SMU-Microsoft Asian Dialogue on AI Governance

Fostering the exchange of views on the governance of Artificial Intelligence in Asia and deepening research collaboration in areas relevant to industry, governments, cultures and communities

SMU-Microsoft Asian Dialogue on AI Governance

Artificial Intelligence in Asia

Asia is the source of many cutting-edge AI technologies, and is also a leading region for the adoption of AI. However, such developments are not uniform or as influential across all Asian markets. Questions concerning the utility and sustainability of AI technologies are driving an increased debate about AI governance in the region – with many academic and research institutions actively participating in this debate.

AI Governance in Asia?

Governance is central in addressing social, economic and political reservations regarding the impact of AI technologies on Asian ways of doing business and ordering society. Despite this, there is no Asia-wide initiative that brings together researchers on AI governance. The cross-country discussions that do exist have been driven by universities and research institutes in the US and Europe, by multilateral organisations (e.g. the OECD), or by Pacific-rim alliances interested in the UN sustainable development goals.

An Asian Dialogue

An Asian research dialogue on AI governance would provide a framework for engaging the governance of AI technologies from an Asian perspective, with SMU bringing together a multi-disciplinary group of leading researchers on AI governance from academic institutions, across the region.

Objective of dialogue

The key objective of the dialogue would be to foster the exchange of views on the governance of AI in Asia and deepen research collaboration in areas relevant to industry, governments, cultures and communities.

The dialogue would contribute to greater coherence in AI governance across the region in areas where this is possible, by identifying areas of common understanding, while also recognising areas where there is greater divergence of views, experiences and capacities.