Overview

Asia Centre’s 10th Annual International Conference will explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on governance, in particular its impact on civil society, democracy and media in Asia. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to become the next transformative technology, with significant implications for governance across the region. Various stakeholders in the region have adopted AI strategies to maximise its opportunities. However, there are significant disparities in AI adoption across countries, as reflected in the Government AI Readiness Index (2023). This index, which measures readiness on a scale from 0 to 100, where 100 indicates the highest level of preparedness, shows that Singapore leads with a score of 82, followed by South Korea at 76 and Japan at 75. In contrast, several countries are lagging far behind, with Cambodia scoring 32, Myanmar and Nepal both at 31 and Timor-Leste at 30. These disparities underscore the uneven pace of AI integration in governance and highlight the challenges faced by lower-scoring nations in harnessing AI’s potential.

While the Government AI Readiness Index shows governmental preparedness for AI, it is essential to assess AI’s impact on civil society, democracy, and media. Since indices for these areas are still developing, a qualitative assessment is needed initially before creating a comprehensive AI and Democracy Index. This will help ensure AI integration supports democratic processes, civil society, and media freedom in Asia.

In this context, the conference will explore both the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the effort to strengthen civil society, democracy and the media in Asia. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among a range of stakeholders, the conference aims to develop actionable insights and solutions for advancing the responsible and equitable use of AI. This is particularly important given the current contraction of democratic spaces and the increasing restrictions on freedoms in the region. The goal is to address these issues and promote AI’s role in supporting and enhancing good governance. It is hoped that following the conference, the analysis can also move AI and Democracy from a qualitative to a quantitative assessment.

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Themes

The conference will examine the following sub-themes: 

  • AI and Democracy in Asia: Opportunities and Challenges
  • AI and Electoral Integrity
  • AI and Parliaments
  • AI-Driven Election Campaigns
  • The Role of AI in Strengthening Civil Society
  • AI and Human Rights: Balancing Technological Advancement with Civil Liberties
  • AI and its Impact on Civic Spaces
  • Building Public Trust in AI-generated Media
  • AI’s Role in Shaping Public Opinion
  • AI and Media Sustainability
  • AI and Disinformation
  • AI Regulatory Frameworks
  • Data Privacy and Security in AI-Enhanced Governance
  • Ethical Implications of AI in Politics

Objectives

The conference aims to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Convene stakeholders interested in how AI intersects with democracy in Asia
  2. Examine the impact of AI on democracy, civil society, and media in Asia
  3. Evaluate the challenges and opportunities to harness AI for democracy in Asia

Conference Structure

The conference will consist of short opening remarks, keynote speeches, plenary sessions, and breakout sessions arranged according to themes and/or region and country-specific discussions.

Conference Participants

Registration is open to speakers and participants from academic institutions, media outlets, journalist associations, businesses, national and regional civil society organisations, international NGOs, political parties, parliaments, technology companies, government agencies, and intergovernmental organisations. This inclusive approach aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking among diverse stakeholders.

Programme Outline

DAY 0 | 20 August 2025
Arrival

DAY 1 | 21 August 2025
9 AM – 5 PM: Morning & Afternoon Panels

DAY 2 | 22 August 2024
9 AM – 5 PM: Morning & Afternoon Panels
6 PM – 9 PM: Dinner and Networking

Conference Fee

This is a self-funded conference, hence a flat, base fee of USD 300 will be charged to all presenters, participants and drop-in visitors. This will go towards covering the cost of the venue, equipment and logistics, coffee breaks on all days, certificates for participants, conference communications and staff. Conference fee (USD 300) does NOT cover a flight ticket, accommodation, and any other expenses related to travel advisory.

Conference Partnerships

Asia Centre welcomes organisations and individuals to be conference partners and sponsors by co-convening the event, panels, keynote speakers and participants. This will provide partners an opportunity to network and forge linkages with academia, businesses, civil society, governments, and international organisations in the region and beyond; and can promote their organisation and activities.

Partner Benefits

  • Logo on all publicity materials online and at the conference venue.
  • Social media and mailing list promotion through Asia Centre’s networks.
  • Display and distribute promotional materials from partner organisations to the participants.
  • Develop expertise on the issues covered by the conference themes.

Additional Options

  • Sponsor participants by buying conference tickets.
  • Sponsor a keynote speaker by providing a financial grant to the conference.
  • Provide corporate sponsorship (in-kind and/or financial grants) and be featured on promotional materials.

Inquiries and Registration

Please contact us at contact@asiacentre.org

Register here