As the global race to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI) accelerates, Southeast Asia is not far behind. Concerns over AI’s impact on jobs, safety, and privacy are prompting nations to draft rules to harness this evolving technology.
Denise Yap, a 28-year-old freelance animator and illustrator from Singapore, represents the creative sector grappling with AI’s advancements. With tools like DreamUp, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion gaining popularity, the AI art scene is booming. These tools, using machine learning, can produce artworks in seconds, analyzing thousands of images online.
Yap raises a critical issue – the need for laws to protect artists’ rights. As AI art tools build data sets from living artists’ works, the debate over intellectual property and copyright infringement intensifies. This concern reflects a broader global issue where artists feel undermined by AI, which can replicate styles developed over years without consent or remuneration.
AI and the labor market: A double-edged sword
The labor market faces its own set of challenges with AI’s integration. A Goldman Sachs report warns that up to 300 million jobs could be affected by AI automation. The threat is particularly acute in countries like India and the Philippines, where AI-powered chatbots could replace human-operated call centers. Similarly, in Thailand, a report predicts that AI could render many administrative and office jobs redundant by 2030.
However, not all is bleak. AI also presents opportunities for efficiency and innovation in the workplace. For instance, Thai national Kulvadee Pounglaph uses Google’s AI chatbot Bard for speech drafting, highlighting AI’s time-saving benefits.
The ASEAN approach: Guidelines for AI governance
At the regional level, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is developing AI governance and ethics guidelines. While these guidelines are not expected to translate into regional legislation, they could influence member states to enact new laws or modify existing ones. This initiative aims to establish a framework to mitigate AI risks while capitalizing on its benefits.
The guidelines are anticipated to address urgent needs like personal data protection, cybersecurity, and consumer rights. Dr. Karryl Sagun-Trajano from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies emphasizes the importance of public awareness and engagement in understanding AI’s impact across various sectors.
Diverse development stages within ASEAN
The member states of ASEAN display varying levels of AI development. Countries like Singapore and Malaysia are leveraging international bodies to influence global AI standards. In contrast, nations like Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar are yet to develop their AI strategies. This disparity underscores the need for a coordinated regional approach to AI regulation.
The challenge for ASEAN countries lies in balancing innovation with regulation. Overly rigid rules might stifle innovation, while lenient policies could pose societal risks. The dynamic nature of AI demands careful monitoring and supervision, possibly through evolving regulations rather than outright control.
Singapore’s legislative response
Singapore, for example, amended its Copyright Act in 2021 to allow AI-generated copying of copyrighted works for data analysis, striking a balance between innovation and copyright holders’ interests. This amendment exemplifies how nations can adapt existing laws to the challenges posed by AI, considering aspects like privacy, security, and accountability.
The ultimate goal of AI regulation, as highlighted by experts, is to ensure that AI does not only improve but is also used for societal good. Effective regulation could help realize AI’s potential in positively transforming sectors like healthcare, education, transport, and crime fighting.
As Southeast Asia navigates the complex terrain of AI regulation, the focus remains on creating a harmonious environment where AI can thrive responsibly. The region’s efforts in drafting AI guidelines, adapting existing laws, and promoting public engagement will be crucial in shaping a future where AI is both a powerful and a benevolent force in society.
