Enabling conditions for a sustainable AI future in Asia and ASEAN
· 22 min read
This article is the fourth part of a four-piece series on the rise of AI agents. You can find here parts one, two and three.
To truly benefit from the revolutionary potential of agentic AI, ASEAN and Asia must invest in education and skill development. In order to promote innovation, encourage economic growth, and guarantee equitable participation in the AI-driven economy, a future workforce must be prepared to create, implement, manage, and communicate with intelligent agents. The significance and urgency of making strategic investments in the development of human capital are shown by these examples below.
The rapid advancement and increasing adoption of AI, including Agentic AI, are creating a significant demand for a wide range of skills across various sectors.
• Technical Skills: Machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, robotics, data science, natural language processing, AI ethics, and AI security are some of the fields in which this involves knowledge. Professionals with these talents are in more demand worldwide and in ASEAN and Asia than there is supply. According to a 2023 LinkedIn research, the fastest-growing demand over the previous five years has been for positions in AI and machine learning.
• Interdisciplinary Skills: Professionals with the ability to connect AI technology to its application in particular fields are becoming more and more in demand, in addition to those with technical experience. This comprises people who are knowledgeable in AI and have experience in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, agriculture, and urban planning.
• Soft Skills: Human-specific abilities like creativity, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking will become even more relevant in the workplace as AI replaces monotonous and routine duties. These abilities are necessary to drive innovation in a world enhanced by AI and to interact with AI systems efficiently.
According to "The Future of Jobs Report 2023" from the World Economic Forum, technology improvements, particularly artificial intelligence, are expected to create 69 million new jobs globally by 2027, while also potentially displacing 83 million existing ones. The research highlights the growing significance of both distinctly human abilities and skills in fields like artificial intelligence and big data analytics.
While many countries in ASEAN and Asia are recognizing the importance of AI education, significant gaps and disparities remain.
• Early integration of STEM education: To lay the groundwork for future research on artificial intelligence, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education at the elementary and secondary levels must be strengthened. However, there are notable differences in the accessibility and quality of STEM education within and within the region's nations. While several Asian nations have strong STEM enrolment rates, UNESCO data from 2022 shows that there are differences depending on socioeconomic class and geographic location.
• University programs in AI and data science: In Asia and ASEAN, more university programs are providing specialised degrees in data science, AI, and machine learning. To satisfy the increasing demand, these programs' quality and capacity must be increased. According to a 2024 Coursera study, while participation in AI and machine learning programs has increased dramatically throughout Southeast Asia, the proportion of graduates with advanced AI abilities is still quite low.
• Vocational training and reskilling programs: Putting money into reskilling and vocational training initiatives is crucial to giving the current workforce the tools they need to adjust to the shifting labour market. Programs centred on the development of transferable skills and the usage of AI in certain industries fall under this category. Nonetheless, there are significant regional differences in the accessibility and efficacy of these programs. across order to combat the possibility of job displacement due to automation, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has underlined the need for more affordable and high-quality reskilling programs across Asia.
• Teacher training and development: It is essential to give teachers the information and abilities they need to incorporate AI technologies into their lesson plans and teach AI-related subjects. This necessitates a large investment in professional development and teacher training initiatives.
• Addressing the digital divide: Inclusive AI education and skill development depend on ensuring fair access to digital infrastructure and technologies. A major obstacle to widespread engagement in the AI-driven economy is the digital divide, especially in neglected and rural regions of Asia and ASEAN. There are notable differences in internet availability and digital literacy around the region, according to World Bank data from 2023.
Asia and ASEAN must take thorough and calculated measures to develop the human capital necessary for the Agentic AI era:
• Integrating AI concepts into school curricula: To foster a basic understanding and interest in AI from a young age, incorporate age-appropriate AI concepts and computational thinking abilities into the primary and secondary school curricula. Programs that teach elementary school pupils the fundamentals of coding and artificial intelligence are part of Singapore's Smart Nation plan.
• Expanding and enhancing university AI programs: Expand the scope and calibre of university courses in data science, AI, and machine learning. This entails funding research infrastructure, curriculum modernisation, and faculty development. To make sure that curricula are in line with industry demands, promote cooperation between academic institutions and business. Leading IT businesses and South Korean universities are collaborating to create collaborative AI degree programs that incorporate internships and practical project experience.
• Developing accessible and effective vocational training and reskilling programs: Invest in easily accessible, top-notch reskilling and vocational training programs that emphasise the development of transferable skills and the usage of AI in important industries. The requirements of various workforce sectors, particularly those facing job displacement, should be taken into consideration while designing these initiatives. Targeting employees in industries that are anticipated to be impacted by automation, Malaysia is creating national reskilling initiatives centred on digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
• Investing in teacher training and professional development: Give educators thorough training and chances for professional development 1 so they may acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to effectively incorporate AI tools into their teaching methods and teach topics linked to AI. The Ministry of Education in Thailand is testing initiatives to teach educators the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and how to utilise AI-powered teaching resources.
• Bridging the digital divide: Enact laws and programs to strengthen digital infrastructure and raise digital literacy in all spheres of society, guaranteeing fair access to AI opportunities and education. This entails funding rural communities' internet connectivity and offering courses on digital literacy. Enhancing internet connectivity and digital literacy in rural areas is the goal of Indonesia's "Digital Village" initiative.
• Promoting lifelong learning: Encourage a culture of lifelong learning and make chances for ongoing reskilling and upskilling in AI-related sectors easily available. This covers industry-accepted certifications, micro-credentials, and online courses. People in Asia and ASEAN are increasingly using platforms like Coursera and edX to upskill by enrolling in a variety of AI and data science courses.
• Fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in education: Promote cooperation between academic institutions and the commercial sector to create and implement training programs for pertinent AI capabilities. Industry partners can offer internships, mentorship programs, and real-world case studies. Vietnamese IT firms are collaborating with academic institutions to provide students with internships and specialised AI training programs.
A regional endeavour to improve AI talents might be established by ASEAN. Under this project, member governments would work together to create common AI skills standards, exchange best practices for curriculum development, and make it easier for AI-related credentials to be recognised internationally. Additionally, it might facilitate the creation of regional AI and data science online learning platforms.
Investing in education and skill development is essential for preventing job displacement and facilitating workers' transition to new positions in the AI-driven economy, according to a 2024 McKinsey assessment on the effects of automation in Southeast Asia. By 2030, millions of workers in the region will need to learn new skills, according to the analysis.
ASEAN and Asia can develop the human capital required to propel innovation in Agentic AI, adjust to the shifting needs of the future workforce, and guarantee that the advantages of this game-changing technology are widely distributed throughout society by giving strategic investments in education and skill development top priority. Governments, academic institutions, and the commercial sector must work together and make a sustained commitment to this.
Strong regional cooperation is necessary for ASEAN and the wider Asian continent to fully utilise the revolutionary potential of agentic AI. By working together, nations may pool resources, share expertise, address common problems, and create a unified ecosystem that supports AI advancement and adoption throughout the region. The main advantages of a coordinated regional approach are demonstrated by compelling examples and verified data.
A unified regional approach to Agentic AI offers several key advantages:
• Pooling of resources and expertise: Cooperation allows countries with varying levels of AI development to share knowledge, data, infrastructure, and talent. This can help close the AI divide in the region and accelerate development for all member states.
• Addressing common challenges: When it comes to AI development and application, the region is plagued by a number of problems, including a lack of skills, ethical dilemmas, and regulatory frameworks. Collaborating can lead to more cohesive and effective solutions.
• Creating a larger market and scale: A single regional market for AI solutions can spur more investment, innovation, and the cross-border expansion of successful AI applications.
• Strengthening bargaining power: By putting up a united front in international AI discussions and collaboration, the region can strengthen its bargaining position and ensure that its interests are fairly reflected on the global stage.
• Promoting interoperability and standards: International integration and application of AI solutions would be facilitated by regional cooperation in the development of shared standards and interoperable AI systems.
• Fostering innovation ecosystems: Regional networks and collaborations have the potential to foster vibrant innovation ecosystems by bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and business executives from several countries.
Even though specialist regional collaborations focused solely on agentic AI are still in their infancy, a number of ongoing technology and innovation initiatives in ASEAN and Asia provide a basis and valuable lessons:
• ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI): COSTI aims to promote scientific and technical cooperation among ASEAN member states through a variety of initiatives, including joint research projects, information sharing, and capacity building. Even if COSTI is not exclusively focused on AI, it provides a platform for future AI-specific partnerships.
• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): APEC is engaged in numerous projects linked to technology and the digital economy, including discussions on AI ethics and governance. APEC provides a broader regional platform for discussing and planning AI-related policy.
• The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Despite its primary focus on infrastructure development, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has a digital silk road component that promotes digital connection and collaboration among member nations in technologies including as artificial intelligence (AI).
• Regional Research and Education Networks (e.g., TEIN, LEARN): By connecting educational institutions and research facilities across Asia, these networks facilitate collaboration in a variety of fields, including computer science and artificial intelligence. They provide the structure for sharing data and doing joint research.
According to a 2023 Asian Development Bank (ADB) research, regional cooperation in innovation and technology is crucial to promoting sustainable and equitable development in Asia. The research emphasises the potential of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to drive economic transformation, but it also emphasises the need for collaboration in addressing problems like skills gaps and the digital divide.
Several key areas could benefit from targeted regional collaboration in Agentic AI within ASEAN and Asia:
• Joint research and development programs: Establish regional research teams focused on addressing AI challenges and developing Agentic AI solutions relevant to local needs, like sustainable agriculture, public health, and disaster assistance. A cooperative ASEAN research initiative might focus on developing AI-powered natural catastrophe early warning systems using data and expertise from many member states.
• Harmonization of ethical and regulatory frameworks: Collaborate to establish common ethical norms and a framework for AI regulation that member states can adapt to suit their particular national circumstances. This can facilitate cross-border AI development and application while guaranteeing responsible innovation. An ASEAN task group may draft a set of core ethical guidelines for AI that all member countries would agree upon in order to encourage a consistent approach to responsible AI research.
• Regional AI skills development initiatives: Establish cooperative programs for AI education and skill development, such as regional AI talent platforms, online courses, and exchanges for researchers and students. This can help close the skills gap and increase the number of AI specialists in the region. Through an online platform, individuals in all ASEAN member states might have access to certified courses in the development and use of agentic AI.
• Data sharing and interoperability platforms: Provide secure, interoperable platforms that respect data privacy regulations so that anonymised and aggregated data can be shared for AI research and development. More and more diverse datasets may become available to developers and researchers as a result, perhaps leading to more dependable and effective AI models. A regional data sharing effort focused on agricultural data could enable the development of AI-powered precision agriculture solutions tailored to the particular conditions of many ASEAN countries.
• Regional AI innovation hubs and sandboxes: Create regional AI innovation centres and regulatory sandboxes to facilitate international collaboration and foster creativity by providing a regulated environment for researchers and startups to test and deploy Agentic AI technology. Through a collaborative AI sandbox, businesses might test autonomous vehicle technologies in specific areas across multiple ASEAN member nations, gathering data and insights relevant to the unique traffic patterns of the area.
• Joint initiatives for sustainable development: Focus regional AI collaboration on developing and deploying Agentic AI solutions for sustainability challenges such as climate change mitigation, environmental monitoring, and resource management. A cooperative project that tracks illegal logging and deforestation across the ASEAN area using AI-powered satellite picture analysis could enable more effective conservation activities.
ASEAN may create a "ASEAN AI Innovation Fund" to support collaborative AI research and development projects that involve academics and institutions from many member states. This grant may prioritise projects that address regional problems and promote sustainable development.
A 2022 report released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) highlights the importance of regional cooperation in leveraging digital technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Asia and the Pacific. The research highlights the potential for cooperation in areas such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and smart cities.
By actively promoting regional cooperation in agentic AI, ASEAN and Asia can create a powerful synergy that accelerates innovation, addresses shared challenges, and ensures that the benefits of this transformative technology are felt across the continent, leading to a more prosperous and sustainable future for all. A well-thought-out plan will maximise the region's potential and position it as a key actor in the global AI arena.
Given the urgent need to address environmental challenges and transition to sustainable development, it is imperative that ASEAN and Asia prioritise the use of agentic AI for sustainability. By strategically concentrating research, development, and deployment efforts on solutions that address resource constraints, climate change, and environmental degradation, the region may use the potential of intelligent agents to build a more resilient and environmentally conscious future. Verified statistics and compelling examples show how agentic AI has a huge potential to advance sustainability.
Agentic AI offers unique capabilities that can significantly advance sustainability goals across various sectors:
• Enhanced data analysis and insights: Agentic AI can assess massive datasets related to resource usage, climate patterns, and environmental conditions with previously unheard-of speed and precision, providing valuable information for targeted interventions and well-informed decision-making.
• Optimization and efficiency: Intelligent agents can simplify operational processes and resource allocation in industries including industry, energy, and agriculture, leading to reduced waste, lower emissions, and more efficient use of natural resources.
• Autonomous monitoring and management: Agentic AI can power autonomous systems for environmental monitoring, pollution detection, and infrastructure management, enabling continuous, efficient data collection and pre-emptive actions.
• Predictive modelling and forecasting: The improved accuracy of resource availability estimates, climate change forecasts, and the impacts of environmental policies due to advanced AI models enables better planning and mitigation strategies.
• Facilitating the transition to renewable energy (RE): Agentic AI can improve grid stability and speed up the transition away from fossil fuels by optimising the production, distribution, and storage of renewable energy sources.
The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (2023) states that in order to constrain global warming, rapid and substantial emissions reductions are urgently required. These reductions can be made possible by agentic AI through improving climate prediction, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, and optimising energy use.
Several promising applications of AI for sustainability are already emerging across ASEAN and Asia:
• Smart grids and renewable energy management: In Singapore, artificial intelligence is being used to improve grid stability, estimate energy demand, and run solar energy systems more effectively. Businesses are utilising artificial intelligence (AI) systems to forecast solar power generation and adjust energy distribution appropriately, reducing their reliance on domestic energy sources.
• Precision agriculture for resource efficiency: Drones, data analytics systems, and AI-powered sensors are being used in Thailand and Vietnam to execute precision agriculture. With the use of these technologies, farmers may optimum the use of water, fertiliser, and herbicides, improving yields while reducing resource consumption and its adverse environmental implications.
• Forest monitoring and conservation: In Malaysia and Indonesia, artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to analyse drone and satellite imagery data in order to track trends in deforestation, detect illegal logging, and evaluate biodiversity loss. This enables more effective enforcement and conservation efforts to protect valuable forest ecosystems.
• Smart waste management: In several Asian cities, AI-powered technologies are being used to improve sorting efficiency, expedite waste collection routes, and assist circular economy initiatives. Using sensors and machine learning algorithms, these systems reduce emissions and landfill waste by evaluating garbage generation trends and streamlining waste management practices.
• Water resource management: In Asia's water-stressed regions, artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to forecast water scarcity, improve water distribution networks, and monitor water quality, ensuring more efficient and sustainable use of this vital resource. For example, several cities are using AI-powered leak detection systems to reduce water loss.
To maximize the impact of Agentic AI on sustainability, ASEAN and Asia should prioritize its application in addressing the most pressing environmental challenges:
• Climate change mitigation and adaptation:
• Smart carbon capture and storage (CCS): Carbon collection and storage systems can be made more efficient with the use of agentic AI.
• Climate modelling and prediction: Better adaption plans can be informed by more accurate climate change estimates from advanced AI models.
• Disaster prediction and management: AI-powered early warning systems can be used to forecast and control typhoons, floods, and other climate-related calamities. In order to enable more timely and effective disaster preparedness and response, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are being employed in the Philippines to assess meteorological trends and anticipate typhoon severity and course.
• Sustainable resource management:
• Circular economy optimization: In order to support a circular economy, agentic AI can optimise material flows and recycling procedures.
• Water management: AI-driven systems are able to forecast droughts, optimise irrigation, and monitor water resources.
• Sustainable forestry and fisheries: AI can be used for monitoring the health of forests, detecting illegal fishing, and managing fish stocks sustainably. AI-powered acoustic monitoring systems are being used to detect and prevent illegal fishing in several coastal areas of Southeast Asia.
• Biodiversity conservation:
• Wildlife monitoring and anti-poaching: Cameras and sensors with AI capabilities can track wildlife numbers and identify instances of poaching.
• Habitat Preservation: Artificial intelligence can scan satellite photos to identify areas that require protection and track habitat deterioration. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilised in Indonesia to identify orangutan nests and analyse drone photos, assisting with conservation and environmental preservation efforts.
• Sustainable urban development:
• Smart buildings and energy efficiency: Agentic AI can optimise building and urban infrastructure energy use.
• Sustainable transportation: AI-powered systems can facilitate the switch to electric vehicles, improve traffic flow, and promote the use of public transportation. In order to reduce pollution and traffic, Kuala Lumpur is deploying AI-powered traffic management technologies to improve traffic signals in real-time.
• Air and water quality monitoring: Continuous pollution monitoring and real-time data for intervention are possible with autonomous AI-powered sensors.
Asia and ASEAN should take into account the following strategies in order to efficiently prioritise and advance the creation and application of agentic AI for sustainability:
• Targeted research funding: Research and development projects that use agentic AI to address significant sustainability concerns should receive special funding from governments and academic institutions.
• Incentivizing green AI innovation: Implement policies and incentives that encourage the development and adoption of AI solutions that significantly improve the environment. This may include subsidies, tax breaks, and programs for the acquisition of green technologies.
• Facilitating data access for sustainability research: Make relevant environmental and resource management data publicly available (while taking privacy concerns into account) to encourage AI-powered research and innovation in the sustainability area.
• Promoting cross-sector collaboration: Encourage collaboration between AI developers, environmental scientists, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders in order to pinpoint pressing sustainability concerns and produce workable AI-driven solutions.
• Supporting pilot projects and scaling successful solutions: Participate in pilot projects that demonstrate the potential applications of agentic AI for sustainability and provide support for the regional expansion of successful solutions.
• Integrating sustainability into AI education: Incorporate sustainability ideas and applications into AI education and training programs to raise awareness and develop a workforce capable of developing and utilising AI for environmental benefit.
• Raising public awareness: Educate the public and decision-makers on the sustainability potential of agentic AI to boost support for its research and application in this important field.
The creation of a "Green AI Initiative" by ASEAN would fund and support collaborative projects that use Agentic AI to address the region's most pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change adaptation, plastic waste management, and haze pollution. Researchers from ASEAN member states, startups, and government agencies may work together on this project.
According to a 2021 study conducted by the Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), artificial intelligence (AI) could drastically cut CO2 emissions worldwide by 20% by 2030. Prioritising ASEAN and Asia in the implementation of agentic AI for sustainability can significantly aid in achieving these global climate targets.
By strategically prioritising the development and deployment of agentic AI for sustainability, ASEAN and Asia can leverage this powerful technology to address urgent environmental concerns, transition to a greener economy, and secure a more sustainable future for future generations. This requires a clear vision, targeted investments, and strong cross-sector and cross-national cooperation.
As Asia and ASEAN manage the quickly evolving world of AI agents and their evolution towards agentic AI, they stand to benefit from previously unimaginable opportunities. By deliberately adopting these intelligent systems, not as replacements but as powerful instruments for human enhancement, the region may create new opportunities for economic growth, societal advancement, and—above all—a radical move towards sustainability.
A balanced approach is needed, with strong ethical and regulatory frameworks guiding its course, dedicated investment and cooperative partnerships supporting innovation, targeted education and skill development developing the necessary human capital, and coordinated regional strategies increasing impact. Agentic AI's successful integration will ultimately depend more on its capacity to unleash human ingenuity, address pressing issues of the day, and pave the way for a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally conscious future for all members of ASEAN and the broader Asian continent than on its technical prowess.
illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.
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