Series: ADB Competition Policy Initiative Regulating the Unregulated: AI Platforms and Competition Policy in the ASEAN 4 May 2026 Philippines Artificial intelligence is reshaping markets faster than many regulators can respond. As global technology firms expand across interconnected layers of the AI stack, from chips and cloud to foundation models and consumer applications, ASEAN faces a growing competition policy challenge. This presentation examines how cross-layer platform expansion is testing existing governance frameworks across Southeast Asia. With mandates fragmented across competition, digital, trade, and industry bodies, and member states at uneven stages of regulatory development, the region risks entrenching foreign incumbents and losing economic value if responses remain uncoordinated. Drawing on a structured analysis of ASEAN’s governance architecture, the session identifies where the main gaps lie and how development institutions, competition authorities, and regional bodies can respond more effectively. Program and Learning Materials Disclaimer The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Event Coordinator/s Yesim Elhan-Kayalar J. Kathleen Magadia ADB Organizer/s Economic Research and Development Impact Department Read Also Designing Competition Policy for Economic Development in Asia and the Pacific Topics Industry and Trade Private Sector Public Sector Management and Governance Public-Private Partnership Regional Cooperation and Integration