China, ASEAN media and think tanks urged to embrace AI, address its challenges: Forum participants

Leading figures from prominent media outlets and think tanks across China and the 10 ASEAN member states engaged in extensive discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and other key topics during the China-ASEAN Media and Think Tank Forum held in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

The forum, centered on the theme "Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation," concluded with a joint consensus acknowledging that while the rapid growth of AI presents transformative opportunities, it also introduces uncertain risks and challenges.

The consensus emphasized that media and think tanks should proactively adapt to the ongoing technological revolution, leverage AI's advantages, and contribute to building a smart future where innovation is coupled with a strong foundation of security.

Pamela Samia, acting executive news editor at the Philippine News Agency, noted that media and think tanks from ASEAN and China must embrace AI, as it greatly improves research capabilities, decision-making processes, and communication efficiency.

Despite this, she stressed the irreplaceable value of human expertise: "AI is merely a tool and can never replace human judgment and critical thinking."

Veronika S. Saraswati, executive director of the Indonesia China Partnership Studies, said it is vital for ASEAN and Chinese media and think tanks to foster public critical thinking and promote AI systems rooted in local data and Eastern cultural values.

"Through these initiatives, countries in the Global South are expected to regain their voice in the digital realm, ensuring that AI becomes a tool for promoting equity rather than a means of Western dominance," she said.

Sivanxay Siphankham, deputy director of the Lao News Agency, remarked that AI is instrumental in enhancing information exchange and cooperation between ASEAN and Chinese media. However, he emphasized the need for joint efforts to tackle challenges like misinformation, ensuring AI use remains transparent and human-centered.

Lee Chean Chung, chairman of Malaysia's Center of Regional Strategic Studies, highlighted that ethical principles, data privacy, and algorithm transparency must form the foundation of AI-related policies. He said, "The mission of AI is to empower humans, not to replace them."

Thida Tin, director general of the Media Development Department under Myanmar's Ministry of Information, pointed out that every invention carries both benefits and drawbacks. She said achieving a balance between innovation and ethics is key, and that technological progress should serve all sectors of society while minimizing harm to the environment and vulnerable groups.

The forum, co-hosted by China's Xinhua News Agency and Malaysia's Bernama, drew around 260 participants from more than 160 media organizations, think tanks, government bodies, and businesses across China and the ASEAN region.