Ines Lam on ASEAN's role in the multipolar era

What does "sovereign AI" really mean, and is it a viable goal for countries like Malaysia? While headlines focused on chip suppliers, Malaysia’s National AI Office (NAIO) has been quietly building local AI ecosystems through grassroots solutions like Rakan Tani, an AI-powered agri-platform connecting farmers directly to buyers. Sovereign AI isn't just about geopolitics or hardware. It's about local talent, inclusive data practices, and scalable, sector-specific applications. With under five months left in NAIO’s pilot phase, Malaysia has a real opportunity to lead on AI governance—if it can match ambition with action. 📊 Check the slides below for key highlights on Malaysia’s sovereign AI journey. 🔗 Read the full article to explore local case studies, policy moves, and lessons for ASEAN. https://lnkd.in/g5qe9Mif Want to stay updated on TFGI’s latest insights? Subscribe now and keep pace with the digital pulse of Southeast Asia. https://lnkd.in/g_nfya8s Sara L. #TechForGood #SoutheastAsia #SovereignAI #AIinMalaysia #DigitalSovereignty #ASEANInnovation #AIForGood #TechPolicy #NAIO #AIgovernance

How can Singapore strengthen its position as a trusted AI hub while navigating global uncertainty?   This joint report by EY and SGTech captures insights from industry leaders across hardware, software, services and end-user sectors — highlighting both the risks and opportunities shaping Singapore’s AI future. What’s inside: - Global tariffs and ripple effects – The impact on supply chains, IT spend and business decisions. - Bottlenecks and mitigation – Key hurdles around talent, funding, branding, adoption and infrastructure — with practical steps to overcome them. - Recommendations for action – Short-, mid- and long-term measures to secure Singapore’s competitive edge in AI.   Download the report to explore how Singapore can chart a bold path forward as a trusted AI hub in a rapidly shifting world: https://lnkd.in/drArrAHK Yean Cheong 张苑青 Jacqueline Khoo Manoj Sitaram Jane Foo Donna Liew Fizzah Rahman Nam Soon LIEW Manik Bhandari Sophia Mah

** Data Meets #AI — Global #BigDataSummit Unveils the #Future!** The 2025 China International Big Data Industry Expo kicked off in #Guiyang, spotlighting the theme “Data Drives Industrial Momentum, Intelligence Unlocks the Future.” From August 28–30, this global hub features six smart-focused pavilions—ranging from infrastructure to innovation—and welcomes over 375 enterprises and 16,000+ visitors. With AI-powered breakthroughs, international collaboration, and matchmaking at its core, the event is setting the tone for next-gen digital economies. Discover more: https://lnkd.in/dq7YP5fg

Here's your Weekly Chinese Stock Market Recap! Is this becoming the "Alibaba Weekly"? * **Alibaba's AI Prowess:** Alibaba is truly showing off its capabilities! AI costs have reportedly been slashed by 10x, they're piloting their own chips, and expanding their Digital Silk Road into Malaysia and Rwanda. * **China Retaliates:** In response to the US trade war, domestic chipmakers like Cambricon and SMIC are absolutely soaring! * **Hygon Hits Limit:** Hygon, another dragon-nation chip stock, surged straight to its daily trading limit! * **Massive AI Investment:** A whopping 22 billion Thai Baht (approximately $600 million USD) is being poured into Pixverse, an AI video generative model, securing massive funding as a big bet on a homegrown champion. **To all you forward-thinking business owners out there:** With AI becoming 10x cheaper and China making significant strides in self-sufficiency and global expansion, how are these seismic shifts influencing *your* long-term strategic planning, particularly concerning technology adoption, supply chain resilience, and market expansion? For more in-depth analysis, make sure to check out my Facebook link below the post! https://lnkd.in/gjwuCwec

🤖 Chinese AI firms are set to deepen their presence in Singapore over the next five years. With U.S. export controls tightening access to advanced chips ⚡ and domestic pressures mounting, many Chinese AI and tech players are exploring new hubs to secure 💰 capital, 🔧 resources, and 🌏 global market access. 🇸🇬 Singapore, with its neutrality, strong regulatory framework, and position as a global innovation gateway, has become a natural choice. For example, Manus AI, a Chinese-founded firm, recently shifted its headquarters to Singapore underscoring the city-state’s growing role as a safe harbour ⚓ for the next wave of AI innovation.

The release everyone should be talking about On August 26, China’s State Council announced its “AI Plus” Initiative, a national roadmap to weave AI into every part of society. The milestones: • 2027 → 70% of devices “intelligent” • 2030 → 90% penetration, tied to carbon goals • 2035 → a fully AI-driven society For the first time, China introduced “Intelligence-Native” enterprises, companies built on AI from day one, not retrofitted later. And it’s treating AI as public infrastructure, accessible, affordable, and universal. Meanwhile: • The U.S. bets on private giants to push frontier models. • Europe leads with regulation. • China is executing a state-aligned, milestone-driven plan for near-total AI integration. 🇨🇳 Inside China, this is the most discussed government release of the year. Outside China, barely a whisper. This silence is dangerous. Because what China just laid out could reshape global competition, governance, and daily life much faster than many expect. _____ #AI #China #Innovation #Policy #Technology

AI + Networks: Powering ASEAN’s Digital Future With 700M people and a median age of 30, ASEAN is set to be the world’s 4th-largest economy by 2030. Its digital economy could grow from $300B today to $1T—and even $2T with stronger regional frameworks. AI and next-gen networks (5G/6G) are key. Malaysia is building sovereign AI infrastructure to keep data local, boost processing, and drive responsible adoption. The payoff: smarter cities, faster healthcare, stronger industries, and better governance—supported by regional standards that build trust. AI is no longer just a tool; it’s becoming a utility for inclusive growth and resilience. Credit: M. Nazri Muhd

“China tech leaders are visibly re-accelerating AI spend and product rollouts — models, robotaxis, in-house chips — while also proving they can monetize AI faster than many expected. With valuations lagging the U.S., investors are starting to pay attention again.” Timely read from Bloomberg's Charlotte Y. EMQQ Global #EMQQ #China #Alibaba #Baidu #emergingmarkets https://lnkd.in/ex2x3gVW

The 2025 Global Industrial Internet Conference held in Shenyang, China, brought together government and business representatives from over 10 countries to emphasize open cooperation in harnessing AI's opportunities. Participants from sectors including mobile communication, AI, and high-end manufacturing discussed advancing intelligentization, network connectivity, and digitalization in economic development. Experts highlighted AI as a strategic technology driving a technological revolution, industrial transformation, and productivity growth. They stressed the urgency of promoting healthy, orderly AI development through international collaboration. Brazil's telecommunications secretary noted the country's lag in data center infrastructure and called for partnerships with nations possessing stronger digital infrastructure. Challenges such as governance frameworks and technical standards were also addressed, with calls for inclusive policies and global cooperation to guide AI’s future. Participants underscored the need to strengthen dialogue, trust, and consensus-building to ensure AI’s healthy, united development and avoid leaving any country behind. China was recognized for its active role in global AI governance, having launched the Global AI Governance Initiative in 2023 and spearheaded a 2024 UN resolution on AI capacity building. Attendees expressed willingness to collaborate with China, with Pakistan's business leader expressing hopes for enhanced Sino-Pakistani cooperation in the digital economy and intelligent infrastructure development. #AI #China https://lnkd.in/g2mbEyHr

The global AI landscape is a race, and China is setting an unprecedented pace. But for businesses, rapid execution often comes with significant, nuanced risks that demand strategic foresight. China's unique ability to bring AI solutions to market with remarkable speed, driven by robust infrastructure and a highly responsive consumer base, offers a compelling competitive edge. However, this agility is often accompanied by inherent challenges, particularly concerning intellectual property (IP) protection and the potential for unfair competitive tactics. For senior leaders, navigating this dynamic requires a balanced approach. While the rapid innovation offers opportunities for market testing and scaling, it also necessitates a critical assessment of legal and competitive risks. Operational diversification becomes key to mitigating potential disruptions stemming from weak IP enforcement, whilst marketing strategies must remain vigilant in protecting brand integrity in a fast-paced environment. Understanding these complexities is crucial for any organisation aiming to thrive in an AI-driven global economy. At Helium42, we believe in translating these insights into practical, human-centred strategies that bridge the gap between AI's potential and real-world implementation, ensuring your business is not just participating, but leading. How is your organisation navigating the complexities of global AI implementation and market dynamics? Share your insights below. For a deeper dive into these strategic implications, find the full article link in the first comment. #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessStrategy #GlobalMarkets #IPProtection #Helium42Insights