As AI advances at an unprecedented pace, its influence is extending beyond the technological sphere to affect economic competitiveness, governance, security, and international cooperation. Against this backdrop, the Expert Talk provided a timely platform for participants to discuss how countries can harness the benefits of emerging technologies while addressing associated challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.
In his opening remarks, Lewe Paul, Resident Representative of KAS Vietnam, highlighted the growing strategic significance of AI and underscored the importance of dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. He emphasized the value of international cooperation in strengthening understanding of emerging technologies and their implications for security, development, and regional cooperation.
Across three thematic sessions, participants explored how AI is reshaping strategic competition, influencing security environments, and generating new governance challenges. Discussions examined the relationship between technological capabilities and national competitiveness, the impact of AI on decision-making and contemporary security dynamics, and the growing need for effective governance frameworks that encourage innovation while managing risks.
Particular attention was devoted to the Indo-Pacific, where rapid technological developments are creating new opportunities and policy considerations for regional cooperation, security, and sustainable development. Participants exchanged perspectives on the potential implications of AI for regional stability, crisis management, and strategic autonomy, while also discussing avenues for cooperation among ASEAN and its partners.
The discussion also underscored the value of strengthening exchanges among policymakers, experts, and research institutions to foster greater understanding of technological developments and their broader policy implications. Participants stressed that regional and international cooperation will be indispensable in supporting practical approaches to AI governance, enhancing resilience, and promoting responsible innovation.
The event reflected the longstanding cooperation between KAS Vietnam and DAV in promoting policy dialogue and facilitating exchanges among Vietnamese, European, and international experts on issues of strategic relevance. By bringing together diverse perspectives from across the Indo-Pacific and Europe, the Expert Talk contributed to a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with AI and its growing importance for regional and global affairs.
The dialogue reaffirmed that the implications of artificial intelligence extend beyond technology alone. Instead, AI will reshape the workings of governance, security, and international cooperation. As countries continue to navigate a rapidly evolving strategic environment, sustained dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation will remain essential to ensuring that technological progress contributes to peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region and beyond.
About this series
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, its educational institutions, centres and foreign offices, offer several thousand events on various subjects each year. We provide up to date and exclusive reports on selected conferences, events and symposia at www.kas.de. In addition to a summary of the contents, you can also find additional material such as pictures, speeches, videos or audio clips.