During Tuesday’s conference in Singapore, global ministers expressed concerns about missing the window for effective AI regulation.

Singapore’s national security minister, Teo Chee Hean, pointed out the parallels between the early days of the internet and current AI developments. He recalled the initial optimism about unlimited information fostering new ideas, but now sees the internet as a potential source of misinformation and division.

Teo cautioned against repeating past mistakes with AI, emphasizing the importance of proactive management to avoid these issues.

However, regulating AI across borders presents formidable challenges requiring international harmony, according to Teo. The Singapore minister highlighted the need for collaboration to address universal digital threats.

Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister and Russia’s foreign ministry representative echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that a shared resolution is needed despite geopolitical complexities.

In stark contrast, New Zealand’s minister Judith Collins reported her country is only now engaging in forming an AI strategy, holding off regulation until AI’s presence is more substantial.

The discussions revealed the difficulties smaller nations face in influencing regulatory standards against dominant Big Tech entities.

David Koh from Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency criticized Big Tech’s economic clout, outstripping many national economies. But the ASEAN bloc’s strategy, as discussed by Brunei’s minister, involves collective efforts to negotiate technological regulations.

The ongoing technological evolution offers a moving target, making timely intervention critical, suggested Ivan John Uy of the Philippines. His optimistic view encourages ASEAN members to seize the moment in shaping AI governance and ethics.