Digital illustration of a glowing world map with “AI” text across multiple continents, representing the global presence and integration of artificial intelligence.
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As artificial intelligence democratizes, emerging economies must assert their capacity for “sovereign AI.” This was the consensus at CNBC’s East Tech West conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Every nation should prioritize autonomy over its AI technologies and infrastructure, ensuring they align with their distinct needs and security requirements.
Sovereignty is currently compromised, as highlighted by Kasima Tharnpipitchai, who leads AI strategy at SCB 10X, Thailand’s technology investment arm. Many globally dominant language models are heavily influenced by English, sidelining local cultures and languages.
The nuances of thought and interaction in different languages cannot be overlooked. Countries must take charge of their AI, fostering technology that reflects their unique linguistic and cultural dynamics instead of relying on translations of Western models.
The ASEAN region, with nearly 700 million inhabitants, is positioned to carve out its own path in AI development. A staggering 61% of this population is under 35, and with 125,000 new internet users emerging daily, the potential for sovereign AI is immense.
Jeff Johnson, managing director of ASEAN at Amazon Web Services, emphasized the vital need for democratizing access to cloud and AI, asserting that the markets should serve the people rather than the corporate elites who often dominate the landscape.
Open-source models
Panelists noted that a robust method for building sovereign AI lies in harnessing open-source models. These frameworks do not just facilitate creativity but enable local talents to thrive, ensuring that technology aligns with national interests.
Tharnpipitchai captured this sentiment by stating that it would be a disservice for Southeast Asia to allow its vast talent pool to remain unutilized and untapped. Open-source models could catapult Thailand’s competitiveness and push forward its quest for AI sovereignty.
Open-source software enables transparency and flexibility in development, as it allows anyone to access and modify the source code. AI models from companies like DeepSeek and Meta’s Llama promise to provide open-source ambitions, but there remain restrictions that warrant concern.
Creating a diverse landscape of open-source options empowers both governments and businesses to break free from the confines of limited offerings, ultimately fostering innovation. AI experts assert that China’s embrace of open-source strategies has significantly accelerated its AI progression, inducing competition in the global arena.
Access to computing
Localizing AI has often centered on language, but the need for sovereign access to AI models powered by domestic infrastructure is becoming paramount. As highlighted by Prem Pavan, vice president at Red Hat, this shift is crucial for countries like Thailand.
Panelists noted that thriving AI ecosystems occupy a niche for emerging nations, particularly if local cloud operations are prioritized. Companies like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and independent local players should collaborate to provide necessary tools for development.
According to AWS’s Johnson, the model that allows businesses to “pay for what you use” paves the way for lower barriers to entry, enabling all types of enterprises to create and innovate. This economic flexibility should be harnessed rather than exploited by corporate giants for their gain.
The United Nations Trade and Development Agency forecasted AI could surge to a staggering $4.8 trillion market value by 2033. However, this unprecedented growth comes with a warning: the spoils may be concentrated in the hands of the elite, jeopardizing equitable access.
To combat these imbalances, UNCTAD has urged the international community to advocate for shared AI infrastructures, open-source models, and collaborative efforts aimed at democratizing technology. It is essential that nations unite to protect and promote their interests in this rapidly evolving landscape.
