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.

The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs has launched the AI Talent Factory to prepare Indonesia for global tech competition. The programme aims to nurture advanced AI experts capable of addressing national challenges and fostering innovation, while encouraging the development of locally grounded AI applications.

Malaysia is accelerating its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions with Budget 2026 set to introduce new funds, programmes, and regulatory frameworks aimed at turning the country into an “AI Nation.” Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the initiatives will strengthen GovTech, expand public–private partnerships, and invest in digital talent to close the AI divide, positioning Malaysia as a leader in Southeast Asia’s digital economy.

Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA), is sharpening its focus on digital infrastructure, healthcare innovation, and renewable energy to attract global partners and boost sustainable growth. With $10 billion in assets under management, INA is investing in data centres, AI applications in healthcare, and clean energy projects, while prioritising Indonesia-linked opportunities to strengthen the nation’s economic resilience.

The ASEAN-Korea Centre launched the “ASEAN-Korea Sustainable Innovation Talks” and workshop in Seoul, bringing together policymakers, experts and companies to strengthen collaboration on ESG and AI. The two-day event highlights the shared goal of building a sustainable, inclusive and innovation-driven future for ASEAN and Korea.