Southeast Asian Manifesto
on the Humancentric Application
of AI Technologies in Education
About
This Southeast Asian Manifesto on the Humancentric Application of AI Technologies in Education (henceforth SEA Manifesto) is an OUM–CENDEF initiative developed to articulate shared concerns, aspirations, and commitments around the sociotechnical futures of education in Southeast Asia. While anchored at OUM, it is conceived for and with the region.
Preamble
The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is transforming education across the globe, and Southeast Asia is no exception. In a region marked by rich cultural diversity, uneven digital development, and vibrant educational traditions, the rise of AI presents both profound opportunities and significant risks.
These developments, however, are not unfolding in a vacuum. Global power asymmetries continue to shape the AI landscape, with tools and standards often developed in the Global North and introduced into Southeast Asia with limited regional input or contextual adaptation.
Such asymmetries risk reinforcing forms of technological dependency and epistemic marginalisation, where local pedagogical needs, values, and knowledges may be overshadowed by imported models.
In response, this Manifesto is a call to action by educators, technologists, policymakers, students, and civil society to ensure that the integration of AI in education serves human flourishing, democratic values, and regional needs.
We affirm that education is not merely a site for technological deployment, but a deeply human endeavour grounded in care, equity, critical thinking, and social justice. AI in education must be governed by principles that uphold the dignity and agency of all learners and educators in Southeast Asia.
Our Commitments
- Human-Centred Purpose
AI technologies must serve pedagogical aims that prioritise human development rather than system efficiency or cost reduction, without being complicit in environmental harm, extractive practices, or the uncritical treatment of different forms of AI in education as equivalent. - Equity and Inclusion
The deployment of AI in education must promote equity and inclusion that extend beyond access to include anti-discrimination, gender-affirmative practices, and respect for human rights. - Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity
AI systems must be critically assessed for cultural relevance and adapted to the diverse languages, histories, and values of Southeast Asian societies. - Ethical Governance
Robust governance frameworks should ensure transparency, accountability, and institutional autonomy, including systematic research on AI impacts and risks, safeguards against vendor lock-in and uncritical platform dependence, and clear processes for mitigation, legal recourse, and redress in cases of harm. - Protection of Rights and Privacy
The collection and use of learner data must be governed by strict privacy standards that prioritise informed consent and protect individual rights. - Democratic Oversight
Decisions regarding AI adoption in education must be participatory, recognising that AI technologies, including those framed as ethical, are inherently political, and involving not just policymakers and vendors, but also communities, students, and teachers, particularly in relation to risks of deprofessionalisation and loss of pedagogical autonomy. - Promotion of Critical AI Literacy
Learners and educators must be empowered with the knowledge to understand, interrogate, and shape the role of AI in education and society. - Transparency of Algorithms and Design Intent
The functioning and design intentions of AI systems must be made intelligible to their users and subject to regular scrutiny. - Support for Educators’ Professional Autonomy
AI should support, not undermine, the professional expertise and relational roles of educators. Automation must never be used to deskill or displace. - Environmental and Economic Responsibility
AI adoption should consider its environmental footprint, long-term costs, and economic sustainability, especially in contexts vulnerable to dependence on proprietary platforms.
Call to Action
We call on all Southeast Asian governments, institutions, and stakeholders to:
- Enact regional guidelines and ethical standards for AI in education.
- Support research and innovation grounded in social need, not market hype.
- Build collaborative, cross-border partnerships for inclusive AI development.
- Invest in capacity building for AI governance, literacy, and infrastructure.
- Centre human dignity in every AI-related educational policy and practice.
The SEA Manifesto is a living document. It will evolve as technologies, values, and regional contexts change. Our core conviction remains: the future of education must be shaped by people, for people, especially in an age of intelligent machines.
Disclaimer: This Manifesto is not a legal instrument and does not constitute binding policy, regulatory guidance, or professional advice. Endorsement of the Manifesto signifies alignment with these principles but does not create legal or contractual obligations for endorsers or for Open University Malaysia.
Endorse the Southeast Asian Manifesto on the Humancentric Application of Al Technologies in Education
We support the principles and commitments set out in this Manifesto. By adding our names and affiliations below, we affirm our endorsement and express our solidarity with the call for a human centred, ethical, and contextually grounded approach to the use of AI technologies in education, with particular attention to the needs, realities, and aspirations of Southeast Asia. Our signatures will appear publicly as a collective statement of this shared commitment.
Meet Our Manifesto Signatories
Emeritus Professor Junhong Xiao, Open University of Shantou, China.
Sebastien Jurkowski, Rexperience Sdn Bhd; Contrast Studio Sdn Bhd; Acoustic & Lighting Systems Sdn Bhd, Malaysia.
Nurhan Norris Ma Weng Chuen, Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE.
Peter Law, Co-Founder, Director & Chief Strategist, Vita Mutari, Malaysia.
“The right path forward is to have ethical use of AI to prevent abuse and manipulation. Looking forward to a wider adoption from ASEAN Business Leaders & HR Practitioners.”
Ikhram, Independent, Malaysia.
Suhaila binti Abdul Hamid, Director, Centre for Quality Assurance, OUM, Malaysia.
Avril Noviana Anak Christopher Kadir, Assistant Manager, Open University Malaysia, Malaysia.
“This is a powerful and much-needed direction for AI in Southeast Asia. It is not just about technology, but about responsibility, people, and real impact. For employers, this means building not only AI skills, but ethical and human-centred talent. The challenge now is not ideas, but execution.”
Hazrul Hizam bin Karim, Senior Lecturer, Open University Malaysia, Malaysia.
“I am in full support of the humancentric application of AI technologies in education.”
Muhamad Syahir bin Muhamad Stamam, Lecturer, Malaysia.
Shishi Kumar Piaralal, Director, OUM Graduate Centre, Malaysia.
“Agreed and timely.”
Rafiq Hariri, Business Development, EMTECH, Malaysia.
Rohaizak Bin Omar, APEL Centre, OUM, Malaysia.
“I fully support this Manifesto as a timely and important guide for ensuring that AI in education remains grounded in human values, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility. As institutions expand the use of digital and data-driven approaches, it is crucial that we prioritise learner rights, cultural relevance, and responsible governance. This initiative is highly relevant for the Southeast Asian education landscape.”
Ramash Ananth, OUM, Malaysia.
“Let’s do this together for the benefit of nation and togetherness.”
Mahani, Associate Professor, Open University Malaysia, Malaysia.
Dg Nurmaisara binti Mohamad Shafee, Executive, Open University Malaysia (OUM), Malaysia.
Nazrai bin Ahmad Zabidi, Manager, Open University Malaysia, Malaysia.
“Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, is a region of diverse cultures and faiths, characterized by tolerance and harmony. As such, one of its key aspirations is to achieve peace through the development of an inclusive and people-centred community. As a source of knowledge, AI should reflect these values to help sustain the harmony that has been cultivated over the decades.”
Christina, Lecturer, OUM, Malaysia.
“Supporting this, especially for Southeast Asia.”
Mazlan Zulkifly, Director of Centre for Digital Media, Open University Malaysia, Malaysia.
Azmi Che Leh, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Technology & Applied Sciences, Open University Malaysia(OUM), Malaysia.
“The Southeast Asian Manifesto on the Humancentric Application of AI Technologies in Education is a timely and morally sound addition to the global conversation on AI in education. By placing a high priority on human dignity, equity, cultural relevance, and democratic involvement, it promotes a strong ethical and sociotechnical position. All things considered, I believe it offers a strong basis for a more equitable, inclusive, and context-sensitive AI-enabled educational future in Southeast Asia.”
Eti F Zainudin, Independent, Malaysia.
“I support this manifesto.”
Wan Mohd Ridwan W Mohd Yusoff, Peer Navigator (DHSKP Program), PT Foundation – Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
“I support this manifesto because the future of artificial intelligence must remain deeply human-centred, especially in Southeast Asia, where education, technology, culture, and social realities intersect in complex ways.
Through my work in community public health in Kuala Lumpur, I have learned that many policies, technologies, and innovations only become meaningful when they are translated into the lived realities of communities. Much of my role involves bridging public health systems, policymakers, and communities that are often marginalised or misunderstood. When used responsibly, AI can strengthen this bridge.
I use AI to translate complex health knowledge, public health policy, and scientific information into accessible language that empowers communities to make informed decisions about their health, dignity, and future. For vulnerable populations facing stigma, misinformation, or structural barriers, ethical AI can become a pathway to knowledge, agency, and inclusion.
However, this is only possible if AI development and governance remain grounded in human dignity, cultural sensitivity, and social justice. Southeast Asia must not simply import technological systems without ensuring they respect our region’s diversity, histories, and societal needs.
I therefore endorse this manifesto in the hope that AI in education and society will be guided not only by technological progress, but by compassion, wisdom, and a commitment to leave no community behind.”
Santhi Govindan, Senior Lecturer, Open University Malaysia, Malaysia.
“Timely manifesto”
Paulo Balderas, Qosmo International School, México
Christopher Wong Poh Keong, Independent, Malaysia.
“Technology is not neutral, and the SEA Manifesto reminds us that the future of education must be shaped by people, for people. We affirm our support for this initiative, committing to AI applications that uphold equity, cultural sensitivity, and the professional autonomy of our educators.”
Se-Wei, Malaysia.
Ken Choong, New Zealand
Dr Suma Parahakaran, Inti International University, Malaysia.
“There are strong calls from research and practical experiences that this should be endorsed. Power imbalances will let down our future generations if we do not act on this. Let’s face the reality of what can be improved, both contextually and in terms of knowledge development.”
Api Husien, Independent, Malaysia
“AI is just a tool. It depends on how we as humans use it, for better or worse. The same goes for a knife; we can use it to help us cut things, but if misused, it can lead to murder. AI in education is actually really good for enhancing the capabilities of students and teachers. In today’s fast-paced technological environment and rapidly changing world, human nature also needs to remain conscious of staying human, not becoming like androids or machines.”
Ts Dr Soh Wan Geok, UTM, UCSI, Malaysia
Va Nee Loke, Head of QA The One Academy of Communication Design, Malaysia
Permadi Saputra, Independent, Indonesia.
Telagawathy Murugaiah, Malaysia.
“AI would drain the creativity of our youth if it is used without limits. It’s about time to implement stricter guidelines on its use before we become fully reliant on AI, even to construct a full sentence.”
Lee Chin Tee, Independent, Malaysia.
Lim Siew Eang, Retired Teacher, Malaysia.
Toh Ee Ming, Singapore.
Aditya Suryaputra, Business Development Manager, Synetica, Indonesia.
“I fully support this Manifesto and its call for a human-centred, ethical, and contextually grounded approach to AI in education. For Southeast Asia, this conversation is especially important because AI adoption cannot be separated from questions of equity, cultural relevance, digital access, and local agency.
AI should not merely make education faster or more efficient; it should help make learning more inclusive, critical, and empowering. I hope this Manifesto can encourage stronger regional collaboration so that Southeast Asia does not simply adapt to global AI systems, but actively shapes them according to our own values, realities, and aspirations.”
Wayla Amatathammachad, Prayoon For Art Foundation, Thailand.
Pendik Fradana, Bantengan Nuswantara, Indonesia.
“Sudut pandang saya memang sangat selaras dengan prinsip-prinsip tersebut. Pengembangan teknologi yang hebat akan menjadi sia-sia jika tidak memiliki landasan moral atau justru menciptakan ketimpangan sosial.
Megan Wonowidjoyo, Singapore.
Mohamad Bin Sulaiman, COO, Malaysia.
“I strongly support the responsible use of AI in education, particularly approaches that remain ethical, inclusive, and relevant to Southeast Asia’s unique educational landscape.
Jessica Lim, Independent, Singapore.
Djuwadi, Independent, Indonesia.
HL Sim, Software engineer, Experian, Malaysia.
Amina Jindani, The Big Wig MoOne Drama / MO1 Productions, Malaysia.
Satoko Onishi, Life Coach, Japan.
ENDORSEMENTS REMAIN OPEN: The list will be regularly updated as new endorsements are submitted. Some endorsements may not appear immediately.