Artificial intelligence (AI) is being adopted rapidly across Southeast Asia, but fresh research indicates that institutions and governments are struggling to keep pace with its growth. Two regional studies released this week by the ASEAN Foundation highlight a widening gap between AI implementation and the readiness to manage its use.
Growing Disparity in AI Readiness
The findings, presented during the 3rd Regional Policy Convening of the AI Ready ASEAN Programme in Manila, suggest that AI use is outpacing the ability of systems to guide it effectively. According to Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, the central question has shifted from whether people are using AI to whether communities, schools, and governments are prepared to use it responsibly.
This comes at a time when the region, home to over 660 million people – nearly one-third of whom are under the age of 20 – faces increasing pressure to provide relevant skills training and promote responsible AI practices.
Philippines Shows High AI Usage, Policy Concerns
In the Philippines, the study revealed that 83.40% of students and 73.07% of educators are currently using generative AI tools in education. Students are more likely to use AI for tasks like writing and paraphrasing (75.95%) than educators (42.21%). Though, less than half of educators expressed confidence in their institutions’ AI policies and guidelines, indicating gaps in AI literacy, ethics training, and institutional support.
The broader ASEAN report also identified uneven levels of digital readiness across member states, citing weaknesses in areas like digital skills, cybersecurity, public trust, and responsible tech use.
Potential Risks and Responses
Researchers warn that the pace of AI advancement is exceeding the development of necessary rules and safeguards. Potential risks include online scams, deepfake fraud, misinformation, and data breaches, all of which could undermine public confidence. The research was developed with the ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADGSOM) and supported by Google.org, building on the AI Ready ASEAN Programme which has already reached over five million people with AI literacy training and assisted over 100,000 learners in completing advanced AI courses.
In the Philippines, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced government reforms to integrate AI into basic education, including the AI Ready ASEAN Philippines Training Programme for students, teachers, and parents, and pilot AI classroom tools. The Department of Education is also collaborating with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Day of AI to create a national AI curriculum. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Emphasized that technology should complement, not replace, discipline and hard work in learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern highlighted by the ASEAN Foundation’s studies?
The main concern is a growing gap between the speed of AI adoption and the preparedness of institutions and governments to manage and guide its use responsibly.
How are students and educators in the Philippines using AI?
83.40% of students and 73.07% of educators in the Philippines are using generative AI tools in education, with students primarily using it for writing and paraphrasing.
What steps are being taken to address the AI readiness gap?
The ASEAN Foundation recommends strengthening institutions, improving AI literacy, setting ethical standards, and building stronger governance systems. In the Philippines, the government is rolling out training programs and developing a national AI curriculum.
As AI continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether ASEAN nations can effectively bridge the gap between technological advancement and responsible implementation, ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared inclusively and equitably.
