Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a critical transformative force in ASEAN and elsewhere, with Generative AI (Gen AI), in particular, receiving tremendous global attention following the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. However, as the deployment of AI technologies accelerates, so do the risks associated with their development and use.
Within ASEAN, to enhance governance and mitigate risks, the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 called for the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, which was endorsed in February 2024, and includes seven guiding principles for AI development, a voluntary AI governance framework, and a series of national and regional recommendations.
Recognizing the unique and increased risks inherent to Gen AI, the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI), working through the ASEAN Secretariat, launched in September 2023 a major project on the responsible development and use of Gen AI in ASEAN. This project, implemented by Cadmus and executed by the AI Asia Pacific Institute under contract to USAID, identifies policy gaps in Gen AI implementation and provides recommendations for multi-stakeholder involvement. An innovative Discussion Paper on governing Gen AI’s responsible development and use has been prepared and endorsed by the official ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI) Statement on Artificial Intelligence (AI) – see https://asean.org/asean-ministerial-meeting-on-science-technology-and-innovation-ammsti-statement-on-artificial-intelligence-ai/. See the Discussion Paper at https://aiasiapacific.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Final-Discussion-Paper-To-be-published-5-nov-2024.pdf
The project draws on insights from two innovative workshops held in December 2023—one focused on ASEAN stakeholders and another broader event that included prominent regional and international participants. See https://asean.org/asean-initiates-regional-discussion-on-generative-ai-policy/
The Discussion Paper aims to demystify Generative AI, articulating its significance and potential benefits for ASEAN populations. Building on the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, it proposes key adaptations to support the responsible development and deployment of Gen AI. The paper emphasizes the importance of a coordinated and holistic approach to Gen AI governance.
A key recommendation emerging from this project is the establishment and funding of an AI Technical Assistance Facility, a critical resource for supporting the safe and responsible implementation of Gen AI across ASEAN. This facility would serve as a policy hub, offering essential guidance and support to ASEAN member states as they develop and implement AI strategies to address emerging Gen AI challenges.
The Discussion Paper underscores the strong consensus for enhanced regional cooperation in AI. It concludes with a call for the effective coordination and implementation of various regional and national AI initiatives, ensuring the responsible development and use of AI and Gen AI across ASEAN while respecting the region’s diverse cultures and sensitivities.
The AIAPI is a global nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the Asia-Pacific economies by facilitating the responsible development and adoption of artificial intelligence. Through interdisciplinary research, awareness raising, international collaboration, and policy advisory activities, the AIAPI strives to strengthen the Asia-Pacific economies.
For further inquiries, please contact Kelly Forbes at the AI Asia Pacific Institute at kelly.forbes@aiasiapacific.org
