Japan’s AI Ambitions in Southeast Asia

The Japanese government has announced a new initiative to help Southeast Asian countries develop large language models (LLMs) in their local languages, promoting the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in the region. This move is seen as a strategic partnership between Japanese AI companies and businesses in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian nations.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to promote greater partnerships between Japanese AI companies and businesses in Southeast Asia.

LLMs are the backbone of generative AI models like ChatGPT, and their development has been largely limited to widely used languages like English. Japan envisions its AI developers working with partners in Southeast Asia to train LLMs in local languages and cultural contexts. This includes compiling text and voice data, testing models, and providing computational resources like graphics processing units for data processing.

Some partnerships have already taken off. Tokyo-based Elyza, a unit of mobile carrier KDDI, is developing a Thai LLM. The startup aims to match businesses in Japan and Thailand using services offered by a Thai conglomerate and Japanese fintech company Kokopelli.

Elyza is developing a Thai LLM to match businesses in Japan and Thailand.

Japan’s Generative AI Accelerator Challenge (GENIAC) programme, which supports digital startups, will provide 29 billion JPY (179.8 million USD) in aid by the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, Kishida will discuss initiatives under a digital skills-building plan that aims to train 100,000 people over five years in cooperation with ASEAN members.

Japan’s digital skills-building plan aims to train 100,000 people in Southeast Asia over five years.

This move is seen as a significant step towards bridging the AI gap between Japan and Southeast Asia. With the region’s growing economy and population, the development of LLMs in local languages is crucial for unlocking the full potential of AI.

“The development of LLMs in local languages is crucial for unlocking the full potential of AI in Southeast Asia.” - Fumio Kishida, Japanese Prime Minister

Southeast Asia’s growing economy and population make it an attractive region for AI development.

In related news, Intel has launched an AI training course for university lecturers in Hanoi, Vietnam. This move is seen as a step towards increasing AI adoption in Vietnam’s education sector.

Intel’s AI training course for university lecturers in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The US has also applauded Vietnam for issuing direct power purchase agreement rules, which is expected to boost the country’s renewable energy sector.

Vietnam’s direct power purchase agreement rules are expected to boost the country’s renewable energy sector.

As AI continues to transform industries and economies around the world, Japan’s initiative to develop LLMs in Southeast Asia is a significant step towards promoting regional cooperation and development.