AI: “The new essential infrastructure”

A key highlight of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) was ASEAN's redefinition of the role of artificial intelligence (AI). Instead of approaching AI as a distant "technological race" or a threat to jobs, ASEAN views AI as a new form of "essential infrastructure," similar to electricity, transportation, logistics, or digital connectivity in previous stages of development. Under this approach, AI is not just an application tool, but a "smart infrastructure" that underpins the next phase of digital transformation, shaping how society operates, the economy grows, and governments deliver services.

ASEAN emphasizes that AI infrastructure cannot stand firm without two key conditions: trust and data.

In terms of trust , ASEAN's issuance of the ASEAN Guidelines on AI Governance and Ethics demonstrates a strategic choice: building a common reference framework to ensure AI is deployed transparently, safely, appropriately within diverse cultural contexts , and with a human-centered approach. Alongside this, the declaration of the establishment of the ASEAN AI Safe Network aims to strengthen regional coordination in preventing and mitigating risks from deepfakes, fake news, and information manipulation; and to create a foundation for a common stance when ASEAN works with global technology platforms and corporations. In the context of rapidly developing AI, the conference also identified ADGMIN as the central inter-sectoral coordination mechanism for AI-based transformation and emerging technological trends such as quantum technology.

Regarding data , ASEAN asserts that AI will be "all talk and no action" if data is fragmented by technical and legal barriers. Therefore, the goal of moving towards a unified digital market, especially removing barriers to data flow and promoting shared data, is seen as the "runway" for AI to take off . When data is large enough, clean enough, and interconnected enough, ASEAN can develop AI models that reflect regional specificities, including language, culture, and development needs, reducing dependence on imported models.

In its strategic orientation, ASEAN continues to affirm its major goals in the spirit of the Bangkok Declaration (1967) and the ASEAN Charter, particularly promoting economic growth, social progress, and cultural development. At the same time, ASEAN adheres to the roadmap of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and related frameworks such as the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030, aiming to build a unified, future-ready economy based on sustainable growth, driven by advanced technology and adaptability to new opportunities.

Against this backdrop, ADGMIN acknowledges the results of the implementation of the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2025 as an important basis for building a new digital cooperation framework for the 2026-2030 period.

ASEAN's digital cooperation, from TELMIN to ADGMIN, has contributed to bridging the connectivity gap, enhancing socio-economic participation, and fostering innovation. Now, AI is recognized by ASEAN as the "intelligent layer" of the digital integration process, helping to deliver smarter public services, increase industrial productivity, enhance cybersecurity, and support major priorities such as climate and environmental action.

From “connecting infrastructure” to “connecting intelligence,” ASEAN is placing AI at the heart of the digital future not to chase trends, but to restructure productivity and governance , towards an inclusive, secure, sustainable, and human-centered digital community.

Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/ai-ha-tang-thiet-yeu-moi-197260210003847352.htm