Insights

ASEAN is transitioning from a fast follower to a global leader in innovation. The bloc's resilience is evident in its consistent ranking among the top foreign direct investment recipients and its projected trade growth. As ASEAN progresses into the Intelligent Age, leveraging AI and advanced technologies, it has the opportunity to address socio-economic challenges and foster inclusive prosperity. To sustain this momentum, ASEAN must prioritize ethical AI, cross-border data flows, and cybersecurity. Additionally, ASEAN's focus on climate action and biodiversity conservation showcases its commitment to sustainability. Through responsible governance and forward-thinking policies, ASEAN's digital economy can drive sustainable and inclusive growth.
Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand
What ASEAN offers the world in the Intelligent Age
Investing in people is essential for creating a future-ready workforce. Without support for skills development, workers may lose confidence in their career prospects. Companies have the opportunity to build trust and collaboration by investing in and collaborating with their employees. This includes providing training on AI and other relevant skills, offering personalized career plans, and creating a culture of growth and development. Collaboration between employers and employees is crucial to ensure the future-readiness of the workforce. By investing in people, businesses can not only secure organizational success but also create a workplace where employees feel supported and prepared for the future.
Education
Future-ready workforces are not found, they're made by investing in people
The relationship between climate change and security is becoming increasingly recognized. Climate change and nature degradation directly impact security, as shown by the experiences of migrants at the US-Mexico border. Extreme weather events have become more frequent and severe, contributing to political crises. Climate variability and nature loss contribute to interpersonal and intergroup violence. The climate and nature crises are interconnected and compound each other, leading to negative impacts. Examples include the conflict in Sudan and the water crisis in Chennai, India. Humanity must take action by addressing four key elements to break the climate-security nexus: reducing emissions, protecting nature, building resilience, and promoting peace.
Financial services
Why we need to start talking about the relationship between climate change and security
Services now dominate the global economy, accounting for two-thirds of global output. However, trade policies still focus on goods, and barriers to trade in services remain high. Overcoming these barriers requires sector-specific agreements and cross-border collaboration. Services such as financial services, information communication and technology (ICT), and transport are crucial for trade. A new opportunity to improve services trade has emerged through the World Trade Organization's Services Domestic Regulation disciplines. Cooperation between the private and public sectors, sector-specific approaches, and regulatory exchanges can help shape the future of global services. The financial services sector enables production and trade, while ICT services play a significant role in enabling service exports through ICT networks.
Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Benin, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Germany, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Lesotho, Lithuania, Malta, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, Uganda | ICT, Financial services
How can we overcome barriers and leverage technology to shape the future of global services?
Gulf countries and China are playing a significant role in the renewable energy sector in Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This cooperative approach between these actors could serve as a blueprint for future Gulf-China relations. These dynamics highlight the limited influence of Europe in energy and geopolitical matters, emphasizing the need for a more consistent Central Asia strategy. Central Asian countries are pursuing renewable energy as a means of diversification and to address energy deficits. However, they face challenges in terms of capital and expertise.
Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan | Financial services
The Gulf States, China, and Central Asia’s Green Energy Sector
Semiconductor manufacturers face critical challenges as they navigate geopolitical tensions, supply and demand cycles, and advancements in AI, projected to push the market towards a trillion-dollar annual revenue by 2025. The 2025 AlixPartners Disruption Index reveals that 87% of companies are holding excess inventory due to geopolitical conflicts, particularly between the U.S. and China. China's production capacity is expected to grow by 40% in five years, prompting western companies to increase investments there. The AI cycle is currently maturing, with a future emphasis on inference, raising concerns about data center capacity and costs. Balancing supply and demand remains crucial as the industry recovers from recent downturns.
Navigating today’s major disruptions across the global semiconductor ecosystem
Artificial intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance procurement functions by improving productivity, efficiency, and decision-making. Despite modest current investments in AI within procurement, CPOs can start by identifying major pain points and exploring quick-win use cases. Suggestions include utilizing Generative AI for contract creation, compliance investigation, and spend categorization. Tools like MS Copilot and IBM Watson can facilitate these tasks efficiently. The article emphasizes a strategic approach to implementation, focusing on scalability and immediate results while managing ethical and compliance considerations.
Unlocking procurement potential with AI: A practical guide
Leaders must prioritize cybersecurity when adopting artificial intelligence (AI) to protect sensitive data and ensure responsible innovation. A risk-reward approach that identifies vulnerabilities, mitigates risks, and builds stakeholder trust is essential. Collaboration among AI experts, regulators, and policymakers is crucial to address AI-related vulnerabilities and establish confidence in AI technologies. Cybersecurity measures should be embedded throughout the AI lifecycle, from secure data pipelines to stringent access controls. Organizations must assess and mitigate AI-related cyber risks and align AI initiatives with business goals. A multistakeholder approach that prioritizes risk-reward analysis and collaboration is necessary for resilient and responsible AI adoption.
Financial services
Securing innovation: A leader’s guide to managing cyber risks from AI adoption
The age of free trade may be coming to an end with the re-election of Donald Trump. Free trade implies an obligation for the wealthier nation to receive political support and for the poorer nation to buy high-tech exports and debt. China, despite joining the World Trade Organization, did not play fairly, subsidizing and protecting its industries, manipulating its currency, and forcing technological transfer. Trump's election marked a transition to a new order, characterized by protectionism and a focus on maximizing exports while minimizing imports. This shift could have important consequences for business leaders, prioritizing security, strategic sectors, and industrial policy over concepts like comparative advantage and flexible manufacturing locations.
Australia, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, China | Financial services
With Trump back in the White House, the age of free trade could be coming to an end
Eating processed red meat is not only bad for heart health but is also associated with an increased risk of dementia, according to a large US-based study. Consuming processed red meat was linked to a 16% higher risk of dementia and a faster rate of cognitive ageing. Substituting processed red meat with plant-based protein sources could reduce dementia risk by 19%. Additionally, reducing red and processed meat consumption was found to significantly reduce the risk of death from cancer and heart disease. The study highlights the importance of a healthy diet, moderation, and alternatives to processed red meat for overall health and disease prevention.
Processed red meat isn’t just bad for your heart, it’s also associated with dementia
South Korea's relations with NATO have deepened significantly since 2005, driven by both conservative and liberal administrations in Seoul. This growing relationship reflects geopolitical developments and the changing priorities of different administrations. Understanding these motives and their intersections is important as South Korea undergoes another change in administration. The relationship began with a political dialogue in 2005 and has evolved through increased cooperation, particularly in the context of the ROK's participation in the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan. South Korea's interest in engaging with NATO has focused on technical cooperation in areas such as non-proliferation, terrorism, and piracy. The cooperation aims to improve interoperability, exchange scientific and technological knowledge, and develop capabilities.
Republic of Korea
South Korea’s Ever-Closer Relations with NATO
The AI Governance Alliance's white paper series, titled "Industries in the Intelligent Age," explores the transformative role of AI across various sectors and industries. The series, written in collaboration with Accenture, BCG, McKinsey, and the University of Oxford, provides actionable guidance for organizations navigating AI's evolving impact while promoting responsible and innovative practices. It offers insights through broad analyses and industry-specific deep dives, covering topics such as healthcare, financial services, media, entertainment and sport, transport, advanced manufacturing and supply chains, energy, cybersecurity, and regional China. The aim is to continuously update understanding and capture unique perspectives on AI as it evolves.
Transformation of Industries in the Age of AI Flagship White Paper Series
A white paper titled "Blueprint for Intelligent Economies – AI Competitiveness through Regional Collaboration 2025" offers guidance for nations to achieve success in the AI revolution, regardless of their level of digital and AI maturity. It emphasizes the need for multistakeholder action and political will to overcome challenges in AI adoption and investment. The paper also highlights the Inclusive AI for Growth and Development Initiative launched by the AI Governance Alliance to promote safe and inclusive AI innovation.
Blueprint for Intelligent Economies – AI Competitiveness through Regional Collaboration 2025
AI's energy demand is projected to grow from 1% in 2022 to over 3% by 2030. However, AI can also help reduce energy use by up to 60% in some cases. Coordinated efforts are needed to enable sustainable AI adoption, including regulation, financial incentives, technological innovation, and market development. Strategies such as energy-efficient hardware and AI-optimized cooling are being explored to limit AI's energy consumption. Cross-industry use cases have already shown potential for energy savings. To navigate the energy dilemma, the four key areas to focus on are leveraging AI for decarbonization, transparent and efficient energy use, innovation in technology and design, and effective ecosystem collaboration.
AI's energy dilemma: Challenges, opportunities, and a path forward
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is transforming the media, entertainment, and sports industries. While this brings opportunities, it also raises challenges that need to be addressed through a human-centric and holistic approach. The revolution in GenAI is comparable to the advent of the printing press, leading to debates on governance and intellectual property. Preserving the value of human creativity is crucial, as GenAI expands the possibilities of content creation. However, there are concerns regarding data privacy, intellectual property infringement, ethical implications, bias, and job displacement. Robust governance is needed to address these challenges, and industry-wide collaboration is necessary to develop common principles, frameworks, and best practices.
The impact of GenAI on the creative industries, and the ethics and governance we must put in place
AI has the potential to revolutionize industries by automating tasks, enhancing decision-making, and delivering hyper-personalized experiences. However, adoption is slow due to barriers such as cultural hesitations and operational challenges. To unlock the full potential of AI, businesses need to build collaborative ecosystems, establish trust and self-governance, and invest in talent and cybersecurity. AI can go beyond improving efficiency and productivity and become a catalyst for innovation, driving changes in healthcare, sustainability, and global connectivity. Realizing this potential requires bold leadership and a commitment to ethical stewardship. A strategic and balanced approach is needed to amplify the benefits of AI while mitigating risks. The AI Transformation of Industries initiative offers a platform to guide this journey and shape a future where AI drives positive change.
How AI can move from hype to global solutions
The AI Governance Alliance has released a white paper series called "Industries in the Intelligent Age", in collaboration with Accenture, BCG, McKinsey, and the University of Oxford. The series explores the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries and sectors, including healthcare, financial services, media, entertainment, sport, transport, advanced manufacturing, supply chains, energy, cybersecurity, and regional China. The papers provide actionable guidance for organizations navigating the evolving impact of AI while promoting responsible and innovative practices.
Industries in the Intelligent Age White Paper Series
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming essential for executives in enhancing decision-making, value creation, and operational efficiency. CEOs will leverage AI for competitive advantage; CFOs will focus on budgeting and measuring AI investment returns; COOs will use it for operational improvement and customer experience. Adoption costs are often underestimated, with important decisions around business case, data readiness, infrastructure choice (on-premises vs. cloud), necessary services, management options (internal vs. external), and suitable hardware significantly influencing costs. Understanding these factors is crucial for successful AI investment and implementation.
Questioning AI costs for executive decision-making
Tariffs, taxes imposed on foreign-made goods, have been a standard feature of economies for centuries. While economists are skeptical about their value, tariffs can be used to protect domestic industries, counter dumping, and generate government revenue. However, when applied broadly and extensively, tariffs can lead to increased prices, trade wars, and negative economic impacts. Despite their enduring presence, economists generally agree that broad-based tariffs are not economically beneficial, particularly in today's globalized world.
What are tariffs, how old is the concept, and what are they good for now?
Latin America has the potential to set new standards in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) due to its abundant renewable energy, biodiversity, and cultural diversity. In particular, Brazil stands out as a global reference for renewable energy, with a high percentage of electricity generated from clean sources. To fully realize this potential, Latin America needs to overcome gaps in compute infrastructure and expertise. However, the region has opportunities to leverage its advantages and establish itself as a leader in AI-powered solutions, especially in areas such as agriculture, industry, and healthcare. By embracing innovation and crafting interventions that resonate with local realities, Latin America can demonstrate that doing things differently in AI does not mean settling for a marginal role.
Latin America
How Latin America can set the standards in powering and governing AI

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