This hybrid event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts from Japan and ASEAN nations to discuss the frameworks needed to drive ethical digital transformation. Whether you join us in person or virtually, your participation is vital in bridging the gap between high-level governance and local industrial application.
12pm - 3.30pm (Jakarta Time) | March 4th, 2026 | ASEAN Secretariat, Jakarta & Hybrid via Zoom/Online Conference
Our Honorable Partner
Japan Foundation through JFSEAP program powering Japan-ASEAN collaboration in the region key.
Official Research Institution
Universitas Indonesia, facilitating comprehensive academic inquiry and localizing insights for the Japan-ASEAN partnership on ethical AI governance and digital transformation.
Our Innovation Partner
IBM, providing the technological backbone and global expertise to advance ethical AI governance and digital transformation across the Japan-ASEAN region.
Supporting Partners
Hosting Partner
Community Partner
The Program
(Optional) Launch of ASEAN Business Barometer Survey
Arrival / Opening Gate & Lunch
Welcoming Remarks
by leaders from ASEAN-BAC, Japan Foundation, and Universitas Indonesia.
Strategic Framework Overview & Human Centered AI (HCAI) Model
Scene Setter: Insights from the Research
The Dialogue: Harmonising Innovation and Ethics
A panel discussion featuring leaders from APINDO, IBM, Hitachi, and more.
- Mr. Patrick BruinsmaRegional CTO of IBM ASEAN
- Mr. Gerald Jiro HaneSenior Executive and GM ASEAN Executive Office, Hitachi Asia
- [Online] Mr. Yukio TeramuraAssistant Vice Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
- Mr. Fauzi FadillahChief Executive Officer of PLABS
- [Online] Mr. Teguh AnantawikramaVice Chairman for Technology and Digital Transformation, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN)
- YB. HariantonoTechnology and Security Division PERBANAS, CTO Bank Mega
Proposal Launch: Phase 2 Research (2026)
Closing Remarks
Japan-ASEAN Ethics, Governance & Risk on Artificial Intelligence
Operationalizing Japan AI Guide for Business in Southeast Asia: Opportunities and Challenges
Appendices
Indonesia - Aug 26th, 2025
Indonesia needs to shift from fragmented, vendor-driven AI pilots to a standardized, human-centric governance regime to enable trusted and scalable adoption. Key challenges include low institutional readiness and a shortage of talent. Survey results indicate that the most urgent ethical risks are transparency gaps (43%) and biased algorithms (30%).
Singapore - Sep 1st, 2025
Singapore should leverage its advanced yet uneven AI ecosystem to lead an ASEAN-wide, incentive-based governance model. The focus is on safeguarding human oversight and ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are included in the AI transformation.
Malaysia - Sep 3rd, 2025
Malaysia must convert its government-led, fragmented AI pilots into a standardized, sandboxed governance model. This transition is essential to build trust and ensure inclusivity for SMEs. Talent shortage was identified as a primary barrier (41%) in this country.
Philippines - Sep 5th, 2025
The Philippines needs to move away from informal, crisis-driven AI use toward a multi-stakeholder "hard-law" governance regime. The goal is to rebuild trust and technical capacity within the country.
Prolog
Advancing Ethical AI Governance for a Resilient Japan-ASEAN Partnership
The Vision: Toward Society 5.0
Rooted in Japan's Society 5.0, this partnership establishes "Trusted AI" as critical infrastructure to harmonize economic growth with human-centered social solutions in a resilient ecosystem.
Literature Review and Context
The Global and Regional Landscape
Global AI Governance Trends: From Principles to Practice
The global conversation on AI governance has shifted from high-level ethical aspirations to concrete, operational frameworks. While early discussions focused on defining "what" ethical AI is, the current imperative is determining "how" to implement it.
Japan's Approach: Agile Governance and Society 5.0
Japan offers a distinct alternative to rigid Western regulation, advocating for "Agile Governance" rooted in the vision of Society 5.0—a super-smart society where technology harmonizes with human needs.
The Strategic Opportunity: A Shared Governance Zone
The disparity between Japan's mature soft-law ecosystem and ASEAN's diverse range presents a unique opportunity for collaboration.
The ASEAN Landscape: Innovation Amidst Fragmentation
AI adoption in ASEAN is accelerating, yet the regulatory landscape remains highly fragmented, creating a "governance gap" that hinders cross-border scalability.
Policy Recommendations
For ASEAN Businesses
Apply the seven pillars through risk-based controls, stronger data governance, and vendor explainability, supported by training and sandboxes.
For ASEAN Governments
Institutionalize the seven-pillar framework regionally, align it with DEFA/Roadmap actions, and standardize high-risk AI assessments while building capacity.
For Japanese Government & Institutions
Provide toolkits, funding, and capacity support for pilots with ASEAN, and drive interoperability through standards collaboration.
