The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in the ASEAN Region
Abstract
The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the ASEAN region is widely recognized to be significantly contributed to by the potential of artificial intelligence (AI). This study investigates how AI is being utilized to advance the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of the SDGs within ASEAN. It is suggested by the findings that various sectors, including manufacturing, education, agriculture, energy, and healthcare, are being transformed by AI, which drives innovation, improves efficiency, and promotes sustainability. However, obstacles to widespread AI adoption remain, such as gaps in digital infrastructure, workforce issues, and concerns regarding data privacy and displacement. This paper provides insights into the opportunities and barriers that ASEAN faces in leveraging AI for sustainable development, and recommendations for policy and strategy development are provided to maximize the benefits of AI while addressing these challenges. Finally, AI is an essential tool for environmental sustainability in ASEAN, particularly in managing energy consumption, optimizing renewable energy systems, and enhancing waste management. By facilitating smarter grids and optimizing energy production and consumption, AI is driving the transition to cleaner energy, thereby supporting SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG13 (Climate Action).
