A Whitepaper on Demystifying the Perils and Promises of AI in Southeast Asia | Cluster 1 of 3: Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore

This document is the first edition of The Ambit’s publication series on Southeast Asia and AI Governance. The white paper will be released according to the editions below: 2023: First Edition – Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore (Cluster 1 of 3) 2024: Second Edition – Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar (Cluster 2 of 3) 2025: Third Edition – Cambodia, Brunei, Timor Leste, Laos (Cluster 3 of 3)

SEA Cluster 1 of 3: Why Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore? In a session on AI Regulation during the AI Innovation Summit 2023, held in Jakarta International Expo last August, the need for SEA Countries to consolidate and come as a united front in establishing a regional AI governance framework was emphasized. The report AI and Democratic Values Index (3rd ed) was cited, presenting country reports, world heatmaps, and ranking of 75 countries across the globe in terms of objective 12-metrics on democratic values alignment – based on respect for fundamental rights, democratic institutions, and the rule of law.

The 2022 index reported on 7 out of 11 Southeast Asian countries – with Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore as Top 3 (in order) from Southeast Asia, all in middle-tier assessment in terms of national AI governance initiatives and democratic values. For further details See Annex A and B of this report.

Moreover, the current policy mandates are also timely for the 3 nations, considering: the 2023 Chairmanship in ASEAN is Indonesia; the 2023 ASEAN Digital Ministerial meeting is hosted by the Philippines; and the transition to the 2024 ASEAN Digital Ministerial meeting will be under Singapore.

While the three countries as of this date are at the frontier of probable AI governance in Southeast Asia, the digital infrastructure and readiness of the three nations are variably distinct. Drawing from this context, the insights from the first edition of this whitepaper will provide valuable findings for the neighboring states in the region.