Kuala Lumpur, 17 July 2024: The ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) co-organised a joint workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The workshop aimed to explore the diverse roles of AI in addressing social issues, examining its applications across various sectors to foster community development, and delving into the ethical considerations and responsibilities associated with AI within the ASEAN region. The workshop was conducted as part of efforts to establish the ASEAN Technology University Network.

In his opening remarks, Dr Abd Latif Saleh, Pro-Vice Chancellor of UTM Kuala Lumpur, stated that the workshop marked a significant collaboration to foster innovation and research on AI. He further underscored that through open dialogue and discussion on AI, we can advance the development of AI technologies that benefit all communities. On behalf of ERIA, Daisuke Nakayama, Chief Manager of E-DISC, introduced the roles of E-DISC in fostering capacity building and providing knowledge to drive digital transformation and ethical AI development in ASEAN. Nakayama conveyed that engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including ERIA experts, policymakers, academia, and relevant business actors in the workshop, would foster meaningful discussions aimed at promoting a responsible digital transformation in ASEAN.

The workshop covered three sessions. The first session on ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations related to AI provided an in-depth discussion on the role of DEFA, which is expected to augment the size of the digital economy in ASEAN to reach US$ 2 trillion by 2030. In this session, Marweena Manan highlighted the Malaysian Governments strategy in policymaking related to governing AI on DEFA, focusing on the F.I.R.S.T. approach (Funding, Infrastructure, Regulatory, Skills, and Technology). Dr Aladdin Rillo emphasised that a robust digital ecosystem is crucial for optimising the benefits of AI applications, while Dr Basheer Alhaimi conveyed that the key to integrating AI into DEFA is by crafting a comprehensive AI strategy that addresses the challenges of AI applications.

The second session, AI Application to Solve Social Problems for ASEAN Community Building, highlighted breakthroughs in AI applications to tackle social problems and improve our lives. Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr Mohd Ibrahim bin Shapiai from the Centre for AI and Robotics (CAIRO) at UTM discussed AI for crowd monitoring, livestock monitoring, and thermal inspection. Additionally, Dr Li Chao from Kyushu University presented on ESG Tendency CPT, while ToyEight startup showcased AI advancements in the early detection of developmental disorders amongst children, delivered by Masaki Ishibashi.

The last session of the workshop covered AI for Human Resources, Ethics, and Responsibilities. Speakers discussed ideas to develop AI based on Indigenous Large Language Models (LLMs) with Souknilanh Keola, promote the development of AI that mimics brain development with Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr Mohd Nazri, and AI guidelines for teaching and studies within universities with Prof. Yusep Rosmansyah from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Indonesia.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Dr Mohd Shafry bin Mohd Rahim, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UTM. In his closing remarks, he emphasised that the joint workshop is essential in bridging the gap between academic institutions and industry to address complex problems. This event is a manifestation of ERIAs commitment to fostering an ethical and responsible digital transformation and development in ASEAN.