Ethical Governance of AI and the Prevention of Digital Authoritarianism in South and Southeast Asia: Case Studies of India and Singapore

The initial enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) systems has given way to a more balanced reflection on their impacts. AI’s potential – both transformative and disruptive – depends on governance. The 2025 Paris AI Summit marked a shift in government priorities from AI safety to security, regulation to innovation, and global to national strategies. However, given AI’s transnational nature, a globally accepted ethical governance framework is crucial.
This paper contributes to such a framework by offering insights for the EU – specifically Germany, a key player in shaping the EU AI Act. It examines AI governance in India and Singapore – two emerging AI powers investing in skills, infrastructure, and innovation. Their distinct strategies reflect national priorities and global ambitions. While advocating AI democratisation, they may also face risks of authoritarianism enabled by AI technologies.
The paper provides policy recommendations through three sections: (1) a comparative analysis of India’s and Singapore’s AI governance frameworks; (2) insights on AI risk regulation, innovation incentives, and countering digital authoritarianism; and (3) recommendations for Germany’s cooperation with India and Singapore on regulation, R&D, trade, and security. Ethical AI governance must ensure equity, sustainability, and global cooperation, preventing AI’s misuse while maximising its benefits.