Artificial intelligence (AI) recently attracted attention worldwide because of its potential to transform economies and societies.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must accelerate the debate on AI for five reasons. First, narrowing the gaps in AI readiness within ASEAN is essential to share the benefits of AI equitably. Second, there are concerns that rapid advances in AI could result in job loss, and retraining the region's workforce is needed. Third, AI systems must be developed from an ASEAN-centric perspective to overcome prejudice and align AI with ASEAN values. Fourth, as developed countries implement AI regulations, ASEAN needs to consider the need for its own regional policies. Finally, now is the perfect time to discuss the positioning of AI in the regional framework as ASEAN’s digital integration initiative progresses.
The paper discusses the significance of AI, the challenges of deploying AI in Southeast Asia, and the need for ASEAN-centric policies.
Contents
- Introduction
- Importance of AI
- Why Discuss AI in ASEAN Now?
- Conclusion and Policy Recommendations
Published November 2023.
Source: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia.
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