Representatives from various ASEAN member states united for a forward-looking, AI-driven future at the ASEAN AI Workshop on the Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Energy Security, Agriculture, Cybersecurity, and Health, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Jakarta, Indonesia — In a stride towards an AI-driven future in the ASEAN region, technical experts from DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) took center stage in the recently concluded ASEAN Workshop on the Implementation of Artificial Intelligence on Energy Security, Agriculture, Cybersecurity, and Health held in Le Meridien Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia from 7-8 September 2023. 

Mr. Elmer C. Peramo, Senior Science Research Specialist, delved into the transformative power of AI and its applications in the healthcare system during the panel session on AI Implementation and Ethical Challenges in Emerging Health Issues. In his presentation, he featured the ASTI-ALaM project which aims to democratize AI development in the Philippines. He further discussed AI use case applications in computer-aided detection and diagnosis and optimizing the location of healthcare facilities in the country. 

DOST-ASTI Senior Science Research Specialists Mr. Karl Louie S. Mariano of the Solutions and Services Engineering Division and Mr. Elmer C. Peramo of the Computer Software Division served as resource speakers during the panel session on AI Implementation and Ethical Challenges in Agriculture and Emerging Health Issues, respectively. The DOST-ASTI delegates delved into the agency’s AI4Agri initiatives and the ASTI-Automated Labeling Machine project, highlighting how these initiatives leveraged AI to contribute to agricultural production, cancer detection, and healthcare facility location optimization. 

Mr. Karl Louie S. Mariano, Senior Science Research Specialist, discussed the AI4Agri initiatives and various agriculture-focused technology solutions and services developed by DOST-ASTI during the panel session on AI Implementation and Ethical Challenges in Agriculture. He underscored the pivotal role of AI technology in modernizing agriculture and the fisheries sector within the Philippines. 

Organized by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia, the AI workshop brought together various Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) stakeholders, including policymakers, public officials, AI experts, researchers, academics, and private sector representatives across the region. The workshop covered essential topics ranging from national digital strategies, current situation analyses, ethical challenges, and potential partnerships for digital transformation. Representatives from various ASEAN member states shared their best practices, promoted the use of AI technology in critical sectors, and prepared policy recommendations. 

The two-day AI Workshop underscored the growing commitment of ASEAN member states to incorporating AI to address regional challenges, promising a technologically progressive future for the region. DOST-ASTI’s participation in this momentous event demonstrated its commitment to nurturing international collaboration and leveraging AI to address national concerns and contribute to innovation-driven growth in the ASEAN region.