Panel Discussion at the 11th ASEAN Economic Community Dialogue: The Role of Governments in Promoting Responsible AI Practices
Jakarta, 4 June 2024: The ASEAN Secretariat, with the support of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and Microsoft as a knowledge partner, held the 11th ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Dialogue at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia. The AEC Dialogue featured a panel discussion centered on ‘The Role of Governments in Promoting Responsible AI Practices.’
Speakers on the panel discussion include Dr Lili Yan Ing, Senior Economist at ERIA; Fabian Bigar, CEO of My Digital Malaysia; Dr I Nyoman Adhiarna, Secretary of Directorate-General of Informatics Applications, Ministry of Communications and Informatics of Indonesia; and Alex Högback, Project Manager of International Telecommunication Union. The session was moderated by Dr Ming Tan, Founding Executive Director of Tech for Good Institute.
The panel discussed critical issues in AI development and use, with a focus on regulatory frameworks and the promotion of responsible AI practices within ASEAN from a government's perspective. Dr Ing highlighted that the adoption of industrial robots and AI significantly enhances accuracy, logistics quality, ICT, and inventory management, leading to improved market efficiency, reduced production costs, and increased labor productivity. She emphasised the implications for labour markets, mentioning how robots and AI can displace unskilled labour while creating demand for skilled workers, necessitating a balanced approach to harness AI's benefits while mitigating its negative impacts.
Furthermore, Dr Ing discussed how the adoption of robots and AI is reshaping global trade, enhancing trade within and between developing countries. She stressed the importance of learning from advanced nations in regulating AI and highlighted the significance of ASEAN taking the lead in innovation, investment, and responsible AI integration. Dr Ing pointed out that ASEAN, contributing approximately 10% to the global digital economy and with over 670 million people, over 80% internet users, plays a pivotal role in this ongoing digital revolution.
Key recommendations from the panel included maintaining investments in locally developed solutions, fostering collaboration amongst experts and knowledge sharing, encouraging member states to work together on regulations and policy development, and promoting diversity to position ASEAN as a frontrunner in inclusive AI advancement.
Dr Lili's presentation on Robots & AI
Robots and AI: A New Economic Era by Dr Lili Yan Ing & Dr Gene M. Grossman
