ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn will lead the ASEAN Secretariat's delegation to the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, which will be held in Shanghai, China, on 17–18 July 2026. Organized under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future," the event will bring together government leaders, policymakers, researchers, international organizations, and technology companies to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and strengthen international cooperation on AI governance.
During the conference, Dr. Kao will deliver remarks at the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance, where he is expected to present ASEAN's initiatives and regional perspective on responsible AI governance. His participation reflects ASEAN's growing commitment to shaping global AI policy while ensuring that Southeast Asia's priorities—including digital inclusion, innovation, trust, and responsible AI deployment—are represented in international discussions.
The conference also highlights ASEAN's expanding cooperation with China in artificial intelligence. In recent months, ASEAN and China have strengthened collaboration through initiatives such as the ASEAN–China Artificial Intelligence Industry Innovation Centre, reflecting broader efforts to promote AI research, innovation, talent development, and cross-border digital cooperation. The upcoming WAIC provides another platform for advancing these partnerships while discussing common approaches to AI safety, governance, and standards.
The announcement underscores ASEAN's ambition to play a more active role in the evolving global AI governance landscape. As governments worldwide work toward common principles for AI safety, ethics, and regulation, ASEAN aims to contribute a regional perspective that balances technological innovation with economic development, inclusiveness, and responsible governance. The conference is expected to reinforce dialogue among governments and international organizations on building AI systems that are trustworthy, interoperable, and beneficial for society while encouraging greater international cooperation on AI policy.
