Vietnam is fast-tracking plans to establish a national AI supercomputing center and shared open AI data platform as it doubles down on becoming a regional AI powerhouse. At the Vietnam-Korea Digital Forum, leaders outlined a strategy centered on AI infrastructure, data, talent development, and startup support. With unprecedented AI adoption and ambitious 2030–2045 targets, Vietnam aims to stimulate “Make in Vietnam” AI innovation, build domestic computing capacity, train 50,000 AI experts, and strengthen partnerships with South Korea to drive technology growth and digital transformation.

Indonesia’s Manpower Minister Yassierli has urged workers to prepare for rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence and the global shift toward green industries. Warning that foreign talent could fill domestic roles if the workforce is not ready, he stressed the importance of upskilling, labor union support, and revitalizing Indonesia’s traditional values of cooperation and consensus. The minister called for inclusive industrial transformation to ensure shared progress across companies, workers, and MSMEs.

ASEAN must strengthen unity and adapt to fast-evolving security threats beyond traditional territorial disputes, Malaysia’s Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said at the 19th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. He stressed that cyberattacks and weaponised technologies developed by private entities now pose significant risks, urging member states to build collective strategies to remain resilient against non-state actors and unconventional threats.

As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is urging Japan to take a larger role in technology transfer and front-end semiconductor investment across the region. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan highlighted the importance of Japan’s strategic contribution to AI and high-tech industries, reinforcing ASEAN’s goal of boosting regional innovation and economic competitiveness.

Thailand is courting South Korean investment to accelerate its digital transformation and strengthen future industries. During a bilateral meeting at the 32nd APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting, Thailand’s Finance Minister invited South Korean expertise and capital in AI, semiconductors, smart healthcare, and electric vehicles, highlighting 2026 as the ‘Year of Thai Investment’ and promoting Public-Private Partnership mechanisms.

The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has urged AI developers to prioritise transparency, ethics, and accountability in creating AI innovations. With AI-based fraud causing losses of around US$42 million, the government is preparing a National AI Roadmap to ensure responsible AI adoption across key sectors, including health, education, finance, and transportation.

Malaysia’s Budget 2026, the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), sets a strong foundation for the nation’s deep-tech and digital ambitions. With RM5.9 billion allocated to strengthen the AI sector and additional investments in semiconductors, green innovation, and digital infrastructure, the government signals its commitment to building a future-ready innovation economy. MIMOS Berhad emphasized that the budget supports research, technology commercialization, and talent development, ensuring Malaysia’s competitiveness in emerging technologies and global markets.

The Philippines has launched its first National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (Naisph), marking a major step toward an AI-driven future. Led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the initiative calls for collaboration across government, industry, and academia to strengthen the nation’s AI infrastructure. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. highlighted ongoing efforts—such as investing in data centers, high-performance computing, and AI-powered innovations in disaster response and agriculture—to position the Philippines as a competitive player in the global AI landscape.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Technology Stella Christie underscored that empathy, creativity, and analytical thinking — not artificial intelligence (AI) — will define the future. While AI continues to reshape industries and daily life, Christie emphasized that the true key lies in developing quality human resources through upskilling and reskilling. With the right approach, she said, AI can serve as an enabler rather than a disruptor for Indonesia’s progress.

Malaysia has established a cross-ministerial mechanism to counter the growing threat of weaponised AI, which is increasingly used for digital fraud, impersonation, and large-scale cyberattacks. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the initiative brings together key ministries and enforcement agencies to coordinate rapid response and strengthen national cybersecurity. A National AI Security Framework is also being developed to balance innovation with protection, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to responsible AI governance.

Vietnam has established a steering committee to oversee preparations for the UN Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention) signing ceremony this October. The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, will coordinate inter-ministerial efforts on cybersecurity cooperation and combating high-tech crime. The event marks Vietnam’s growing role in shaping global digital governance and strengthening international collaboration for a safer cyberspace.

Indonesia is drafting a Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill aimed at strengthening the nation’s digital defenses. Led by an inter-ministerial committee including the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Kominfo, and BSSN, the bill is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Once enacted, it will establish clearer governance for cyber threats and resilience—creating new compliance and infrastructure opportunities for IT solution providers.

Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) reported higher cybersecurity scores for critical infrastructure and regulatory agencies in 2025, while government agencies saw a decline. The dip highlights gaps in risk management, threat response, and business continuity planning. NCSA urged agencies to address vulnerabilities and strengthen defences as ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks intensify.

At the AIBP Summit Philippines 2025, Synology underscored the urgency of building resilient data strategies as AI adoption accelerates. With cyber threats targeting finance, government, and healthcare, Philippine organizations face mounting pressure to balance innovation with data security and compliance. Synology highlighted integrated solutions like ActiveProtect to help enterprises strengthen resilience, streamline IT, and safeguard continuity in the AI era.

At the AIBP Summit Philippines 2025, Synology emphasised that resilient IT foundations are critical as AI adoption accelerates. With cyber threats on the rise and sensitive sectors facing costly breaches, Synology urged businesses to adopt unified storage, backup, and data management strategies. Its ActiveProtect solution was highlighted as a way to centralise data protection, ensure compliance, and enable fast recovery in today’s AI-driven digital landscape.

At the AIBP Summit Philippines 2025, experts stressed that as AI adoption accelerates, data protection must become a top priority. With billions lost to cyber incidents and breaches hitting key sectors like finance and healthcare, industry leaders called for stronger safeguards, resilient IT infrastructures, and business continuity strategies to sustain digital transformation.

At the Siber Siaga 2025 forum in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari urged stronger AI safeguards, deeper ASEAN cooperation, and greater human resilience to counter rising cyber security threats. He stressed that cyber warfare is already a reality, warning against blind reliance on AI and calling for technology to serve human strategy, not replace it.

Singapore remains actively engaged in global discussions on artificial intelligence governance, despite differing international views on regulation. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo highlighted Singapore’s consistent and collaborative stance at recent UN meetings, where member states agreed to launch a forum and expert panel on AI oversight. She also unveiled the Singapore Digital Gateway, a resource hub sharing the nation’s digital strategies and AI frameworks with the world.

Malaysia has been ranked second in ASEAN in the GSMA Digital Nations Index 2025, reflecting strong progress in digital readiness. The country excelled in digital skills and access, while new initiatives such as the AI Nation Framework and AI-powered banking highlight its innovation drive.

Experts stress that Vietnam must reform its legal framework and prioritise strategic technologies to strengthen competitiveness, safeguard digital sovereignty, and secure a role in global value chains. Stronger institutions, financial incentives, and bold innovation policies are key to turning science and technology into drivers of sustainable growth.