JAKARTA, Indonesia — The ASEAN Foundation, supported by Google.org, successfully hosted the 1st Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN.
This trailblazing forum occurred at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta, Indonesia on February 12, 2025.
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It gathers major stakeholders to foster dialogue and shape policies that drive AI literacy and innovation across the region.
As a result, this conference is a key milestone in implementing the AI Ready ASEAN initiative.
ASEAN ensures ‘no one is left behind as AI evolves’
Policymakers, AI practitioners and local implementing partners (LIPs) from across ASEAN explored collaborative approaches for regulatory frameworks.
The following key stakeholders discussed accelerating responsible AI adoption, bridging AI literacy gaps, and unlocking opportunities in Southeast Asia:
- Stella Christie, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia
- Nararya S. Soeprapto, Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs
- Bovonethat Douangchak, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the ASEAN Foundation and Permanent Representative of Lao PDR to ASEAN H.E. Ambassador
- Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation
- Putri Alam, Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy at Google Indonesia
Moreover, Mahmudi Yusbi, Head of Strategic Planning and Business Development of the ASEAN Foundation, and Dr. PIti Srisangnam moderated panel discussions regarding ASEAN’s AI landscape:
- Andreas Tjendra, Director of AI Innovation at KORIKA
- Dr. Sak Segkhoonthod, Executive Advisor, Electronic Transaction Development Agency (ETDA) and AI Governance Center (AIGC) of ETDA
- Agung Pamungkas, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager of Google Indonesia
- Ilan Asqolani, Senior Programme Manager of ASEAN Foundation
- Rajeshpal Singh, Director for Mastercard’s Digital Trust Centre of Excellence (APAC)
- Hazremi Hamid, Senior Officer of the Digital Economy Division of the ASEAN Secretariat
- Dr. Yeni Herdiyeni, Head of the Artificial Intelligence Study Program at IPB University
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Philippine representatives from CyberGuardiansPH (CGPH) and Break The Fake Movement (BTFM) also joined the event.
The 1st Regional Policy Convening of AI Ready ASEAN marks the official commencement of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative.
It launched in October 2024 to enhance AI literacy in ASEAN member states, “making sure no one is left behind as AI evolves,” said Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation.
Insights from the ASEAN AI Policy Forum
“The convention offered valuable insights into making AI accessible in underserved communities,” a CyberGuardiansPH representative said.
CyberGuardiansPH is Microsoft’s Local Implementing Partner in the ASEAN Cybersecurity Skilling Program (ACSP) Project from 2022 to 2023.
“Digital education can help young learners become responsible digital citizens, using online information and resources wisely and demonstrating strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”
Break The Fake Movement representative Paolo Miguel Ordonio stated the conference emphasized the need to make AI education more inclusive.
BTFM shapes Philippine AI initiatives through capacity-building sessions, dialogues and workshops.
“AI skills will make citizens more competitive, giving them wider access to opportunities in technology, data analysis and automation,” Ordonio added.
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Lastly, Marija Ralic, Head of Google.org APAC, highlighted Google’s support of ASEAN’s digital initiatives:
“With the rapid advances in AI and machine learning, it’s more important than ever that young people, educators, and parents understand the ways it impacts their lives, the role it will play in their future, and the opportunities it affords.”
“This support reflects our commitment to help everyone in the region benefit from the AI Opportunities.”