Navigating the Future of AI in Southeast Asia
RAISE SEA is an AI-augmented "flight simulator" for public policy, design to empower leader in the Global South to anticipate and prepare for the social shocks of AI.
Explore the PlatformThe Critical Challenge
An AI Foresight Gap
AI is reshaping economies faster than policies can keep up. The Global South faces growing risks of job loss, inequality, and social change as advanced economies move ahead.
Asymmetric Risk
Developed economies focus on productivity gains, while emerging economies face large-scale workforce displacement.
Societal Shock and Instability
Novel risks from AI companions, misinformation and disinformation undermine well-being and threaten social cohesion.
The Foresight Gap
A new form of digital colonization is emerging as the Global Majority navigates a future shaped by technologies designed elsewhere, with governance paralysis from AI opacity and rapid change and rising ethical and safety crises from biased autonomous systems.
Global South Blindspot
Southeast Asia at the AI Crossroads
With a population over 693 million in 2025, and $30+ billion invested in Southeast Asia AI in H1 2024 alone, there is enormous potential in the region. However the reality is that Southeast Asia is investing heavily in AI while flying blind to its second-order societal impacts.
Strong Technology Adoption
With relatively high internet penetration and access to stable, reliable electricity. Within Southeast Asia, internet penetration is estimated at 78.2 percent.
Economic Risks and Opportunities
In Philippines, 14% of jobs, ~6.58m people are at risk from displacement. At the same time AI is projected to add $1 trillion to ASEAN GDP by 2030.
Uneven AI Governance across the region
Only 4 out of the 11 ASEAN states have established dedicated AI governance bodies.
Our Partners
Endorsement from International Organisations
RAISE SEA is working with our international partners to build a safer AI future in Southeast Asia.
International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) under the auspices of UNESCO
SEA Observatory had been awarded 2nd Prize in the Global Forum on the Ethics of AI (GFEAI) 2025, more information can be found here.
Paris Peace Forum
RAISE SEA had been selected as the top 10 Scale-Up projects of 2026, more information can be found here.
Our Solution
An Ecosystem for Smarter Governance
At AI Safety Asia (AISA), our work is built on shared values that guide how we think, act, and collaborate. These principles remind us that progress in technology must always reflect progress in humanity.
Contextual Intelligence Engine
Our foundation is Project Vanguard, a proprietary 'ground truth engine' that provides a real-time picture of AI's societal impact in Southeast Asia using local, sovereign data.
Institutionalized Co-Creation
As a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for governance, we convene leaders in collaborative workshops to stress-test policies and co-author solutions.
Preparedness Playbooks
We translate foresight into concrete, operational playbooks with clear indicators, policy triggers, and accountability matrices for swift, coordinated responses.
The Platform in Action
Three Core Simulations
RAISE SEA is a modular platform designed to address the multi-domain nature of AI risk. The initial version includes three distinct simulators, each powered by Vanguard's data:
Workforce Transition
Model the impact of AI on the labor market and test policies related to reskilling, SME support, and education reform.
AI & Societal Wellbeing
Model risks like AI dependency and misinformation, testing interventions like digital literacy campaigns and mental health support.
AI Governance & Security
Model risks to national security and state capacity, allowing leaders to test defensive investments and international strategies.
Our Unique Advantage
Built for and by the Global South
RAISE SEA is a modular platform designed to address the multi-domain nature of AI risk. The initial version includes three distinct simulators, each powered by Vanguard's data:
First-Mover Ecosystem
We integrate a proprietary Global South data engine, an interactive foresight simulator, and a concrete policy action framework.
Deep Regional Legitimacy
Our team is led by experts from and for the region, with trusted partnerships across ASEAN, ensuring culturally and institutionally relevant solutions.
World-Class, Mission-Driven Team
We bring together top-tier expertise from the UN, World Economic Forum, and leading AI labs, with a deep commitment to a safe and equitable AI future.
Regional Insights
Country Dashboards
Explore AI readiness, policy landscapes, and key developments for each of the 11 Southeast Asian nations.
Indonesia
National AI Strategy: Published
Key Focus: Ethics, governance, and innovation
Last Updated: 2024
Philippines
National AI Strategy: Published
Key Focus: AI innovation, adoption and governance
Last Updated: 2024
Singapore
National AI Strategy: Published
Key Focus: Digital infrastructure, talent development, governance and international cooperation
Last Updated: 2024