Advancing People-Centered AI Governance in the China-ASEAN Region
The 2026 China-ASEAN AI Capacity-Building Training Program and High-Level Seminar on Frontier AI Technologies and Governance took place in Kuala Lumpur on January 23-24, 2026. This event gathered high-level representatives from government, industry, academia, and research sectors across China and ASEAN countries, focusing on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its governance.
Key Objectives and Themes
The seminar emphasized three pivotal pillars: Shared Technological Innovation, Coordinated Governance Norms, and Inclusive Capacity Building. These themes align with China’s Global AI Governance Initiative, aiming to build a collaborative and sustainable regional AI ecosystem.
With nearly 150 participants from various sectors, including representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand, the seminar facilitated deep exchanges of ideas and concrete outcomes regarding AI technologies, security governance, and education.
Prominent Attendees
Notable figures included Academician Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Chuah Hean Teik, who has significantly influenced Sino-Malaysian scientific and cultural exchanges, and Mr. Zhao Xiangdong, science and technology counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, highlighting China’s commitment to enhancing bilateral AI cooperation.
Training Program and Practical Skill Enhancement
The Capacity Building Training Program continued at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) with over 300 participants, translating seminar insights into practical skills for AI governance and development.
Global South Collaboration
The opening ceremony featured keynote remarks that emphasized the importance of establishing an inclusive and equitable global AI governance framework. Prof. Shahbaz Khan, director of the UNESCO East Asia Regional Office, highlighted the need for fair sharing of AI development benefits with Global South nations.
Prof. Hou Zengguang, vice president of the Chinese Association of Automation, underscored the seminar as a vital platform for implementing people-centered AI governance, advocating for a collaborative path with ASEAN partners to foster inclusive growth.
Insights on Technology Trends and Challenges
The seminar included in-depth presentations on frontier AI technologies and governance issues. For instance, YM Academician Datuk Dr. Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen called for consensus on technical standards and ethical norms among ASEAN countries.
Prof. Song Yongduan presented insights on the applications of AI in autonomous systems, while Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy Bin Megat Tajuddin discussed critical cybersecurity challenges in AI development.
Conclusion: A New Stage of Cooperation
The successful convening of this high-level seminar signifies a new era of institutionalized cooperation in the China-ASEAN AI landscape. As stakeholders work together to address global technological governance challenges, the event lays a robust foundation for achieving a brighter, intelligent future while contributing valuable practices for digital governance in the Global South.
