On August 10th, 2023, CMKL University led a roundtable meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, at the Pathumwan Royal Princess Hotel on the topic of AI, Policy, and Business Innovation. The summit aimed to bring together experts from the fields of business, policy/governance, and academia to explore the crucial balance required for accelerating AI development while ensuring fairness and non-bias.

‍

The event brought together world-class experts from the government, business, and education sectors to share their knowledge and experience on AI. The participants emphasized the importance of policy in ensuring good governance while minimizing barriers to AI development. They also investigated how open data may assist innovation, enable new enterprises, and transform existing ones. The meeting sought to produce practical insights and best-practice recommendations for government, corporate, and academic entities to utilize in their AI-related policy and planning moving forward.

‍

To open the event, welcome remarks were given by Assoc. Prof. Supan Tungjitkusolmun, President of CMKL University.

Featured discussion included:

‍

In the age of AI, establishing a strong foundation of laws and policies is crucial to safeguarding society's interests. While learning from failures has its merits, preemptive measures can prevent potential harm and misuse. Implementing general laws and policies, even if they are not exhaustive, ensures that AI operates within ethical boundaries from the outset.

‍

One crucial element that any effective AI policy must consider is the rapid pace of technological advancement. AI and related technologies evolve swiftly, often outpacing traditional legislative cycles. Therefore, policies should be designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, enabling regulatory bodies to grasp the intricacies of new technologies and respond effectively to emerging challenges.

‍

Careful consideration is required in AI implementation because the data from which it derives information could be biased. However, there are best practices to address bias in AI algorithms. The rules and policies regarding AI must be generated while considering the personal context of each country, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

‍

The importance of policy and governance in the AI era was addressed. The panel discussion focused on how governments might find a balance between encouraging innovation and minimising risks. The implementation of laws and policies demands careful consideration; rushing to enforce strict regulations might hinder the swift development of AI technologies. A more balanced approach is recommended, allowing space for experimentation and even occasional failures.

‍

An increasing number of companies in Thailand are recognising the transformative potential of AI and are taking steps to either invest in AI technologies or integrate them into their operations. This strategic move not only demonstrates their commitment to harnessing AI's capabilities but also signifies their willingness to collaborate with specialised AI companies that are at the forefront of innovation.

‍

Conclusion 

‍

After the meaningful session under each engaging topic, unanswered issues and concerns voiced in prior sessions were addressed in the Q&A session. By bringing together key actors, the event facilitated the attendees' sharing of ideas and concrete initiatives towards better collaboration among policymakers, industry, and academia.

‍

‍

‍