Latest news with #Kao
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean to establish AI safety initiative
Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn delivers remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China. - Photo: Asean Secretariat JAKARTA: (Bernama) Asean, under Malaysia's current chairmanship, is establishing the Asean AI Safety Network (AI Safe) to promote ethical innovation, institutionalise safety protocols, and strengthen regional cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI). Asean secretary-general Datuk Dr Kao Kim Hourn said the initiative reflects the region's commitment to embedding trust, transparency, and accountability in AI development. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on Saturday (July 27), Kao said Asean is ready to work closely with China through the Asean-China 2025 Digital Work Plan to build a resilient and equitable AI partnership. He cautioned that while AI brings efficiency, it also poses serious risks, as autonomous AI agents and generative technologies lack ethical reasoning and are prone to bias, manipulation, and unintended harm. "Generative AI heightens threats such as misinformation, deepfakes, and cybersecurity breaches,' Kao said in remarks released by the Asean Secretariat. He said without proper governance, these developments could deepen inequality and erode privacy. He called for urgent international co-operation to ensure AI serves human welfare. Kao also welcomed the launch of the China-Asean AI Centre, aimed at supporting responsible AI deployment in the region, while noting the China-Asean Digital Academy as a key effort to bridge digital skills gaps by offering training and tools to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and underserved communities. He called on governments, industry, and academia to collaborate in shaping a future where AI is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. "Our path forward is clear: unlock new co-operation, drive engines of growth, and create opportunities across Asean, China, and beyond,' Kao added. - Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN To Establish AI Safety Initiative
ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn delivers remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China. Credit : ASEAN Secretariat By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar JAKARTA, July 27 (Bernama) -- ASEAN, under Malaysia's current chairmanship, is establishing the ASEAN AI Safety Network (AI Safe) to promote ethical innovation, institutionalise safety protocols, and strengthen regional cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI). ASEAN secretary-general Datuk Dr Kao Kim Hourn said the initiative reflects the region's commitment to embedding trust, transparency, and accountability in AI development. bootstrap slideshow Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on Saturday, Kao said ASEAN is ready to work closely with China through the ASEAN-China 2025 Digital Work Plan to build a resilient and equitable AI partnership. He cautioned that while AI brings efficiency, it also poses serious risks, as autonomous AI agents and generative technologies lack ethical reasoning and are prone to bias, manipulation, and unintended harm. 'Generative AI heightens threats such as misinformation, deepfakes, and cybersecurity breaches,' Kao said in remarks released by the ASEAN Secretariat. He said without proper governance, these developments could deepen inequality and erode privacy. He called for urgent international co-operation to ensure AI serves human welfare. Kao also welcomed the launch of the China-ASEAN AI Centre, aimed at supporting responsible AI deployment in the region, while noting the China-ASEAN Digital Academy as a key effort to bridge digital skills gaps by offering training and tools to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and underserved communities. He called on governments, industry, and academia to collaborate in shaping a future where AI is inclusive, ethical, and sustainable.
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Bangkok Post
Kao and CMU Build Roads from Recycled Plastics
Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese manufacturer of consumer and chemical products, has partnered with the Faculty of Engineering at Chiang Mai University to launch the 'Green Pavement' project on campus. This initiative showcases Kao's innovative NEWTLAC technology, which repurposes used PET plastic bottles into a chemical additive for asphalt, improving road durability, strength, and environmental sustainability. Kao contributed funding and materials worth 1,230,000 THB to support the construction, reinforcing the company's commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting the sustainable resource use in Thailand. Mrs. Narumol Nakakes, Vice President of Chemical Sales and Marketing at Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated, 'Our partnership with Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Engineering on the Green Pavement project is a proud milestone for Kao. It brings our NEWTLAC innovation to life in a meaningful way and aligns directly with our zero-waste strategy. This project proves that discarded PET plastic bottles can be transformed into high-value, durable, and safe infrastructure.' Research by Kao Corporation in Japan shows that just 100 square metreers of NEWTLAC-enhanced pavement can recycle up to 1,430 PET bottles. This pilot road stands as a powerful prototype, paving the way for more environmentally friendly infrastructure development across Thailand.' The Green Pavement project is comprises a prototype stretch of porous asphalt road enhanced with Kao's NEWTLAC 5510 technology. This innovative material is made produced by chemically processing used PET plastic bottles into a fine, yellow powder resembling granulated sugar. When mixed blended with traditional asphalt, it produces creates a highly durable, water-resistant surface that significantly extends the road's lifespan. With Kao providing 1.23 million baht in funding and materials, the project involved the renovation of a 469-metreer roadway, covering more than 3,000 square metermetres within Chiang Mai University. A total of 1.3 tonnes of NEWTLAC was used—recycling 18,909 PET bottles—resulting in an environmentally friendly road that combines structural strength, excellent water permeability, and protection of the campus's existing ecosystem. Associate Professor Dr. Thongchai Fongsamootr, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chiang Mai University, remarked, 'The Faculty of Engineering is committed to becoming a leading institution in driving research and innovation for sustainable infrastructure. We are proud to partner with Kao on the Green Pavement project, part of our broader initiative, titled 'Plastic Road Pavement from Kao NEWTLAC as Recycled PET Product.'. This project not only addresses key challenges in civil and environmental engineering but also serves as a 'Living Lab,' where students and faculty can engage with real-world applications of alternative materials. The road's strength, durability, and excellent water absorption, along with its ability to preserve mature trees and the natural landscape of our campus, exemplify its potential as a model for sustainable development in Thailand.' The Green Pavement at Chiang Mai University marks the third real-world deployment of Kao's NEWTLAC technology. Earlier pilots were carried out at two other locations: a 500-square-metre stretch at Amata City Industrial Estate in Chonburi, and a 1,500-square-metre section at the Din Daeng toll plaza on the inbound Don Mueang Tollway, covering both inner and outer lanes. The consistent success across all three sites underscores Kao's steadfast commitment to sustainable innovation and delivering long-term environmental benefits to Thai society.
The Star
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Parliamentarians are key to peace and stability in this region, says Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly
PHNOM PENH (Bernama): Parliamentarians across South-East Asia must take on a more active role in promoting diplomacy and stability amid rising geopolitical tensions. This was the key message from top speakers at the 16th Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus held in Phnom Penh, who stressed that the role of lawmakers is more crucial than ever. Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn also called on parliamentarians to champion peace and regional stability. He said that in the interconnected yet fragmented world, sustainable peace is not merely the absence of war or conflict, but the presence of justice, understanding, and inclusivity. "In an era marked by geopolitical tensions and proliferation of divisive narratives, the role of parliamentarians as bridge builders and peace makers has become more crucial today than before,' Kao said in his keynote remarks. The heads of AIPA from Asean member states and Timor-Leste are participating in the two-day event, which is being held at the National Assembly hall in the capital. "This caucus serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating true structure of dialogue, mutual respect, and sheer commitment to peaceful resolution. We can address the most complex challenges facing the region or the world,' said Kao. The theme of the meeting is 'Peace Through Dialogue: The Parliamentary Path Forward' - emphasising the role of parliamentary diplomacy in achieving peace and prosperity. Speaking at the event, Cambodia's National Assembly President Khuon Sudary said Cambodia remains fully committed to supporting Asean unity and centrality. "The roles of parliamentary diplomacy are increasingly critical in promoting regional and global peace efforts. By promoting dialogue, confidence-building measures, preventive diplomacy, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, we can contribute more to world peace. "AIPA, together with observer parliaments, needs to be more proactive and bolder in promoting parliamentary diplomacy and cooperation to shore up regional and global governance while promoting a rules-based international order,' said Sudary. - Bernama
Barnama
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Parliamentarians Key To Peace, Stability In Region, Says AIPA
By Vijian Paramasivam PHNOM PENH, July 15 (Bernama) -- Parliamentarians across Southeast Asia must take on a more active role in promoting diplomacy and stability amid rising geopolitical tensions. This was the key message from top speakers at the 16th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus held in Phnom Penh, who stressed that the role of lawmakers is more crucial than ever. ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn also called on parliamentarians to champion peace and regional stability. He said that in the interconnected yet fragmented world, sustainable peace is not merely the absence of war or conflict, but the presence of justice, understanding, and inclusivity. 'In an era marked by geopolitical tensions and proliferation of divisive narratives, the role of parliamentarians as bridge builders and peace makers has become more crucial today than before,' Kao said in his keynote remarks. The heads of AIPA from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste are participating in the two-day event, which is being held at the National Assembly hall in the capital. 'This caucus serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating true structure of dialogue, mutual respect, and sheer commitment to peaceful resolution. We can address the most complex challenges facing the region or the world,' said Kao. The theme of the meeting is 'Peace Through Dialogue: The Parliamentary Path Forward' — emphasising the role of parliamentary diplomacy in achieving peace and prosperity.
