AI for Governance Lab

Shaping Asia's AI-augmented Future—Responsibly

The AI for Governance Lab (AI4Gov Lab) is where artificial intelligence meets democratic governance. We're building Asia's capacity to harness AI's transformative potential while safeguarding equity, transparency, and citizen agency.

Across Asia, governments face a critical choice: embrace AI's promise to transform public services, or risk deepening inequality and eroding democratic accountability. The AI4Gov Lab exists to ensure technology serves the public good.

What We Do

We create safe-to-fail spaces where government officials, technologists, and communities experiment together—prototyping AI solutions that strengthen public services, enhance institutional capability, and advance democratic values.

Our Focus Areas:

AI Literacy & Institutional Readiness – Most government agencies lack basic understanding of AI's capabilities, limitations, and governance requirements. We build confident, capable institutions through hands-on learning, readiness assessments, and champion development—training 500+ officials annually by 2028.

Ethical AI Design – AI deployed without attention to fairness perpetuates inequality. We co-create ethics frameworks with affected communities, conduct bias audits, and ensure inclusive design processes that center marginalized voices—from indigenous peoples to persons with disabilities.

Service Delivery Innovation – Public services remain slow and inaccessible for millions. We prototype AI-powered solutions for health triage, social protection screening, business permits, and citizen complaint management—demonstrating 70% reductions in transaction times while improving quality.

Policy Leadership – Asia needs coherent, context-appropriate AI governance frameworks. We translate ground-level learning into policy recommendations, operate regulatory sandboxes, and convene multi-stakeholder dialogues that bridge government, tech sector, civil society, and academia.

How We Work

Grounded in systems thinking and community-based learning, we don't import solutions—we co-create them. Using Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) and human-centered design, we work alongside LGUs, civil society, and citizens to ensure AI reflects local realities and democratic values.

Every prototype begins with participatory diagnosis. We map power dynamics, identify leverage points, and design with—not for—the people most affected. Through iterative testing and radical transparency, we build trust while building capability.

Our Impact

From health chatbots expanding access in rural Philippines to predictive analytics supporting climate-resilient agriculture, our prototypes demonstrate what's possible when technology meets good governance. We achieve 60% adoption rates—far above typical pilot-to-scale transitions—because communities own the solutions.

Beyond individual innovations, we're cultivating an ecosystem of change. Our AI Governance Fellowship trains leaders who return to their institutions as champions. Our Regional Learning Network connects 300+ practitioners sharing knowledge across borders. Our case studies and policy briefs influence national frameworks from Manila to Jakarta to Dhaka.

Join the Movement

Whether you're a government agency seeking AI implementation support, a researcher exploring governance innovation, a tech company committed to responsible AI, or a funder believing in democratic technology—let's shape the future together.

Explore Our Programs:

• AI Governance Fellowship – 6-month action-learning for government leaders

• Prototyping Studio – Co-create and test AI innovations with your institution

• Regulatory Sandbox – Safe experimentation with policy innovations

• Regional Learning Network – Join 300+ practitioners advancing responsible AI