Artificial Intelligence in Telecommunications for Digital Education: Policy and Ethical Perspectives from Southeast Asia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53797/ujssh.v5i16.1.2026Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Telecommunications, Digital Education, Southeast Asia, Equity and AccessAbstract
The present study aims to explore how artificial intelligence is being integrated into telecommunications for digital education across Southeast Asia. The research has particularly focused on policy, ethical, and sustainability dimensions. By adopting a mixed-methods design, we conducted twelve semi-structured interviews with policymakers, telecom experts, educators, and representatives from civil society. We also conducted an extensive review of secondary sources, including policy documents, literature, and reports. Results showed that AI in education is offering clear benefits, such as personalized learning, improved access, and efficiency regarding the utilization of resources. Results also showed that without inclusive policies, AI risks can reinforce the existing divides rather than bridging them. Results from content analysis reinforced these findings. In this regard, the regional initiatives are important, such as the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and national strategies in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The results suggest that AI has transformative potential for expanding access and improving learning outcomes. However, there are a few risks that are related to inequity, privacy, and overreliance on external actors that remain pressing. The study underscored the importance of local ownership, regulatory safeguards, and collaborative governance so that ethical and sustainable integration of AI can be ensured in digital education.
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