The UK AI Week in Bangkok, held in January 2025, transcended a mere technological showcase; it became a powerful symbol of international collaboration in navigating the transformative age of artificial intelligence. Officially opened by British Ambassador Mark Gooding, the event highlighted the strong UK-Thailand partnership, particularly within the context of their 170-year diplomatic relationship. Ambassador Gooding emphasised the UK's commitment to responsible AI development, pointing to the AI Opportunities Action Plan as a roadmap for fostering innovation while building public trust. He underscored the event's role as a platform for international collaboration, recognising the shared global challenge of harnessing AI's potential while addressing its ethical implications.

British Ambassador, Mr. Mark Gooding OBE who delivered the opening remark.

Building on this foundation, Dr Piyanuch Wuttisorn, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, reinforced the importance of working together to achieve an AI-powered future. She showcased Thailand's progress in AI adoption across diverse sectors, emphasising the government's commitment to ethical AI governance. Dr Wuttisorn highlighted the Prime Minister's focus on both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, stressing the need for robust frameworks and international cooperation. Her mention of the forthcoming UNESCO Global Forum on Ethics of AI in Bangkok further positioned Thailand as a key player in the global conversation on responsible AI development. These opening remarks established the UK AI Week as a valuable opportunity for fostering dialogue, sharing best practice, and charting a collaborative path forward in the age of AI.

Shaping a Vision for Responsible AI

The first day of the UK AI Week in Bangkok set the tone, emphasising the transformative potential of AI while acknowledging the critical need for responsible development and ethical considerations. The sessions explored the evolving landscape of AI, its potential societal impact, and the government's role in navigating this complex terrain.

A Glimpse into the Future: How Advances in AI Could Change the World

Dr Laura Gilbert CBE captivated the audience with a thought-provoking presentation on the potential trajectory of AI, drawing on insights from industry luminaries like Geoffrey Hinton. She discussed the concept of superintelligence, not as a dystopian "Skynet" scenario, but as a subtle yet powerful force capable of shaping human behaviour. Dr Gilbert underscored the government's crucial role in proactively engaging with AI development, not just to mitigate risks, but to harness its potential benefits for the public good. This proactive approach involves attracting and nurturing AI talent, establishing in-house expertise through initiatives like AI incubators, and developing robust yet adaptable regulations. She painted a compelling picture of AI revolutionising public services, from personalised learning in education to preventative care in healthcare. However, Dr Gilbert also acknowledged the potential downsides of AI, including job displacement, misinformation, and the exacerbation of existing inequalities. Her concluding message emphasised humility and adaptability in approaching the unpredictable future of AI.

Dr Laura Gilbert CBE, presented her session “How Advances in AI Could Change the World”

Seizing AI Opportunities: The UK Government's Approach

Michael Padfield from i.AI provided a practical perspective on the UK government's approach to AI adoption. He outlined the UK's historical strength in AI, from Alan Turing's legacy to its current thriving ecosystem of AI companies and research institutions. Padfield emphasised the government's commitment to AI safety, highlighted by the AI Safety Summit and the establishment of the AI Safety Institute. He detailed the ambitious AI Opportunities Action Plan, with its 50 recommendations focused on building foundational infrastructure, transforming public services, and securing the UK's sovereign AI capabilities. The subsequent launch of the Government Digital Service (GDS) further consolidated these efforts. Padfield then showcased several AI tools developed by i.AI for governmental use. RedBox, Lex, Consult, and Parlex demonstrated the practical application of AI in policy analysis, legal research, and public engagement, showcasing how AI can streamline government processes and improve decision-making.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape: A Thai Perspective

A panel discussion featuring Thai regulators and Dr Gilbert provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in developing effective AI governance. Dr Sak Segkhoonthod from ETDA outlined Thailand's phased approach to AI regulation, prioritising a flexible framework of recommendations and guidelines over strict legislation. This approach allows for adaptation to the rapidly evolving AI landscape while addressing potential public resistance to over-regulation. The panel emphasised the importance of education, stakeholder collaboration, and risk management in promoting responsible AI adoption. The discussion also highlighted Thailand's national AI strategy, its commitment to ethical considerations and international standards, and its focus on developing AI solutions tailored to the local context, such as the establishment of an AI benchmarking centre. Dr Gilbert's contributions reinforced the importance of context-based regulation, professional standards for AI developers, and international collaboration in navigating the complex world of AI governance. The panellists' diverse perspectives provided a nuanced understanding of the delicate balance between fostering innovation and mitigating risks, setting the stage for further discussions on responsible AI development throughout the week.

Commercialising AI and Fostering International Growth

The second day of UK AI Week in Bangkok shifted the focus to the commercial aspects of AI, exploring the opportunities and challenges in bringing AI solutions to market, fostering international collaborations, and building a thriving AI ecosystem.

Building Trust in the Digital Age: The Role of Metrology

Sundeep Bhandari of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) delivered a compelling presentation on the critical role of metrology – the science of measurement – in establishing trust and confidence in the digital age. He argued that as our world becomes increasingly data-driven, robust measurement standards are essential for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of AI systems. Bhandari highlighted NPL's pioneering work in establishing traceability in the digital realm, mirroring the traceability standards used for physical measurements. This includes digitising fundamental constants and developing digital certificates to ensure data integrity and facilitate trustworthy digital transactions. He emphasised the importance of this work in addressing the "confidence gap" in AI by providing quantifiable measures of reliability, particularly in critical applications. Bhandari also stressed the need for international collaboration in developing and harmonising AI standards, highlighting NPL's active involvement in global initiatives. He concluded by showcasing NPL's commitment to democratising access to AI standards and expertise through the AI Standards Hub, empowering smaller companies and academics to participate in the global AI landscape.

Mr. Sundeep Bhandar delivered keynotes during the session “The Role of AI and Measurement in Providing Confidence in the Digital Age”

Commercialising AI Internationally: Sharing Experiences and Best Practices

A dynamic panel discussion brought together industry leaders to share their experiences and insights into commercialising AI on a global scale. Moderated by Zak Lawton from the British Embassy, the panel emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships, local presence, and adapting to local nuances when entering new markets. Jay Chandan of Gorilla Technology highlighted the value of local investment and tailoring solutions to specific regional needs. Korawad Chearavanont from Amity Solutions shared his company's journey of expanding into the UK market, driven by the desire to access top-tier AI talent and leverage the UK's supportive R&D environment. Stewart Boutcher from Veracity Trust Network emphasised the symbiotic relationship between AI and cybersecurity, stressing the need for local presence and relationship building in Southeast Asia. Pongsanipa Kamalanavin from Kasikorn X Venture Capital (KXVC) provided the investor's perspective, highlighting the importance of supporting start-ups with strong leadership and a global vision. The discussion also touched upon the role of government support in facilitating international expansion and the need for greater collaboration between government and industry. Further discussion explored predictions for 2025 and beyond, touching on the increasing maturity of AI, the importance of government and industry collaboration, the verticalisation of AI solutions, and a continued focus on addressing real-world problems. The session concluded with an audience Q&A, including a discussion on addressing Thailand's household debt.

From left to right: Jay Chandan, Pongsanipa Kamalanavin, Stewart Boutcher, Korawad Chearavanont and Zak Lawton during the session “Commercialising AI Internationally – Sharing Experiences and Best Practice”

The Commercial AI Ecosystem: Creating a Supportive Environment

A second panel discussion delved into the complexities of building a thriving commercial AI ecosystem. Dr Chinawut Chinaprayoon from depa outlined Thailand's multi-faceted approach to promoting AI adoption, highlighting initiatives aimed at attracting investment, supporting businesses, and attracting international talent through various visa programmes. Dr Laura Gilbert reiterated the importance of collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector, emphasising the need for a shift towards government acting as a collaborative partner rather than simply a customer. She highlighted the Number 10 Innovation Fellowship, a programme designed to bring private sector expertise into government. Dr Karndee Leopairote from FutureTales Lab provided insights into Thailand's AI landscape, highlighting the potential economic impact of AI and the need for developing local talent and addressing the gap in Technology Readiness Levels. Andrew McBean from Grant Thornton offered a practical perspective on the challenges of corporate AI adoption, advocating for a structured, agile approach to implementation. The panellists engaged in a lively discussion on topics ranging from government procurement and SME support to exciting new AI applications and ethical considerations. The session wrapped up with an audience Q&A and further discussion on government procurement for SMEs and promising new applications of AI.

Mr Andrew McBean, Dr Karndee Leopairote, Dr Chinawut Chinaprayoon, Dr Laura Gilbert CBE and Ms Germaine Dowling during the session “The Commercial AI Ecosystem – Creating and Supporting an Environment for AI Commercial Collaboration”

AI in Healthcare and Cultivating Future Innovators

The final day of UK AI Week in Bangkok focused on two crucial aspects of the AI revolution: its transformative potential in healthcare and the development of a future-ready workforce.

Deciphering the Genome and Beyond: AI and New Frontiers of Healthcare

Dr Francisco Azuaje, Director of Bioinformatics at Genomics England, provided a detailed overview of AI's current and future applications in healthcare, focusing on genomics and multi-omics. He highlighted the broad public support for AI in healthcare within the UK, while also addressing ethical concerns and emphasising the need for responsible development. Dr Azuaje outlined Genomics England's mission to enable genomic medicine through AI-driven innovation, showcasing specific examples like tumour sample degradation prediction and gene-disease association extraction. He also explored future trends, including the shift towards purpose-built AI models, higher evaluation standards, and the integration of multi-omics data for a more holistic approach to patient care. He concluded with recommendations for healthcare leaders on navigating the challenges of AI implementation.

Dr Francisco Azuaje during his session “Deciphering the Genome and Beyond”

Future of AI in Healthcare: A Collaborative Ecosystem

A panel of experts from the UK and Thailand explored the challenges and opportunities in integrating AI into healthcare systems. The discussion addressed key issues such as data quality and accessibility, the need for a balanced approach to innovation and safety, and the importance of developing AI models trained on data specific to the Thai population. The panel also highlighted the potential of AI in personalised medicine, drug discovery using traditional medicine, and regenerative medicine. Experts from Genomics England, VISTEC, Mahidol University, and NXPO weighed in on current challenges, government strategies, the impact of AI on healthcare businesses, and data privacy concerns.

Innovator of Tomorrow: Cultivating Future AI Talent

A panel discussion focused on developing the next generation of AI professionals explored the importance of international collaboration, the evolving demand for AI skills, and the impact of AI on education and the workforce. Panellists emphasised the need for deeper research collaborations, wider access to learning resources, and a greater focus on practical, hands-on training. The panel advocated for business-education partnerships to bridge the skills gap, including internships, secondments, and apprenticeships. They concluded with advice for aspiring AI professionals, encouraging them to embrace continuous learning, explore their passions, and be adaptable in the face of a rapidly evolving field. The discussion also covered strategies for upskilling, including time management techniques, and the importance of integrating ethical considerations into AI training.

Group photo of our esteemed guests and hosts during the first day of the event.

From its insightful discussions to its practical demonstrations, the UK AI Week in Bangkok served as a powerful catalyst for international collaboration and knowledge exchange, forging a path towards a future where AI is developed and deployed responsibly and ethically. The event fostered a vibrant ecosystem of dialogue, bringing together experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders from the UK and Thailand to explore the multifaceted dimensions of AI’s transformative potential. From exploring cutting-edge applications in healthcare and genomics to addressing the critical need for robust governance frameworks and talent development, the week’s sessions underscored the importance of a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to navigating the complexities of the AI revolution. The insights shared, partnerships formed, and initiatives launched during the UK AI Week will undoubtedly contribute to shaping a future where AI benefits both nations and the wider global community.