ASEAN Law Forum opens in Hanoi to tackle AI governance and legal innovation

VOV.VN - The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents three strategic questions for national and international legal frameworks, Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau said at the opening of the ASEAN Law Forum 2026 in Hanoi on August 18.

The two-day forum, organized by the Ministry of Justice under the theme "Application of Artificial Intelligence in Law-Making and Enforcement in the Digital Era," brought together senior judicial officials and legal experts from all ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretariat, and international organizations.

Attending delegates included Cambodia's Secretary of State for Justice and the Undersecretary of Justice of the Philippines, which holds the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026.

Addressing the session, Chau noted that rapid technological developments and big data are widening the gap between frontrunners and slower-moving nations, creating a major paradox of higher risks alongside expanded opportunities for breakthroughs.

From Vietnam’s perspective, Chau highlighted three primary questions posed by AI: how legal systems can regulate AI to protect human rights without impeding innovation; how AI can improve the quality of law-making and enforcement; and how AI can deliver concrete benefits to citizens and businesses by cutting compliance costs and enhancing legal access.

asean law forum opens in hanoi to tackle ai governance and legal innovation picture 2 — International delegates at the opening session of the ASEAN Law Forum 2026

Because digital challenges such as data security, algorithmic ethics, and cybersecurity transcend national boundaries, Chau stressed that no country can address them alone.

He informed delegates that Vietnam is shifting its legislative mindset from traditional administration to adaptive and development-enabling governance,

asean law forum opens in hanoi to tackle ai governance and legal innovation picture 3 — , Minister of Justice Hoang Thanh Tung

maintaining legal flexibility to unlock the full potential of emerging technologies while safeguarding core values and security.

Entering the second year of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, Chau stated that the region is well-positioned to lead in responsible AI adoption in the legal sector. He proposed four cooperation pillars: developing shared guidelines for AI in law-making based on the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics; sharing legal data standards to facilitate cross-border legal search and reduce compliance costs; training legal-tech talent and sharing infrastructure; and maintaining dialogue networks among experts.

Reinforcing these points, Minister of Justice Hoang Thanh Tung advocated for a harmonized ASEAN AI governance framework-one that respects national diversity while adhering to the core principle that AI must be human-centric, safe, reliable, and inclusive.

Tung emphasized that digital transformation in the legal domain requires innovating law-making methods and enhancing public service delivery, while dealing with common issues such as personal data protection, algorithmic transparency, and system accountability.

Minister Hoang Thanh Tung expressed confidence that the open, substantive, and constructive dialogues at the forum will foster new initiatives, connections, and partnerships, contributing to higher institutional quality, strengthening the rule of law, and positioning law as a foundation for innovation, sustainable development, and regional integration.