Phar, Kim Beng (2026) ASEAN must stay above the fray. Free Malaysia Today, 2026 (39). pp. 1-3.
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Abstract
This article examines ASEAN's strategic imperative to preserve its autonomy amid intensifying rivalry between the United States and China in the emerging domain of artificial intelligence (AI). It argues that AI has evolved beyond a technological innovation into a central arena of geopolitical competition, shaping not only economic productivity but also political norms, digital governance, security architectures, and global standards. The discussion analyses how competing AI ecosystems developed by major powers may embed distinct ideological assumptions, regulatory preferences, and strategic interests that could gradually erode the digital sovereignty of smaller states. Against this backdrop, the article proposes that ASEAN should avoid technological dependence by adopting a doctrine of AI non-alignment grounded in regional autonomy, transparency, and institutional resilience. It identifies key priorities, including strengthening AI literacy, enhancing digital governance, developing trusted regional datasets, safeguarding data sovereignty, and establishing dedicated platforms for AI diplomacy within existing ASEAN-led mechanisms. The article concludes that preserving ASEAN centrality in the digital era requires proactive investment in indigenous governance capabilities rather than passive adaptation to external technological competition, thereby enabling Southeast Asia to remain an independent and influential actor in the evolving international order.
| Item Type: | Article (Electronic Media) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | ASEAN; Artificial Intelligence (AI); AI Governance; AI Non-Alignment; Digital Sovereignty |
| Subjects: | J Political Science > JZ International relations |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) Office of the Rector |
| Depositing User: | Dr Kim Beng Phar |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Aug 2026 12:26 |
| Last Update: | 01 Aug 2026 12:26 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-07-Q4419 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/130400 |
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