Our story

I’m often asked how the AI Asia Pacific Institute (AIAPI) came to be. Over five years ago, AI was not where it is today, but we could clearly see signs of what could go wrong if we weren’t careful with how the technology was being developed and used. It was unsettling to realize how little conversation—and even less action—there was around these concerns.

At the same time, the more I learned about AI, the more I became captivated by its potential. Having lived in the Asia-Pacific region for the past 15 years, I’ve seen up close the unique challenges and opportunities facing this part of the world, largely due to its unparalleled cultural, ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity. As someone born in Brazil, I understand the hurdles that developing economies face in trying to seize opportunities like this.

To me, AI represents a chance to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face, like climate change, and to encourage economic growth. But realizing that potential in a responsible manner won’t happen on its own—there’s a lot of work to be done.

The AIAPI was born out of the realization that there’s a significant gap between the promise of AI and its actual application in many countries. Despite the doom-and-gloom headlines on the existential threats of AI, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future and influence the direction AI takes. For that, a multidisciplinary approach is required, blending technical and policy skills to address complex challenges. The members of the AIAPI Advisory Board bring together this unique blend of expertise, embodying the commitment to guide the responsible development and adoption of AI.

Since its founding, AIAPI has collaborated with key regional and international organizations and other stakeholders to fulfill its mission. These collaborations have been crucial in advancing the responsible development and adoption of AI, ensuring that the voices of developing economies are included in global AI governance discussions.

AI is already changing the world in ways we couldn’t have imagined. It’s one of the most powerful technologies humanity has ever seen, and it will no doubt shift the course of our history. Even given the complexities of geopolitical influences and the severe challenges faced with meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals…