Creating Common Ground in Artificial Intelligence Development and Governance

ASM President, Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen FASc, delivered a keynote address titled “Creating Common Ground in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development and Governance: Challenges, Opportunities and Way Forward” at the 2026 China–ASEAN AI Capacity Building Training Programme and High‑Level Seminar on Frontier AI Technologies and Governance.

Held on 23 January 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, the seminar was co‑organised by the Chinese Association of Automation, UTAR and regional partners.

The seminar brought together experts, policymakers and industry leaders to explore new opportunities for China–Malaysia AI cooperation and to shape a forward‑looking governance ecosystem for the Global South.

In his address, the ASM President reflected on where Global South nations, particularly Malaysia and China, stand in AI development, how AI can be framed for the common good, and why a pragmatic path built on cooperation, collaboration and collective action is essential.

He emphasised that AI must remain grounded in human dignity and shared prosperity, ensuring it contributes to a just and egalitarian society.

Against this backdrop, the ASM President highlighted that the world is navigating a “postnormal era” marked by  chaos, complexity, and contradictions.

The rapid acceleration of science, technology and innovation, notably led by AI, has intensified both opportunities and risks.

From historical automation that dehumanised labour to today’s digital monopolies and surveillance capitalism, he cautioned that unchecked AI development may exacerbate inequality, consolidate power and undermine societal wellbeing.

The ASM President stressed that for the Global South, the challenge is not merely technological but structural. Many nations face widening asymmetries with global AI giants that possess vast capital, data and influence.

To avoid becoming passive adopters or mere suppliers of labour and data, the Global South must assume a greater role as a co-shaper of emerging norms and governance systems, primarily through collective action, shared markets, and data sovereignty.

Given that China is an ASEAN dialogue partner, China’s proposal for the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) can be leveraged as an instrument for engagement with nation-states under the ASEAN AHEAD framework. The President outlined several steps to take the agenda forward:

• Establishing multilateral engagement platforms for AI development that fulfil national aspirations and objectives, and are rooted in shared values such as justice and harmony.
• Start small by first creating a coalition of the ready and willing partners across government, industry, academia, and civil society, in which the government serves as a facilitator and enabler in mobilising the coalition.
• Formulating clear governance frameworks that ensure AI is developed and deployed within and across borders responsibly and ethically.

Ultimately, he reminded participants that while AI may transform economies and societies, it must never replace the moral compass, compassion and wisdom that define our humanity. Technology must serve people and not the other way around.

A cooperative, values-based approach is essential to ensuring AI becomes a force for inclusive progress throughout the Global South.