience about the region’s preparedness for the future.
Overall, it’s clear that Southeast Asian countries are aware of the importance of good governance within the space. They are already taking proactive steps to be ready as the technology matures. While artificial intelligence remains an emerging field of inquiry, the potential for disruption is a cause for concern.
The observation of how several AI trends can positively affect the region, such as leveraging it to develop climate models to help with sustainable development, using it to automate business processes, and improving the rate of drug discovery in medicine.
Ensuring good AI governance in ASEAN will help position the region as a leader in an emerging industry.