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ASEAN Foundation breaks ground in hosting inaugural regional forum on AI innovation
JAKARTA, INDONESIA — The ASEAN Foundation, supported by Google.org, successfully hosted the 1st Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN at ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 12, 2025.
This event served a key milestone in the implementation of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative, bringing together key stakeholders to foster dialogue and shape policies that will drive AI literacy and innovation across the region.
At the regional forum, policymakers, AI practitioners, and local implementing partners (LIPs) from across ASEAN explored collaborative approaches to developing regulatory frameworks and policy initiatives aimed at accelerating responsible AI adoption, bridging AI literacy gaps, and unlocking opportunities in Southeast Asia.
Key stakeholders include the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Stella Christie, Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs H.E. Nararya S. Soeprapto, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the ASEAN Foundation and Permanent Representative of Lao PDR to ASEAN H.E. Ambassador Bovonethat Douangchak, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation Dr. Piti Srisangnam, and Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy at Google Indonesia, Putri Alam.
To explore ASEAN’s AI landscape, the importance of ethical frameworks, and strategies to deliver AI programmes in local communities, the event featured panel discussions with KORIKA’S AI Innovation Director Andreas Tjendra, Electronic Transaction Development Agency (ETDA) and AI Governance Center (AIGC)’s Executive Director Dr. Sak Segkhoonthod, Google Indonesia’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager Agung Pamungkas, ASEAN Foundation’s Senior Programme Manager Ilan Asqolani, Mastercard’s Digital Trust Centre of Excellence (APAC) Director Rajeshpal Singh, Digital Economy Division of the ASEAN Secretariat Senior Officer Hazremi Hamid, and Head of Artificial Intelligence Study Programme of IPB University Dr. Yeni Herdiyeni. The discussions were moderated by Dr. Piti Srisangnam and Head of Strategic Planning and Business Development of the ASEAN Foundation Mahmudi Yusbi.
“With the rapid advances in AI and machine learning, it’s more important than ever that young people, educators and parents understand the ways it impacts their lives, the role it will play in their future, and the opportunities it affords. Google.org is a proud supporter of the ASEAN Foundation’ AI Ready ASEAN program, focused on helping young people and inspiring the next generation of AI innovators to use the technology to make a positive impact in society. This support reflects our commitment to help everyone in the region benefit from the AI Opportunities,” Google.org APAC Head Marija Ralic said.
This convention also marked the official commencement of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative, launched in October 2024, which aims to enhance AI literacy in ASEAN member states.
The 5th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN), held on 16-17 January 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, reinforced the region’s commitment to advancing digital transformation and fostering collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and experts. Key discussions focused on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock ASEAN’s digital economy potential, develop interoperable data protection standards, and promote a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital ecosystem. The meeting also emphasised the vital importance of safeguarding personal data to build trust and inclusivity within the region’s digital landscape.
As a trusted partner of Google.org, the ASEAN Foundation joined four other key partners from Southeast Asia at this esteemed forum. Presenting the AI Ready ASEAN programme to the ten ASEAN Digital Ministers, the foundation received resoundingly positive feedback for its role in promoting digital literacy and empowering communities to thrive in an AI-driven future. The forum reaffirmed the shared vision of a digitally connected and inclusive ASEAN, driving innovation and prosperity for all.
The policy meeting will contribute to the goals of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which aim to build an inclusive and sustainable digital economy for ASEAN. It also complies with the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, which provides member states guidelines on AI adoption, emphasising fairness, transparency, and accountability.
It is the first out of the four regional events under the AI Ready ASEAN program. It is also the first of the five key activities, which include trainer training, advanced education, a regional AI awareness campaign, national and regional dialogues, and in-depth AI research across the region.
“As we move into a future shaped by new ideas and technology, it’s important that every community, no matter where they are, has the knowledge and skills to succeed in the age of AI. With the AI Ready ASEAN program, we are dedicated to helping young people, teachers, and families across the region, making sure no one is left behind as AI evolves. By working together, we can close the gap in access to technology and help everyone in ASEAN benefit fully from AI,” Dr. Srisangnam said.
The convention proved timely, as the growth of AI and the adoption of digital technologies will triple ASEAN’s digital economy, growing from approximately US$300 billion to almost US$1 trillion by 2030. Policies in the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) are expected to double the projection, boosting the economy to US$2 trillion.
Despite the momentum, AI’s maturity in the region remains polarised. The digital divide poses challenges such as poor internet connection and lack of digital literacy programs, slowing down the region’s ambitions to become a premier AI hub. This manifests in the region’s varying level of AI readiness among member states. While Singapore leads the region and ranks second out of 190 countries globally in the Government AI Readiness 2024 Index Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar are still in the early stages of AI adoption, ranking at 136th, 145th, and 149th place respectively.
CyberGuardinasPH (CGPH), as the ASEAN Foundation and Microsoft’s Local Implementing Partner in the ACSP Program from 2022 to 2023, commits to empowering underserved youth, educators, and parents in areas with high incidences of online sexual abuse, cyberbullying, and other cyber threats by teaching them to use technology safely. The organization aims to create an ecosystem of multi-sector participants aware of AI’s benefits and risks, engage them in co-creating a safer cyberspace using AI to detect scams and deepfakes, and help children and youth use AI for their protection. A Deloitte Philippines study highlights concerns about AI adoption, including increased economic inequality and cybersecurity risks, but also shows high awareness among college students and the need for workforce reskilling. Through this project, CGPH seeks to engage more people as Advocates of child protection and co-create a safer online environment.
The Break The Fake Movement (BTFM), another Local Implementing Partner (LIP) from the Philippines, has significantly enhanced Media and Information Literacy (MIL) locally, shaping AI initiatives through capacity-building sessions, dialogues, and workshops. By partnering with government agencies and tech companies, BTFM promotes AI integration in daily life and education, despite digital challenges. Educational institutions and civil society organizations are leading AI literacy efforts, while policymakers propose legislation to incorporate AI into education. BTFM aims to empower volunteers and trainers with AI knowledge, develop localized training strategies, and collect data to support policy development, ultimately preparing Filipinos to become AI-ready citizens.
“The convention offered valuable insights into making AI accessible in underserved communities. We learned how to simplify AI concepts into understandable modules that resonate with local learners. This gives us the ability to teach AI literacy more confidently. Digital education can help young learners become responsible digital citizens, using online information and resources wisely and demonstrating strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Lastly, the convention enabled us to partner with fellow implementers across ASEAN to share successful teaching approaches to overcome common challenges,” said by one CyberGuardiansPH representative.
A discussion paper from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia revealed the importance of implementing “policies in bridging the gap to maximise the potential benefits of AI in the region.” To address the disparities, the study urges member states to make collective efforts both among themselves and within their own countries.
This call to regional action aligns with the measures and initiatives explored during the convention, geared towards accelerating AI adoption and boosting AI literacy among the member states.
“The insights emphasise the need for coordinated regional action to make AI education inclusive. AI skills will make citizens more competitive, giving them wider access to opportunities in technology, data analysis, and automation. With an AI-ready population, ASEAN will attract businesses to invest, stimulating the growth of startups, tech companies, and ecosystems in the region,” said Paolo Miguel Ordonio, representative from the Break The Fake Movement.
The Regional Policy Convention on AI Readiness marks a pivotal step toward democratising AI across ASEAN. By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the development of essential policies, the initiative aims to bridge the AI divide and pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future.
In the next two days, LIPs of AI Ready ASEAN will continue their learning journey with a hands-on masterclass led by Code.org, which explored foundational AI concepts and practical strategies to overcome challenges in AI education. The experience was further enriched by a visit to Google Indonesia’s office, where participants witnessed real-world AI applications, gaining valuable insights and deepening their technical understanding of machine learning.
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February 19, 2025 at 03:27AM
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