South-east Asia will seek strategic balance on AI

Significance Japan will lead on forging a common AI framework between advanced and developing economies. A particular focus will be South-east Asia, the fastest-growing online market and a major battleground for US-Chinese technology competition. Impacts ASEAN will seek a common position on AI, but a regional consensus is more likely to be formed by building on Singapore’s efforts. US and Chinese companies will compete most intensely for AI partnerships with Indonesia, given the country’s large and young population. Within the region, the Philippines is most at risk of job displacement in an AI-driven economy.