Southeast Asian countries are working on developing governance and ethics guidelines for artificial intelligence (AI) to regulate its use and mitigate potential risks. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is aiming to create an “AI guide” that will strike a balance between the economic benefits and risks associated with AI. The drafting process is underway, with completion expected by the end of the year and potential endorsement in early 2024. Singapore, known for its advanced AI strategy, is leading the discussions and negotiations for the AI guide, which will play a crucial role in shaping responsible AI deployment in the region.
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 June 2023 – Southeast Asian countries are in the process of developing governance and ethics guidelines for artificial intelligence (AI) to regulate its use and mitigate risks, according to officials familiar with the matter. The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has recognized the need for an “AI guide” for the region’s 668 million population. The guidelines, known as the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, aim to strike a balance between the economic benefits and risks associated with AI. The drafting process is underway, and it is expected to be completed by the end of the year, followed by endorsement from ASEAN members and a potential announcement at the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting in early 2024.
Singapore, as the chair of the ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting in 2024, will collaborate with other ASEAN states to develop the “ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics” to facilitate responsible and innovative AI deployment in the region. The guidelines are crucial in addressing concerns about AI’s potential to spread misinformation and generate misleading content. Singapore, known for its advanced AI strategy, is leading the discussions and negotiations for the AI guide.
This development aligns with international efforts to regulate AI, such as the forthcoming voluntary AI code of conduct in the European Union and the United States. The ASEAN guidelines will play a significant role in shaping the responsible use of AI in Southeast Asia, but further details on the content of the guide are not yet available.
