June 2024

Regulating AI in the Asia-Pacific Region

Regulatory frameworks for AI technology are rapidly developing in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with the market projected to grow significantly, reaching $356.13 billion by 2029. Many countries in the APAC region have introduced guidelines and laws to govern AI. These include legislative efforts to regulate AI use in the Philippines, Thailand, and South Korea. Additionally, many countries have adopted voluntary principles and guidelines to promote ethical AI use, such as Japan's Governance Guidelines for AI and Australia's AI Ethics Principles. Across the region, a shared commitment to responsible AI use is evident, whether through binding legislation or non-binding guidelines. Compliance with these regulations can be challenging, and businesses are encouraged to explore solutions like Holistic AI to navigate the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

May 2024

Singapore Unveils Comprehensive Framework for Governing Generative AI

Singapore released the Model AI Governance Framework for Generative AI in May 2024, which offers a comprehensive approach to managing the challenges of generative AI and encourages a global dialogue on the topic. The framework covers nine dimensions related to AI governance, including accountability, data, trusted development and deployment, incident reporting, testing and assurance, security, content provenance, safety and alignment R&D, and AI for public good. The framework stresses the importance of collaboration between policymakers, industry stakeholders, researchers, and like-minded jurisdictions. It calls for accountability in AI development and usage, responsible data governance, and democratization of AI access.

March 2024

Singapore’s National AI Strategy 2.0: What you need to know

Singapore aims to boost its AI capabilities and become a global leader in AI advancements, with a focus on three main areas: Activity Drivers, People and Communities, and Infrastructure and Environment. The government will allocate SG$1 billion (about US$743 million) over the next five years to foster AI growth, attract top talent, and strengthen AI infrastructure and governance frameworks. The strategy includes initiatives to support industry, government, and research, as well as AI talent acquisition and upskilling, and the creation of physical space for AI activities. Singapore also aims to establish a trusted environment for AI through the institutionalization of governance and security frameworks.

February 2024

The ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics: What you need to know

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has released a guide on AI governance and ethics to empower organizations and governments in Southeast Asia to navigate the landscape of artificial intelligence responsibly. The guide outlines three fundamental objectives towards responsible AI development, including practical guidance on designing, developing, and deploying AI systems, promoting consistency and collaboration in AI governance efforts between member states, and empowering policymakers to shape regulatory frameworks that promote responsible AI practices. The guide provides seven guiding principles serving as foundational pillars for responsible AI governance, including transparency and explainability, fairness and equity, and privacy and data governance. It recommends the Establishment of an ASEAN Working Group on AI Governance, nurturing AI talent, promoting investment in AI startups, investing in AI research and development, promoting adoption of AI governance tools, and raising awareness among citizens. The guide emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between governments, private sectors, and educational institutions to foster ethical AI development and adoption within the region.

Making Sense of China’s AI Regulations

China's artificial intelligence (AI) market is expected to triple to $61.855 billion by 2025, with the Chinese government expecting AI to generate $154.638 billion USD in annual revenue by 2030. The country has been leading the way in AI regulation, enforcing three distinct regulatory measures on national, regional, and local levels. These include provisions to strengthen supervision over "deep fake" technologies, regulations for AI-generated content like personalized recommendations on mobile apps, and measures for the safe development and application of generative AI. While there are concerns about potential suppression of free speech, these laws set an important precedent and best practices. China's AI regulations, focused on balancing power and mitigating harms, could influence AI regulation globally.