Press Releases

On August 6, as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Southeast Asia, the OECD hosted the co-creation workshop on the AI Policy Toolkit at the Japanese Ambassador's Residence in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop was attended by Ms. Karine Perset, Acting Head of the Division for AI and Emerging Digital Technologies at the OECD’s Directorate for Science, Technology and Innovation, representatives from the Thai government, including Ms. Rujikorn Saengchantr, Director-General, Department of International Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, AI experts and AI policymakers from Southeast Asian countries, Mr. HAYASHI Makoto, Deputy Assistant Minister of the Economic Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. TERAMURA Yukio, Assistant Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Global Policy Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The overview is as follows.

The OECD briefed participants on the current status of the AI Policy Toolkit, which is under development. Furthermore, AI experts from Southeast Asian countries engaged in active discussions with the aim of reflecting the Southeast Asian perspectives in the AI Policy Toolkit, sharing their respective national situations and challenges.

Mr. HAYASHI, during the session on Japan’s efforts regarding AI governance, introduced Japan’s approach of “co-creation” in the context of the OECD’s outreach. He stated the importance of reflecting Southeast Asian perspectives in discussions at the OECD, and underscored the Japanese government’s strong commitment to the OECD’s outreach toward Southeast Asia, with AI positioned as a central pillar.

In addition, Mr. HAYASHI, delivered a speech at the closing session, stating that Japan intends to continue contributing to the OECD's activities so that the AI Policy Toolkit would be effectively utilized in Southeast Asia.

After the workshop, participants paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. They also attended a networking dinner hosted by the Thai government, where they built professional ties among AI experts and further discussed regional issues.