AKP Phnom Penh, July 29, 2025 --

Under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is advancing an initiative to establish the ASEAN AI Safety Network (AI Safe), aiming to encourage ethical innovation, institutionalise safety protocols, and strengthen regional cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference recently held in Shanghai, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Datuk Kao Kim Hourn emphasised that these developments represent significant progress in making trust, transparency, and accountability fundamental to ASEAN's AI evolution.

He noted that ASEAN is prepared to work closely with China on building a resilient and equitable AI partnership through the ASEAN-China 2025 Digital Work Plan.

The Secretary-General also warned of the significant risks posed by AI despite its potential to boost efficiency and economic growth. These risks include misinformation, deepfakes, and cybersecurity threats. Without robust governance, these developments could deepen social inequalities, entrench discrimination, and erode personal privacy.

These developments demand urgent, coordinated action from the international community to ensure AI serves human welfare and social good, he said.

On the occasion, Kao welcomed the launch of the China-ASEAN AI Centre as a key platform for advancing responsible AI implementation in the region. He also praised the role of the China-ASEAN Digital Academy in enhancing digital capacity for small- and medium-sized enterprises and underserved communities.

Calling for collaboration among governments, the private sector, and academia, the official affirmed the path ahead is clear: to unlock new areas of cooperation, drive growth momentum, and create opportunities across ASEAN, China, and beyond.

AKP-VNA