Artificial Intelligence (AI) is estimated to boost Southeast Asia’s GDP by up to US$1 trillion by 2030. Investment is accelerating with over US$30 billion allocated in the first half of 2024. Beyond its potential for economic growth, AI has been identified as a key enabler for advancing Sustainable Development Goals, from financial inclusion to agriculture to healthcare.

However, adoption across the SEA-6—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—remains uneven. Only 15% of organisations have deployed AI at scale, while 30% remain in planning stages. 85% of organisations reported difficulty sourcing AI talent, particularly for mid- and senior-level roles. Finance and e-commerce sectors lead adoption, whereas manufacturing and traditional industries lag behind.

These uneven adoptions and key challenges could hinder the economic growth opportunity of the region. Furthermore, AI systems and supply chains transcend national borders, creating shared concerns such as AI-generated disinformation, deepfakes, and regulatory arbitrage risk that cannot be managed by any one country independently.

Bridging these gaps requires regional coordinated governance that enables responsible deployment and adoption of AI. This imperative aligns with what Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted at the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit: ASEAN must lead with innovation “grounded in trust, rooted in equity, and proudly shaped by Southeast Asian values.”

Building on insights from the Tech for Good Institute’s 2025 study, The Evolution of Tech Governance in Southeast Asia-6, this policy brief outlines how the region can strengthen AI governance and collaboration to promote responsible, inclusive innovation.

Key policy considerations

To strengthen AI governance and collaboration across Southeast Asia, the brief outlines four priorities for regional cooperation and coordinated governance among the SEA-6.

• Establish interoperable governance frameworks:

This includes aligning national frameworks with global and regional standards such as the OECD AI Principles and the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics. Countries can harmonise risk classifications, incident response, and assurance processes to prevent regulatory gaps or overlaps.

• Accelerate sectoral adoption through targeted guidelines:

Governments and industry can co-develop sector-specific guidelines for high-impact areas such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Developing standardised impact assessments, safety frameworks, and reporting systems will strengthen accountability while enabling innovation.

• Build regional AI talent pipelines with standardised certification:

Developing a skilled AI workforce is critical for scaling innovation. SEA-6 countries can invest jointly in training, reskilling, and regional certification programmes to address mid- and senior-level talent gaps.

• Institutionalise coordination through connected national AI offices/ agencies:

Creating a network of national AI offices and governance centres can strengthen regional dialogue and cooperation. Regular meetings, joint assessments, and mutual recognition protocols will enable coordinated policy responses and continuous learning.

This policy brief is intended to be a resource. While AI continues to evolve rapidly, the insights presented here serve as an introduction for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to explore collaborative and responsible approaches to AI governance in Southeast Asia.