Co-Creation Panel Discussion for ASEAN-Japan x AI & Digital

■Introduction:

The ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit serves as a vital platform to connect emerging business leaders from ASEAN and Japan, addressing pressing social challenges and fostering innovation for a sustainable future. ASEAN, recognized as a global growth center, faces various social issues, including inequalities, while Japan grapples with challenges such as an aging population but leverages its wealth of experience and assets from decades of development. Against this backdrop, the summit aims to cultivate meaningful connections among next-generation business leaders who are poised to drive transformative change. The summit culminated on 20th December 2024, with impactful pitch sessions and a panel discussion, showcasing innovative ideas and fostering dialogue among leaders.

■Session Information:

• Session Name: Panel Discussion 2.1A ASEAN-Japan x AI & Digital

• Place: ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit 2024, International Conference Center Kyoto,  Annex Hall A

• Date: 20th December 2024

■Moderator:

• Yasukane Matsumoto:

• Founder and CEO JOSYS INC.

• Japan

■Speakers:

• Yeoh Keong Yuan

  • Executive Director SYARIKAT PEMBENAAN YEOH TIONG LAY SDN BHD

  • Malaysia

• Sota Watanabe

  • Founder, Astar Network

  • CEO, Startale Labs

  • Singapore

• Kojin Oshiba

  • Co-Founder Robust Intelligence

  • Director of engineering, AI at Cisco

  • United States

■Panel Discussion:

The Moderator and Speakers

The ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders’ Summit featured an engaging panel discussion titled “ASEAN-Japan x AI-Digital”, moderated by Yasukane Matsumoto, Founder and CEO of JOSYS INC., Japan. The panel explored the transformative potential of AI across diverse industries and the collaborative opportunities between ASEAN and Japan in the digital age.

The panel comprised distinguished speakers:

• Yeoh Keong Yuan, Executive Director of SYARIKAT PEMBENAAN YEOH TIONG LAY SDN BHD, Malaysia

  

  
  

• Sota Watanabe, Founder and CEO of Astar Network and Startale Labs, Singapore

  

  
  

• Kojin Oshiba, Co-Founder of Robust Intelligence and Director of Engineering, AI at Cisco, United States

  

  
  

■Exploring AI in Business Applications

Moderator Yasukane Matsumoto opened the session by asking each speaker to explain how AI integrates into their business operations. Yeoh Keong Yuan shared insights on YTL's journey into AI through their infrastructure projects, emphasizing the importance of local language AI models such as Ilmu LLM, Malaysia’s first national language AI initiative. He highlighted the necessity of contextualized AI to preserve cultural nuances and ensure data sovereignty.

Kojin Oshiba discussed his work in AI security, illustrating how Robust Intelligence, now part of Cisco, tackles vulnerabilities in AI systems. He stressed the growing need for secure AI adoption, particularly in sectors like finance and defense. Kojin also highlighted how AI agents are becoming integral to decision-making and organizational operations.

Sota Watanabe shifted the discussion to the intersection of blockchain and AI, emphasizing the balance between centralization and decentralization. He pointed out that while AI strengthens centralized systems, blockchain empowers individuals, creating opportunities to regulate and harmonize the two technologies for societal benefit.

■Envisioning AI in 2035

The panelists were asked to envision how AI might shape society by 2035. Kojin Oshiba predicted the mainstream adoption of AI agents automating decision-making processes, while human interaction would remain vital at the interface layer. Sota Watanabe speculated on hierarchical AI models interacting autonomously through cryptocurrency transactions, raising questions about governance and regulation. Yeoh Keong Yuan humorously suggested a future where AI agents might work for humans while we relax, underscoring the exponential pace of AI development.

■Japan-ASEAN Collaboration in AI

The discussion turned to strategies for ASEAN-Japan collaboration in AI development. Yeoh Keong Yuan emphasized the importance of localized AI models to maintain cultural identity and security while fostering mutual growth through knowledge sharing and application development. Kojin Oshiba proposed the idea of a unified data protection framework and tariff systems to incentivize local AI development. Sota Watanabe suggested ASEAN governments explore legal frameworks for AI agents, including taxation and compliance.

■Audience Engagement

The session concluded with a thought-provoking audience question about generalizable layers of AI for ASEAN-Japan collaboration. Kojin Oshiba advocated for shared security standards and practical implementation strategies. Yeoh Keong Yuan encouraged deeper collaboration through joint ventures and knowledge exchange, leveraging Japan’s expertise. Sota Watanabe called for international regulatory frameworks to govern AI agents, ensuring equitable digital ecosystems.

■Closing Remarks

Moderator Yasukane Matsumoto concluded the session by reflecting on the profound impact of AI on society and the opportunities for Japan and ASEAN to collaborate across infrastructure, applications, and policy. The panel underscored the importance of balancing innovation with ethical and cultural considerations, paving the way for a dynamic AI-enabled future.

■Join the Movement

The ASEAN-Japan Business Leaders Summit is not just an event but a call to action for fostering innovation, collaboration, and transformative solutions to shared challenges. As we continue to build a stronger, more connected future, we invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in driving impactful change across ASEAN and Japan. To explore collaboration opportunities or to become part of this dynamic initiative, please contact PoliPoli’s secretariat at:

asean-japan-business-leaders-summit@polipoli.io

Together, let’s shape a future of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.