ASEAN Secretary-General Advocates Global Solidarity in AI at WAIC 2025 in Shanghai
The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered key remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, China, on July 26, 2025. The conference's central theme, "Global Solidarity in the AI Era," strongly underscores the international community's shared recognition of AI's transformative power and the urgent need for collaborative governance.
About the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC):
Dates and Venue: WAIC 2025 is being held in Shanghai from July 26 to July 28, with the accompanying exhibition running until July 29. The primary venues are the Shanghai World Expo Center and the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.
Theme Significance: While "Global Solidarity in the AI Era" is the official theme, other sources also cite it as "In the Era of Intelligence, All Nations Unite for a Shared Future," both conveying the crucial message of international cooperation to responsibly harness AI's benefits and collectively address its challenges.
Distinguished Attendees: The conference has attracted over 1,000 distinguished guests, including high-level government officials, representatives from international organizations, leading business figures, and prominent academics from more than 40 countries.
Key Discussions and Showcase Highlights: WAIC 2025 serves as a premier global platform for exploring the future development of AI technology and establishing robust global governance frameworks. Key focus areas include:
AI Infrastructure: Exhibiting foundational elements such as large language models, advanced computing chips, and robust data platforms, illustrating AI's rapid evolutionary trajectory.
Industrial Applications: Showcasing the extensive integration of AI across diverse sectors, including finance, next-generation industrialization, smart devices, and scientific intelligence.
New Technologies: Demonstrating cutting-edge products, including over 40 large language models, 50 AI-powered devices, and 60 types of robots, with more than 100 products making their debut in China or globally.
AI Governance: The conference is a crucial forum for global dialogue on AI governance. China is notably expected to release its "China AI Safety Commitment Framework" during the event, aiming to balance technological innovation with effective risk governance and foster international consensus on collaboration.
"China Solution": WAIC 2025 aims to present a "China solution" for collaboratively shaping an intelligent future, focusing on thought leadership, technology exhibition, industry synergy, and the deliberation of AI regulations.
Investment and Incubation: For the first time, the conference features a dedicated area for venture investment and incubation, connecting over 200 startup projects with more than 100 investment institutions.
"WAIC City Walk": This initiative demonstrates real-world AI applications through an immersive smart experience loop across Shanghai, incorporating advanced scenarios such as drone commuting and innovations in the low-altitude economy.
ASEAN's Role and Dr. Kao Kim Hourn's Remarks:
Strengthening Digital Collaboration: Dr. Kao Kim Hourn's participation underscores ASEAN's steadfast commitment to advancing the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in deepening digital collaboration in AI and other emerging technologies.
Regional AI Development: ASEAN fully recognizes AI's transformative potential for its economies and societies. The region is actively developing policies and robust frameworks to harness AI's benefits while effectively mitigating associated risks.
The ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and various regional initiatives demonstrate a collective commitment to developing strong AI capabilities and promoting ethical standards.
The "ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics," initially endorsed in February 2024, provides a business-friendly foundation for responsible AI development and deployment in the region. An expanded version is slated for 2025 to specifically address generative AI.
Emphasis on "Global Solidarity": The conference's theme, "Global Solidarity in the AI Era," deeply resonates with ASEAN's efforts to promote inclusive and responsible AI development. Dr. Kao's remarks likely highlighted the critical need for international cooperation to bridge the AI divide, ensure equitable access to AI technologies, and develop universally shared norms and standards for AI governance.
ASEAN-China AI Forum: The WAIC program includes a dedicated "WAIC China-ASEAN AI Forum 2025," themed "Advocate Trustworthy AI Business Globally with AI for Humanity." This forum facilitates discussions among experts, leaders, and policymakers on building a bilateral "AI for Humanity Ecosystem" and empowering trustworthy AI businesses.
In essence, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn's significant presence at WAIC 2025 vividly illustrates ASEAN's proactive and forward-thinking stance in the global AI landscape, strongly emphasizing collaboration, responsible innovation, and the paramount importance of ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
