Navigating ASEAN region artificial intelligence (AI) governance readiness in healthcare

Background: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported 40 % of jobs will be influenced by Artificial Intelligence (AI), globally. Integration of AI into healthcare holds immense promise to revolutionize patient care, diagnosis, and treatment strategies but significant concerns regarding ethical considerations of data privacy, security, and bias in AI algorithms. ASEAN member states are increasingly interested in AI implementation in healthcare, but a clear description of each country's landscape is lacking, hindering gap identification and development potential. Objective: To explore the gaps in AI-related policies and guidance in the ASEAN region, with a specific focus on the healthcare sector. Method: In this study, we assessed the "Government AI Readiness Index from 2020 to 2023 by Oxford Insights to gauge ASEAN nations' readiness for AI utilization in healthcare. A comprehensive review of national and regional AI policies that focuses on the healthcare sector was conducted. Data collection involved gathering information from published official policies and guidelines, government health ministries' websites, and online sources. Additionally, guidance on digital health policies specific to the ASEAN region was explored. Results: Descriptive analysis of government AI readiness reveals disparities with Singapore leading the region (ranked 2nd), followed by Malaysia (ranked 23), Thailand (ranked 37), Indonesia (ranked 42), Vietnam (ranked 59), Philippines (ranked 65), and Brunei Darussalam (ranked 74), highlighting progress in establishing AI governance frameworks. However, countries like Laos (ranked 136), Cambodia (ranked 145), Myanmar (ranked 149), and Timor-Leste (ranked 156) lag, with limited regulations and strategies in place. Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines established a national-level policy with a focus on the health sector while others are still in progress. Regional AI guidance has been established recently with different approaches to the EU's AI Act. Despite witnessing progress in the digital health sector post-COVID-19, challenges persist in digital infrastructure and literacy across regional countries. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the varied readiness for AI technology, particularly in healthcare, across the ASEAN region, highlighting the necessity for strengthening country-level policies, especially in governance, to facilitate the effective establishment of AI technologies in the healthcare sector. By implementing proper AI policies, training human capital, and enhancing digital infrastructure, ASEAN countries can markedly improve healthcare outcomes and make significant contributions to achieving SDG Goals 3 and 9b.