Southeast Asia as the new Digital Chessboard in the Age of AI

Southeast Asia is undergoing profound geopolitical, economic, and technological transformations. Southeast Asia sits at the crossroads of major power shifts, particularly with China’s expanding regional influence, placing ASEAN countries in a position where they must navigate increasingly complex strategic choices. As U.S.–China rivalry intensifies, the region is compelled to balance national autonomy with regional cohesion amid competing external pressures.

At the same time, the rapid emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shifting the theatre of competition from traditional maritime domains to new digital arenas, including data governance, cybersecurity, information flows, and technological infrastructure.

• Southeast Asia between U.S.–China strategic rivalry
• The SEA Nations shift from maritime security to digital competition
• AI governance and digital sovereignty in ASEAN
• Cybersecurity, disinformation, and technological infrastructure
• Long-term limitations and opportunities for the region

• Gain strategic insight into Southeast Asia’s evolving geopolitical role
• Understand how AI is reshaping regional competition and security in the region
• Explore ASEAN’s role in shaping responsible AI governance
• Engage with regional experts on the future of power, technology, and regional stability

• Dr. Le Hong Hiep – Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Vietnam Studies Programme at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute (Vietnam)
• Mr. Hazremi Hamid – Senior Officer, Digital Economy (AI Governance, Digital Transformation) at ASEAN Secretariat (Indonesia)
• Dr. Amirudin Abdul Wahab – Executive Board of Directors POLCYB and Vice President / Development – Global POLCYB (Malaysia)
• Dr. Alfred Gerstl – President of the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS) (Austria)

📍 Venue: WeXelerate, Praterstraße 1, 1020 Vienna
🕓 Date & Time: Thursday, 12 February, 2025 | 17:00 – 20:00

Agenda:
16:30 – 17:00 – Arrival & Registration
17:00 – 19:00 – Keynotes, Panel Discussion & Q&A
19:00 – 20:00 – Networking Reception

The Vienna Institute for Global Studies (VIGS) is a cutting-edge research center at Modul University Vienna, founded by Professor Dr. Zoltán Ács. Inspired by institutions such as the Santa Fe Institute and the RAND Corporation, VIGS combines economic and complexity science approaches to understand and address the world’s most pressing global challenges.

🔗 Registration is free, but spots are limited.

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weXelerate, 1 Praterstraße, Wien, Austria

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