ASEAN Leaders to Consider AI Security Network at October Summit

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13: Leaders at the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit in October are expected to adopt a declaration establishing the ASEAN AI Safe Network (ASEAN AI Safe), ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn announced.

Speaking at the ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 yesterday, Dr. Kao described the initiative as a key step toward institutionalizing AI safety, ethics, and governance principles agreed upon by ASEAN Digital Ministers. It will also support the implementation of the ASEAN Responsible AI Roadmap.

“The establishment of ASEAN AI Safe aligns with the global call for an international network to address AI safety risks through collaboration between governments, academia, and industry,” he said. The network, he added, reflects ASEAN’s commitment to responsible AI development and is expected to be formally launched in early 2026.

The summit also saw Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim launch a Malaysian-developed AI system named “ILMU,” created by YTL AI Labs in collaboration with the University of Malaya.

Dr. Kao noted that despite global trade uncertainties, artificial intelligence is driving transformative changes across the economy, society, and daily life. He said the inaugural ASEAN AI Summit provides a timely platform to deepen regional cooperation, foster strategic trust, and advance a shared vision for innovation and inclusive growth in the digital era.

AI is projected to contribute between 10% and 18% to ASEAN’s GDP by 2030, nearly US$1 trillion, according to Dr. Kao. He also highlighted ASEAN’s focus this year on finalizing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to create a regional digital ecosystem capable of doubling the bloc’s economic projection to US$2 trillion by 2030.