Southeast Asia's emerging economies aim to become a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI), creating both cooperation and competition among them. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes 10 countries with a total population of 672 million, has certain advantages over regions like Europe and the U. S. A significant demographic is their large, youthful, and tech-savvy population—over 200 million people aged 15 to 34—making the region adaptable to technological advancements. Government support further accelerates AI growth, promising substantial benefits for local workers. According to Jun Le Koay from Access Partnership, AI can enhance productivity and income, and create new AI-skilled jobs, benefiting low-income populations by enhancing skills and income. Koay points out the region's improved internet access has fostered a digitally native population ready to embrace AI innovations. Smartphone adoption in ASEAN ranges from 65% to 90%, supporting rapid AI adoption.

However, Grace Yuehan Wang highlights that no ASEAN country is poised to lead in AI soon, citing gaps such as a developed digital infrastructure, high-level technical education, and strong industrial and research collaborations. Intra-regional competition focuses on attracting foreign investment and collaboration, with Singapore leading by unveiling its AI strategy in 2019. Singapore aims to triple its AI workforce and develop R&D centers. Vietnam also banks on AI growth, leveraging its strengths in assembly, testing, and packaging, drawing significant investments, such as $1 billion from South Korea. Localized AI developments like VinAI's PhoGPT exemplify efforts to tailor AI to specific cultural contexts. Despite challenges, ASEAN's AI governance diverges from the EU’s, favoring a "light-touch" regulatory approach due to diverse member capabilities and absence of a central body. ASEAN recently released a regional AI governance guide, prioritizing practical ethics over strict policies, underscoring international cooperation. The region's youthful population remains pivotal for achieving AI ambitions, with a national education strategy potentially enhancing AI development.