JAKARTA - Singapore's Minister for Digital and Information Development Josephine Teo highlighted the concept of sovereignty or sovereignty as a potential challenge in the adoption of artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence/AI) especially in the ASEAN region.
At the Asia Economis Summit 2026, in Jakarta, on Wednesday, Teo assessed that countries responding to the need for AI sovereignty or sovereignty could potentially be a challenge because this issue is often seen as limited to issues of ownership and technological competition.
"The question of ownership and the race to build or control the entire AI technology chain, from chips, models, data, to applications. This view can be understood, but it is quite unrealistic and may not help many countries," said Teo.
Sovereignty, continued Teo, is a legitimate concern, and indeed it should be. Every country must be able to use AI according to its own interests in order to serve its people.
According to him, the costs required are also very large, the AI technology chain depends on a very complex global supply chain, so very few can hope to build or own it at every level.
Most especially in ASEAN countries also have other budget priorities, such as taking care of an aging population, health care, or education.
In this case, Teo highlighted the development of AI formulated through three approaches, including ensuring the ability to utilize and regulate AI for the benefit of the wider community.
Then, have autonomy in determining partners, sources of technology, and appropriate forms of cooperation, as well as strengthening the foundation of the AI ecosystem through support for research institutions, developer communities, business actors, and the development of digital talent.
"These three objectives will require considerable effort to achieve. But it is a way that helps us protect our citizens and our strategic interests. It must be our priority," he added.
Teo also highlighted that Southeast Asia has an opportunity in a position to expand the adoption of AI that is moving in a number of aspects, including infrastructure, organizational and workforce capabilities, community-level engagement, supporting laws and regulations, and international cooperation.
More and more companies are beginning to integrate AI into their operations. On the other hand, the young, digitally connected and fast-adapting population, as well as the government, continue to encourage the improvement of AI skills for students and strengthen cooperation with technology companies.
Infrastructure development is huge. New data center capacity continues to be present in almost all regions. According to Teo, between 2025 and 2030, this capacity is expected to increase more than three times.
"The strength of ASEAN has never come from uniformity. ASEAN's strength has always come from our ability to work together despite our differences. As long as ASEAN continues to move forward together, we can achieve much more," said Teo.
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