President Marcos: ASEAN leaders pushing for people-centered use of AI

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) acknowledged the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in strengthening the region’s energy security, food systems, and social protection programs.

However, ASEAN leaders have also agreed that technological innovation must remain “people-centered” and guided by accountability and human oversight, Marcos said at a press conference on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit on May 8, Marcos said ASEAN leaders

“AI and digital tools can sharpen energy forecasting, food system monitoring, and social protection delivery,” the President said. "Provided they remain anchored in human judgment, accountability, and global standards," he added.

Marcos said ASEAN leaders agreed that regional responses to challenges such as energy insecurity and food supply disruptions should prioritize the welfare of ordinary citizens.

“Across all of these three priorities, ASEAN agreed that our response must remain people-centered,” the President said.

This year’s ASEAN Summit focused heavily on the impact of the Middle East conflict on regional energy flows, trade routes, and food supply chains.

Marcos also welcomed the support pledged by Masato Kanda, president of the Asian Development Bank, during the summit’s plenary session.

According to Marcos, the ADB committed to supporting ASEAN initiatives related to regional connectivity, capital markets, AI readiness, energy and food security, blue economy programs, social protection, and healthcare.

“We look forward to enhancing our cooperation with ADB through its planned support for major ASEAN initiatives,” Marcos said.

The initiatives include the ASEAN Power Grid, ASEAN Capital Markets Initiative, AI readiness programs, blue economy projects, and resilient river systems.

Marcos said regional cooperation and innovation would help ASEAN manage global uncertainties while promoting long-term resilience and sustainable growth.

-Paraluman News