Leaders in research, policy, and industry gathered at De La Salle University on November 7, 2025 to launch AI Governance & Safety Research, marking a major step toward advancing responsible artificial intelligence. The launch took place during the culmination of the ASEFInnoLab6, a flagship program of ASEFEdu.
Dr. Robert Kerwin Billones led the initiative in partnership with DLSU and with support from the Royal Academy of Engineering through the United Kingdom’s International Science Partnerships Fund. The initiative brings together interdisciplinary research on AI governance and regulation.
The event opened with remarks from Dr. Raymond Girard Tan, DLSU Vice-President for Research and Innovation. Speakers from government, industry, academe, and policy research presented during the program.
Engr. Alberto Salvador Jr. from DICT explained how the government develops regulatory frameworks for AI, while Derick Ohmar Adil of Globe Telecom discussed how organizations can embed privacy and governance mechanisms early in AI system design to build trusted innovation.
Prof. Benito Tehankee also discussed the ethical dimensions of AI. Meanwhile, experts from the Asia Pacific Policy Observatory, Kenneth Leung and Aviral Kaintura, shared regional perspectives on AI research and policy.
The ASEFInnoLab6 provided the platform for this milestone. Led by ASEFEdu, the program convened higher education stakeholders from Asia and Europe to collaborate on shared challenges at the intersection of AI and education. In its sixth edition, ASEFInnoLab6 focused on the role of universities in developing skills for an AI-powered future and involved over 200 participants from 39 countries through a multiple-week program of learning and dialogue.
The launch of AI Governance & Safety Research highlighted the need for sustained collaboration across research, policy, and practice as AI continues to shape public and institutional life. A closing panel discussion and networking opportunities during the program also gave participants space to extend the conversation, showing AI governance as a key part of preparing universities and societies for an AI-powered future.
