We at the AI Asia Pacific Institute (AIAPI) were pleased to be represented by Dr Peter Brimble at the two-day ITU seminar on “Strengthening the Inclusiveness of AI Policymaking in Thailand and Southeast Asia”. The seminar brought together policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to explore how AI governance can be made more inclusive, with a particular focus on addressing gender disparities and the needs of marginalized communities.
Peter shared AIAPI’s mission and the Institute’s ongoing work across the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the interconnected nature of our focus areas—AI governance, awareness building, and online harms mitigation—and their collective role in fostering responsible and inclusive AI ecosystems.
On ASEAN, Peter noted the significant progress in developing regional AI governance frameworks. He emphasized that while strides have been made, emerging technologies like Generative AI present new challenges and opportunities. Addressing these requires a careful balance between fostering innovation and managing associated risks, particularly in ensuring that ethical and human-centered principles guide the development and deployment of AI.
On the Pacific Islands, Peter highlighted the region’s limited AI awareness and the absence of comprehensive policies to guide AI adoption. He stressed the importance of prioritizing capacity-building initiatives and educational programs to enhance AI literacy and empower Pacific Island communities. By improving awareness and agency, these communities can harness AI for local development while safeguarding against its potential risks.
On Online Harms, Peter introduced a proposed “Prepare-Curb-Respond” framework for mitigating the growing threats of online misuse. The framework focuses on preparing systems and stakeholders to identify and address online harms, curbing misuse through effective tools and policies, and responding quickly to minimize impact. Peter also emphasized the critical need to address the human element—recognizing that individuals are both the agents of misuse and victims of its consequences. He called for a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure that online harms are mitigated through a combination of technology, governance, and education.
At AIAPI, we remain deeply committed to advancing inclusive, context-specific AI policymaking across the Asia-Pacific region. Ensuring that all voices—particularly those from underrepresented and vulnerable groups—are included in AI discussions is central to building equitable and resilient AI ecosystems.
The ITU seminar provided a valuable platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration. It underscored the shared responsibility of policymakers, organizations, and communities in shaping AI governance that is both inclusive and responsive to the unique needs of diverse regions like Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. In addition to ITU and officials from Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand, AIAPI met with representatives from UNESCO, UN University, the Asian Institute of Technology, DFAT, and others.
We look forward to continuing our work with partners and stakeholders to ensure that AI serves as a tool for progress, equity, and empowerment across the Asia-Pacific.
