As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and governments grapple with its implications, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) convened a high-level event on Wednesday, 24 April 2025, to examine the region’s role in harnessing AI for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.
Titled “AI & The Future of Asia,” the event was hosted by AIT’s School of Management (SOM) and brought together prominent leaders from academia, industry, and public service. The event explored how Asian economies, diverse in their capacities and challenges, can leverage artificial intelligence to shape their futures, rather than be shaped by global forces beyond their control.
Opening the forum, Prof. Yuosre Badir, Dean of SOM, welcomed the diverse audience and highlighted the importance of academic institutions acting as conveners of transformative dialogue. “AI is not just a technology trend — it’s a defining force for Asia’s future,” he said. “At SOM, we aim to be a bridge between innovation and inclusive impact, where critical thinking, ethics, and enterprise intersect.”
Building on this message, AIT President Prof. Pai-Chi Li, in his welcoming remarks, emphasized the responsibility of academic institutions to shape AI discourse at a regional level. “Asia is undergoing rapid AI transformation, but with it comes a wide gap across countries, sectors, and societies,” he said. “Navigating this complexity requires deep integration of education, policy, and ethics. At AIT, we are aligning our efforts to ensure AI uplifts quality of life, strengthens dignity, and drives sustainable development.”
Dr. Suwit Khunkitti, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Former Minister of Education of Thailand, and Vice-Chairperson of the AIT Board of Trustees, served as Chief Guest and called for decisive leadership to guide Asia’s AI-driven future. “Let’s not just adapt to the future—let’s define it,” he said, encouraging investment in talent, ethics, and systems readiness.
The guest of honor, Dr. Jes?s L?pez, President of the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies (EFFAS), touched upon the convergence of AI, finance, and sustainability. Assoc. Prof. Joon Nak Choi from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), delivered the keynote address and emphasized the need to reimagine systems beyond surface-level AI adoption and advocated for innovation grounded in ethics, productivity, and real-world needs.
The event’s highlight was a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Assoc. Prof. Joon Nak Choi. The panel featured Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of AIT; Dr. Neo Kok Beng, Group CEO of Neo Aeronautics; Dr. Naveed Anwar, Group CEO of CSI Bangkok; Dr. Tiranee Achalakul, Director at Government Big Data Institute—GBDi; and Dr. Savanit Boonyasuwat, Assistant Secretary to Climate Change Institute, The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The panel explored AI’s applications in decision-making, ESG, education, and business strategy, with a shared call for ethical and inclusive adoption across sectors.
The event sparked meaningful conversations, new partnerships, and practical ideas for using AI responsibly. It brought together stakeholders to explore real-world applications of AI and encouraged collaboration to shape a more innovative and sustainable future for Asia.
During the event, a new partnership between EFFAS and AIT SOM was also announced, aiming to strengthen sustainable finance education in Asia.
