How can Southeast Asia ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are equipped to participate in an increasingly AI-driven economy?
As part of the ASEAN Think Tanks Summit (ATTS), an ASEAN-ISIS initiative coordinated by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), Tech for Good Institute (TFGI) convened a virtual focus group on 12 August titled, “AI Skilling Opportunities for SMEs in Southeast Asia: A Policy Perspective for Inclusive Growth.”
The focus group forms the digital transformation workstream that TFGI has been leading under the ATTS.
The ATTS is supported by the ASEAN Secretariat and brings together think tanks from across Southeast Asia to develop policy recommendations on key issues facing the region.
The focus group gathered academics and policy practitioners from across the region to explore barriers to meaningful AI adoption by SMEs: from gaps in digital infrastructure to concerns around trust and access to contextually relevant support.
Participants also discussed how practical, sector-specific approaches, trusted intermediaries, financing, and proportionate governance could help SMEs translate AI skills into tangible business value.
The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that uneven AI readiness does not widen existing divides between companies and across Southeast Asian markets.
The insights and recommendations from the focus group will be presented for further deliberation at the 3rd ASEAN Think Tanks Summit, to be held in September 2026. The outcomes will contribute to the 3rd ATTS Policy Memorandum, which will be submitted to the ASEAN Secretariat and Permanent Representatives of ASEAN Member States for consideration ahead of the ASEAN Summit in November.
