ASEAN AI Safety Network to be based in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The Secretariat for the ASEAN Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Network will be based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, according to Malaysian Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

The official was quoted by local media as saying that ASEAN Digital Ministers endorsed the Declaration on the Establishment of the ASEAN AI Safety Network, as adopted by ASEAN Heads of Government at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in 2025.

This is a significant milestone that reflects ASEAN's commitment to advancing AI in a safe, trusted and responsible manner, said the official.

The ASEAN AI Safety Network will serve as a regional platform to strengthen cooperation on capacity building, regulatory preparedness and safeguard measures, ensuring that innovation in AI continues to advance while risks and misuse are effectively addressed.

He said that the ASEAN ministers reemphasised the importance of accelerating the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) as a key driver of the grouping's future economic growth.

Gobind added that DEFA holds strong economic potential for the region by enabling greater cross-border digital trade, strengthening interoperability and improving market access.

Most importantly, it can help unlock new growth opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by lowering barriers to participation in the regional digital economy, expanding customer reach, and creating a more seamless environment for ASEAN businesses to innovate and scale, he said.

Gobind said Malaysia remains committed to working closely with ASEAN member states to build a secure, sustainable and inclusive digital future./.

VNA