AI Governance and Regulation in Southeast Asia
This study delves into the evolving landscape of AI governance and regulation in Southeast Asia, reflecting on the opportunities and challenges faced by ASEAN countries as they collaborate with the United States to shape a future AI agenda.
Overview of the Discussion
In a recent episode of the Asia Insight podcast, a discussion moderated by Doug Strub featured insights from two prominent figures in the field:
- Nigel Cory, a Nonresident Fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) and Director at Crowell Global Advisors.
- Karryl Kim Sagun Trajano, a Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore.
The conversation focused on the complexities surrounding AI governance in the region, particularly in light of the Indo-Pacific strategy and the potential for U.S.-ASEAN cooperation.
Key Themes and Challenges
One of the main topics discussed was the uneven progress among ASEAN countries in establishing effective AI governance frameworks. While some nations are making strides, others lag behind, creating a patchwork of regulations that complicates regional collaboration.
Nigel Cory highlighted the importance of co-developing models for AI governance that align with both U.S. interests and the unique needs of ASEAN states. His insights can be found in his NBR brief titled “Codeveloping the Model: U.S. and ASEAN Cooperation in Shaping and Deploying AI”.
Karryl Kim Sagun Trajano emphasized the significance of a cohesive approach to AI governance, as detailed in her NBR brief “Charting ASEAN’s Path to AI Governance: Uneven Yet Gaining Ground”. She pointed out that despite the existing challenges, there is growing momentum for ASEAN countries to establish a unified stance on AI regulation.
Implications for U.S. Policy
The discussion also touched on the implications of these developments for U.S. policy and businesses. As ASEAN nations seek to enhance their AI capabilities, there are significant opportunities for collaboration that can benefit both the region and the United States.
Ensuring that the regulatory frameworks are aligned will be crucial in facilitating this cooperation, as the U.S. aims to engage with Southeast Asia on technological advancements.
Conclusion
The evolving AI landscape in Southeast Asia presents both opportunities and challenges. As ASEAN countries work towards establishing effective governance frameworks, collaboration with the United States could play a pivotal role in shaping a balanced and forward-looking AI agenda.
For listeners interested in exploring these topics further, the Asia Insight podcast series provides valuable insights from experts in the field, helping to illuminate the complexities and potential of AI governance in the Indo-Pacific region.
