Conversations around AI safety are largely dominated by the United States, Europe, and China, leading to an underrepresentation of Southeast Asian voices in the broader global AI governance discourse. Despite this, Southeast Asian countries have made significant strides in digital and AI policy. These countries recognize the opportunities presented by AI and have adopted nuanced and pragmatic approaches to AI safety and development. This report, “AI Safety Governance, The Southeast Asian Way,” outlines recent AI governance developments in 11 Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
Recommendations in this report were developed through six roundtable discussions organized by AI Safety Asia (AISA). These discussions gathered insights from a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, the private sector, academia, and civil society. The conversations identified regional priority areas for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and national governments over the next five years. The goal is to develop comprehensive and future-proof approaches to AI safety. National governments can pursue pragmatic and impactful strategies while actively engaging with regional and international partners. To avoid friction between differing national strategies, ASEAN should harmonize approaches across the region and strengthen cooperation around capacity building, research, and risk management.
The report highlights several persistent challenges and gaps in AI policy across the region. One of the key challenges is the development of national AI risk management plans. Addressing these gaps is crucial for ensuring that AI governance in Southeast Asia is robust and effective. The Southeast Asian approach to AI governance provides valuable lessons for other global majority countries crafting AI strategies. Given the incredible diversity of the region, Southeast Asian countries have taken a context-aware approach to AI policy. This approach prioritizes open-source AI development, the creation of multilingual large language models (LLMs), and the design of inclusive AI governance processes.
Open-source AI development is a cornerstone of the Southeast Asian strategy. By promoting open-source initiatives, countries in the region can foster innovation and collaboration. This approach allows for the sharing of knowledge and resources, which can accelerate the development of AI technologies. Additionally, it ensures that AI advancements are accessible to a broader range of stakeholders, including smaller businesses and academic institutions.
The development of multilingual large language models (LLMs) is another critical aspect of Southeast Asian AI policy. These models are essential for addressing the linguistic diversity of the region. By creating LLMs that can understand and generate text in multiple languages, Southeast Asian countries can ensure that AI technologies are inclusive and accessible to all citizens. This inclusivity is vital for bridging the digital divide and promoting equitable AI development.
Inclusive AI governance processes are also a key focus. Southeast Asian countries are designing governance frameworks that involve a wide range of stakeholders. This inclusive approach ensures that AI policies are developed with input from various sectors, including government, industry, academia, and civil society. By involving diverse stakeholders, countries can create AI governance processes that are responsive to the needs and concerns of all citizens.
The report serves as a call to action for countries in the region to address major gaps in policy. These gaps include the need for comprehensive AI risk management plans, the development of open-source AI technologies, and the creation of multilingual LLMs. By addressing these gaps, Southeast Asian countries can usher in an inclusive, safe, and innovative AI future. This future will be characterized by AI technologies that are developed and deployed in a manner that is ethical, transparent, and beneficial to all citizens.
To achieve this vision, Southeast Asian countries must continue to engage in regional and international cooperation. Collaboration with other countries and international organizations can provide valuable insights and resources for developing effective AI governance strategies. By working together, Southeast Asian countries can build a robust and resilient AI ecosystem that supports sustainable development and economic growth.
In summary, the Southeast Asian approach to AI governance is characterized by a context-aware strategy that prioritizes open-source AI development, multilingual LLMs, and inclusive governance processes. This approach provides valuable lessons for other global majority countries crafting AI strategies. By addressing the persistent challenges and gaps in AI policy, Southeast Asian countries can create a future where AI technologies are developed and deployed in a manner that is safe, inclusive, and innovative. This future will benefit all citizens and contribute to the region’s economic and social development.
