The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has released a framework for artificial intelligence (AI) governance, but experts are worried that the varying levels of digital development among the member nations could render implementation difficult.

According to the Singaporean Ministry of Communications and Information, "The guide seeks to establish common principles for trustworthy AI and suggest best practices for how to implement trustworthy AI in ASEAN."

From February 1 to 2, Singapore will serve as home to the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting, where leaders will deliberate on new digital challenges, including synthetic intelligence and online fraud.

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Gaps in Technological Advancement

Kristina Fong, head of economic affairs research at the ASEAN Studies Centre, told CNBC that the guide's relaxed and adaptable approach to AI risk management reflects the difficulties caused by the development differences across ASEAN member nations.

She noted that countries differ in many ways, including their digital capacity, the maturity of their regulatory bodies, the strength of their institutions, and the prevalence of the rule of law.

"That is why it is important to have a forum to discuss these risks and issues and be able to have a coordinated approach to managing them, and more importantly, provide a way forward for ASEAN member states that are currently lagging behind," Fong added.

Governments might consider applying the national-level and regional-level suggestions in the ASEAN handbook on AI governance and ethics to properly design, develop, and deploy AI systems.

The members of ASEAN are as follows: Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.

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