Issue #61 of Data+AI in Asia
Welcome to a new edition of Data+AI in Asia! This week, the newsletter covers stories on how Manus kickstarted China’s AI agent boom, the launch of a new 70b-parameter LLM for local languages in Indonesia, Japan’s new AI law that promotes AI development and safeguarding, how South Korea’s big tech partner up with big tech in the US, AI Malaysia’s support for AI development in the country’s private sector, Thailand’s work on a new AI law, and AI use by consumers in Singapore.
Enjoy!
This week in Data+AI in Asia:
How Manus Kicked Off an AI Agent Boom in China
China has seen a surge in AI agents, systems that autonomously accomplish tasks for users. These general-purpose digital tools can answer emails, browse the internet, plan vacations, and even design interactive websites. Many of these have emerged in just the last two months, following the launch of Manus, a general AI agent that sparked weeks of social media frenzy for invite codes. These agents are built on top of large language models (LLMs) using a workflow-based structure designed to get things done. They are optimized for managing and executing multistep tasks such as booking flights, managing schedules, and conducting research, by using external tools and remembering instructions. China could take the lead on building these kinds of agents due to its tightly integrated app ecosystems, rapid product cycles, and digitally fluent user base. For now, leading AI agent startups are focusing their attention on the global market, but tech giants like ByteDance and Tencent are preparing their own AI agents that could incorporate automation directly into their native super-apps. These agents could then pull data from the apps’ vast ecosystem of programs used for daily life in China. Manus, developed by Butterfly Effect, has become a reference point for what a broad, consumer-oriented AI agent should accomplish. It uses a browser-based sandbox that allows users to supervise the agent like an intern who can watch in real time as it scrolls through web pages, reads articles, or codes actions. The competition is moving fast, with two follow-ups, Genspark and Flowith, already boasting benchmark scores that match or edge past those of Manus. Startups like Manus, Genspark, and Flowith, though founded by Chinese entrepreneurs, could blend seamlessly into the global tech scene and compete effectively abroad. However, creating the same functionality in China is a challenge, and major US AI companies have opted out of mainland China due to geopolitical risks and regulatory compliance challenges.
A highly recommended read by Caiwei Chen on this topic can be found here
Indonesia’s Indosat and GoTo Launch 70b-parameter LLM in Local Languages
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and tech giant Goto have launched a 70-billion parameter large language model (LLM) and multilingual chat service to serve Indonesia's consumer market. The development builds on Sahabat-AI, an Indonesian large language model launched in mid-November. The model speaks to the linguistic plurality of the country as it operates in Bahasa Indonesia, Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese, and Bataknese. Indosat CEO Vikram Sinha has stated that Sahabat-AI is more than a model; it's a national asset built for all Indonesians. All data and GPU infrastructure used to serve the model are stored within Indonesian territory or on users' own servers. The company is pursuing a "telco to techco" strategy, leveraging its broad consumer base to start serving other internet-based services. The generative AI application could help reach rural Indonesians who don't speak English or Bahasa Indonesia, increasing data use and encouraging them to top up their mobile spending.
Read more here
And here
Japan Passes Law to Promote AI Development and Safeguarding
The Japanese parliament has passed a bill to promote AI research and development, aiming to keep Japan at the forefront of technology and consider its wider impact on society and the economy. The bill includes the formation of a "strategic headquarters" to advance AI R&D and potential applications. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will head up a task force to decide the country’s AI policy and develop guidelines for companies and users. The government may disclose the names of companies considered "malicious" if an AI-related crime is committed, and launch official investigations into companies or groups involved. AI has been on the Japanese government's radar for some time, with AI being grouped as one of four emerging technologies deserving attention by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The focus now is more on generative AI and its downstream issues, such as the veracity of information and potential harms to end-users and creators.
Read more here
And here
Korea’s Naver and Kakao Partner with US Big Tech in Global AI Race
Korea's leading tech companies, Naver and Kakao, are partnering with US tech giants to stay competitive in the global AI race. Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon is set to meet with Netflix executives in Silicon Valley, where they will hold a networking event. Naver also plans to launch a new US-based investment entity, Naver Ventures, to invest in AI startups abroad. Similarly, Kakao is enhancing its partnership with OpenAI to strengthen its position in the global AI ecosystem. The two companies are set to launch a jointly developed AI product later this year, combining OpenAI's technology with Kakao's service experience. The goal is to make AI more mainstream and accessible. Naver denied speculation that Netflix will integrate Naver Webtoon's content on its platform, but Kim's presence suggests the two sides may explore new partnership opportunities.
Read more here
AI Malaysia to Guide AI Development in the Private Sector
The Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC)-backed AIM is a recently launched platform for the private sector to discuss and share resources for effective nationwide adoption of AI solutions. AIM aims to raise awareness that AI is not just a tool to implement but an entire system that a company can develop itself. AIM was established during Malaysia's tenure as chair of Asean, and serves as the main platform to foster collaborations with AI solution providers and guide companies to where they can find the required funding for their AI efforts. AIM also serves a broader purpose by laying the foundation for a region-wide platform to accelerate AI adoption. The long-term vision is to establish an Asean AI Network, a collaborative platform that connects private-sector AI associations across Asean member states to share knowledge, expertise, and resources in the AI space.
Read more here
Thailand’s Government Seeks Comments from the Public for New AI Law
Thailand's Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) has launched a public consultation for the draft of its first principles for AI legislation. The initiative aims to establish governance for high-risk AI applications, promote ethical standards, rights protection, and accountability. According to the agency, the draft seeks to strike a balance between safeguarding public rights and fostering sustainable innovation. Thailand's AI governance strategy is expected to be a focal point during the 3rd Unesco Global Forum on the Ethics of AI 2025, which is taking place in Bangkok in June.
Read more here
Almost 50% of Singapore’s Consumers Use AI When Shopping
Singapore's retail industry is increasingly utilizing AI assistants, such as ChatGPT, to improve shopping experiences, according to Adyen's Retail Report 2025. The report indicates that 49% of Singaporeans utilize AI to generate outfit inspiration and discover unique brands, while 59% are open to making direct purchases via AI interfaces. Some consumers are also interested in AI-powered visual or voice search, augmented reality, and metaverse shopping. However, 32% of Singaporeans worry about fraud risks, leading them to be cautious when adopting digital payment methods and preferring physical stores. In line with this, over a third of Singaporean businesses plan to invest in AI-driven fraud prevention tools in the coming year.
Read more here
And here
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