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AI Policy Landscape in ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) represents one of the world's most dynamic regions for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and development. This report analyzes the AI policy frameworks across the 10 ASEAN member states, highlighting their approaches to balancing innovation with ethical considerations, data governance, and societal impact. Each country has developed distinct policy responses based on their technological readiness, economic priorities, and governance structures, creating a diverse regional landscape of AI regulation and promotion.


Introduction

As AI technologies transform economies and societies globally, ASEAN countries are actively developing policies to harness AI's benefits while mitigating potential risks. This report examines the current state of AI policies across all 10 ASEAN member states, identifying common themes and distinct approaches to AI governance, and assessing the region's preparedness for an AI-driven future.


Regional Overview of ASEAN AI Policy Landscape

The ASEAN AI landscape is characterized by significant diversity in policy maturity and focus areas. While countries like Singapore and Malaysia have implemented comprehensive AI governance frameworks, others such as Cambodia and Laos are in earlier stages of policy development. This variance reflects different levels of digital infrastructure, technological capabilities, and economic development across the region.

The 2020 ASEAN Digital Masterplan and subsequent regional initiatives demonstrate a shared commitment to developing AI capabilities while preserving ethical standards and promoting inclusive growth. However, implementation approaches and priorities vary considerably across member states.

 

Country-Specific AI Policy Analysis


Singapore

Policy Framework: Singapore leads the region with its National AI Strategy (2019, updated 2023) and AI Governance Framework, developed by the Personal Data Protection Commission.

Key Characteristics:

  • Comprehensive ethical guidelines focusing on human-centric AI

  • Substantial government investment in AI research and development (SGD 500 million over 5 years)

  • Model AI Governance Framework providing detailed implementation guidance for organizations

  • Strong focus on developing AI talent and capabilities

  • Sectoral applications emphasizing healthcare, education, and smart cities

Singapore's approach emphasizes building a trusted ecosystem for AI development through transparent governance while maintaining a business-friendly environment.


Malaysia

Policy Framework: National AI Road-map (2021) and National Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Policy

Key Characteristics:

  • Focus on AI as a driver for economic transformation

  • Emphasis on developing local AI capabilities and talent

  • Strong public-private partnerships

  • Integration of AI into existing digital economy initiatives

  • Sectoral focus on manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture

Malaysia's approach balances economic development goals with ethical considerations, prioritizing practical applications that support economic diversification.


Thailand

Policy Framework: National AI Strategy and Ethics Guidelines (2021)

Key Characteristics:

  • Integration with Thailand 4.0 economic model

  • Focus on AI adoption in key economic sectors

  • Developing AI ethics guidelines through multi-stakeholder processes

  • Investment in digital infrastructure to support AI development

  • Emphasis on re-skilling workforce for AI readiness

Thailand's approach prioritizes leveraging AI to enhance economic competitiveness while ensuring ethical implementation.


Indonesia

Policy Framework: National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2020)

Key Characteristics:

  • Ambitious goals to position Indonesia as an AI hub

  • Focus on five priority sectors: healthcare, bureaucratic reform, education, food security, and mobility

  • Emphasis on leveraging Indonesia's large population for data advantages

  • Data localization requirements affecting AI development

  • Strong focus on Islamic ethical principles in AI governance

Indonesia's approach balances economic ambitions with cultural values and sovereignty concerns.


Philippines

Policy Framework: National AI Roadmap (2021) led by the Department of Trade and Industry

Key Characteristics:

  • Focus on AI as a tool for economic development and job creation

  • Emphasis on BPO industry transformation through AI

  • Public-private partnerships for AI adoption

  • Strong focus on workforce development and reskilling

  • Integration with broader digital transformation initiatives

The Philippines emphasizes AI's role in maintaining its competitive position in global service industries while creating new economic opportunities.


Vietnam

Policy Framework: National Strategy on Research, Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence (2021)

Key Characteristics:

  • Ambitious targets for AI sector development

  • Strong focus on integrating AI into industrial production

  • Emphasis on developing domestic AI capabilities

  • Substantial investment in AI education and research

  • Concerns regarding surveillance applications and privacy

Vietnam's approach combines economic development priorities with strategic technological independence goals.


Brunei

Policy Framework: Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 (includes AI components)

Key Characteristics:

  • Integration of AI within broader digital economy initiatives

  • Focus on public service modernization through AI

  • Emphasis on Islamic ethical frameworks for AI governance

  • Limited domestic AI development capacity

  • Strong focus on international partnerships

Brunei's approach emphasizes practical applications of AI for improving government services and economic diversification.



Myanmar

Policy Framework: No comprehensive AI policy; some elements in Digital Economy Roadmap

Key Characteristics:

  • Limited policy development due to political instability

  • Focus on basic digital infrastructure rather than advanced AI

  • Minimal regulatory framework for AI applications

  • Concerns regarding surveillance applications

  • Significant capacity constraints

Myanmar's complex political situation has limited systematic AI policy development, creating regulatory gaps for current and future AI applications.


Cambodia

Policy Framework: Digital Economy and Society Policy Framework (2021)

Key Characteristics:

  • Early-stage integration of AI into digital development plans

  • Focus on capacity building and awareness

  • Limited domestic AI development ecosystem

  • Emphasis on international cooperation and knowledge transfer

  • Concerns about digital divide affecting AI readiness

Cambodia prioritizes building foundational digital infrastructure and capacity as prerequisites for AI adoption.


Laos

Policy Framework: Digital Economy Development Plan (with limited AI components)

Key Characteristics:

  • Nascent AI policy development

  • Focus on digital literacy and basic infrastructure

  • Significant capacity and infrastructure constraints

  • Emphasis on international cooperation for technology transfer

  • Integration with regional initiatives

Laos is in the early stages of developing AI-specific policies, focusing instead on fundamental digital readiness.

 

Key Trends in ASEAN AI Policy Development


Common Policy Elements

Despite the diversity in approaches, several common elements appear across ASEAN AI policies:

  1. Economic Development Focus: All countries view AI as a critical driver for economic growth and competitiveness.

  2. Public-Private Partnerships: Most policies emphasize collaboration between government, industry, and academia.

  3. Ethical Considerations: Growing recognition of the need for ethical guidelines, though with varying levels of detail and enforcement mechanisms.

  4. Talent Development: Acknowledgment of skills gaps and emphasis on developing AI capabilities through education and training.

  5. Sectoral Applications: Identification of priority sectors for AI applications, typically including healthcare, manufacturing, and government services.


Regional Variation Factors

The significant variation in AI policy approaches across ASEAN can be attributed to several factors:

  1. Digital Infrastructure Readiness: Countries with more developed digital infrastructure (Singapore, Malaysia) have more comprehensive AI policies.

  2. Governance Traditions: Different administrative and regulatory traditions influence policy design and implementation approaches.

  3. Economic Structure: Countries' existing economic strengths shape AI policy priorities (e.g., Philippines' focus on service industries).

  4. Cultural and Religious Factors: Indonesia and Brunei explicitly incorporate Islamic ethical principles into AI governance.

  5. International Influence: Varying levels of international engagement and alignment with global AI governance initiatives.

 

Challenges and Opportunities


Regional Challenges

  1. Digital Divide: Significant disparities in digital infrastructure and AI readiness both between and within ASEAN countries.

  2. Regulatory Harmonization: Inconsistent approaches to AI regulation could hamper regional collaboration and create compliance challenges.

  3. Data Governance: Varying approaches to data protection, localization, and sharing impact cross-border AI applications.

  4. Talent Shortage: Region-wide shortage of AI expertise and skills despite growing educational initiatives.

  5. Ethical Implementation: Translating ethical principles into practical governance mechanisms remains challenging.


Regional Opportunities

  1. Cross-Border Collaboration: Potential for enhanced regional cooperation on AI research, standards development, and application.

  2. Shared Learning: Knowledge sharing among member states at different stages of AI policy development.

  3. Market Scale: Potential for coordinated approaches to create scale advantages in AI development.

  4. Distinctive Regional Approach: Opportunity to develop uniquely Southeast Asian approaches to AI governance reflecting regional values.

  5. Public Service Innovation: Significant opportunities for AI to address regional development challenges.

 

Related Material

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ASEAN Foundation kicking off the AI Ready ASEAN with our 1st Regional Policy Convening! Under the theme ‘Fostering the Opportunities of Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI in the Region,’ this event, supported by Google.org, brings together amazing minds from across Southeast Asia to explore AI futures for ASEAN people..

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