Full webinar recording: https://youtu.be/5lm5InQ6kcw
Overview
On 4 March 2026, the ASEAN-Japan Centre hosted the webinar “ASEAN-Japan AI Collaboration: Implications for Policy, Talent and Industry Partnerships” under the ASEAN-Japan Insights Series. The event brought together experts from academia, industry, and regional institutions to explore practical pathways for strengthening AI governance, developing talent, and fostering industry collaboration to support trustworthy and inclusive AI ecosystems across the ASEAN Member States (AMS) and Japan.
Executive Summary
The webinar highlighted how ASEAN and Japan are deepening cooperation on artificial intelligence as part of the region’s rapidly expanding digital economy. Key regional initiatives in ASEAN, such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics are important frameworks that will shape the development of interoperable and trustworthy AI systems across the region.
Speakers emphasized that collaboration between startups, policymakers, and regional institutions will be essential to translating policy frameworks into practical innovation. At the same time, addressing differences in AI readiness, data governance frameworks, and local contexts remains critical to building inclusive and effective AI ecosystems across the 10 AMS and Japan.
The following speakers presented on the following topics:
- Mark Bryan Manantan, 2025 Research Fellow, ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship (AJYEF), discussed how ASEAN and Japan can strengthen AI cooperation through two-way multi-sectoral exchanges in creating localized AI models, and increased application of Japanese AI in smart manufacturing, fintech, and green technology, while addressing uneven regulatory fragmentation and intensifying regional competition. Link to Presentation: Link
- Hazremi Hamid, Senior Officer, Digital Economy at the ASEAN Secretariat, emphasized DEFA’s aspiration for interoperability of digital services across the 10 AMS, while strengthening capabilities to engage with regional partners such as Japan to support inclusive technological innovation in the region. Link to Presentation: Link
- Kotaro Adachi, CEO and Co-Founder of TechShake, highlighted an ASEAN–Japan AI co-creation model that connects Japan’s technology and capital with Southeast Asia’s talent and markets through startup partnerships and innovation hubs. He emphasized the need for locally contextualized understanding of the ASEAN markets and partnering with local companies to help scale the business. Link to Presentation: Link
Key Takeaways
- Shift toward technological cooperation: ASEAN and Japan are expanding their partnership beyond traditional economic ties toward deeper collaboration in digital economies and technologies including AI. The implementation of the ASEAN DEFA is likely going to shape the interoperability of cross-border services, but regulations may remain uneven.
- Stronger AI governance and standards: Regional frameworks such as the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics and the planned ASEAN AI Safety Network aim to promote trustworthy AI while improving alignment with global initiatives like the Hiroshima AI Process.
- Co-creation through partnerships: Collaboration among startups, industry actors, and policymakers connects Japan’s technology and capital with Southeast Asia’s talent and markets, enabling the development of practical AI solutions for local challenges.
Meanwhile, the following are some of the critical points highlighted during the panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Katrina Navallo, Programme Manager of the Research & Policy Advocacy Team at the ASEAN-Japan Centre:
- Interoperability over harmonization
Initiatives such as ASEAN DEFA emphasize interoperable regulatory approaches that allow diverse national systems across the AMS and Japan to work together without requiring full regulatory harmonization.
- Importance of local context and partnerships
Successful AI adoption depends on strong local partners, talent exchange, and a deep understanding of local markets and communities.
- Strengthening AI governance and capacity
Regional initiatives such as the planned ASEAN AI Safety Network aim to improve governance frameworks, reduce readiness gaps, and promote responsible AI development through closer ASEAN–Japan cooperation.
Looking Ahead for ASEAN–Japan AI Cooperation
The discussion underscored that ASEAN–Japan AI collaboration is evolving alongside the region’s broader digital transformation. Initiatives such as ASEAN DEFA and the planned ASEAN AI Safety Network reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen digital governance and regional integration across the AMS and Japan.
The exchange also highlighted the growing importance of talent mobility, startup collaboration, and locally grounded innovation in shaping how AI technologies are developed and applied across diverse ASEAN markets.
About the ASEAN-Japan Insights Series
The ASEAN-Japan Insights Series is the Centre’s flagship bilingual platform for knowledge sharing on topics of strategic importance to ASEAN and Japan. The Series brings together experts from industry, academia, government, and research institutions to explore key issues shaping regional cooperation and future growth.
About the ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship (AJYEF) Programme
The ASEAN-Japan Young Experts Fellowship (AJYEF) Programme is a pioneering initiative of the ASEAN-Japan Centre that nurtures the next generation of thought leaders and practitioners in ASEAN-Japan relations. Through research, professional development, and engagement in policy dialogues, AJYEF Fellows contribute fresh perspectives on regional cooperation, emerging economic opportunities, and shared challenges.
For inquiries or participation in future webinars, please contact the Research and Policy Advocacy Cluster at info_rpa@asean.or.jp.
