US and ASEAN Launch Inaugural AI Ministerial
to Deepen Regional Technology Cooperation
Key points from the meeting:
·
It
officially launched the initiative called “The Road to 50 Years of
U.S.-ASEAN Relations” ahead of Singapore’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2027.
·
The
meeting highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence
cooperation between the United States and ASEAN countries.
·
Discussions
focused on:
o
Secure
and trusted technology supply chains
o
AI
governance and policy development
o
Joint
AI investments in Southeast Asia
o
AI
research, development, and deployment
o
Support
for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
Jacob Helberg discussed the U.S. concept of “Pax Silica”,
which aims to create a network of trusted technology partners and strengthen
cooperation in critical technologies and AI infrastructure.
The meeting was moderated by Russ Headlee.
The broader objective is to deepen U.S.-ASEAN collaboration
on AI so that technological growth and innovation can benefit the region’s
combined population of around one billion people.
[ABS News Service/21.05.2026]
On May 20, Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob
Helberg convened the inaugural U.S.-ASEAN AI Ministerial in the Republic of Singapore
on the margins of Asia Tech x Singapore. The ministerial launched “The Road to 50
Years of U.S.-ASEAN Relations” ahead of Singapore’s 2027 ASEAN Chairmanship, marking
a significant milestone in the U.S.-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
ASEAN Digital Ministers, the ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General
for Economic Community, and senior representatives from U.S. industry joined Under
Secretary Helberg to discuss the transformative role of AI in the ASEAN region.
State Department Senior Bureau Official for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Russ Headlee
moderated the discussion.
Under Secretary Helberg outlined Pax Silica and U.S. efforts
to build a network of trusted partners to secure global technology supply chains,
pursue joint investments in Southeast Asia, and address AI-related opportunities
and vulnerabilities. Ministers and industry leaders identified opportunities to
strengthen cooperation in AI development and governance, including how the U.S.
AI Exports Program can support ASEAN member states’ AI policy development. They
exchanged views on deepening U.S.-ASEAN collaboration on AI research, development,
and deployment to drive economic growth and innovation for our combined one billion
people, including support for micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises.