UPH Fosters International Collaboration for SDG Best Practices through the International Conference on Regulating Technology in Asia
In the era of rapid digital transformation, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and automation continue to reshape the global economic and social landscape, posing both opportunities and challenges for sustainable development. Recognizing the urgency of developing adaptive and ethical governance frameworks, Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) initiated the International Conference on “Regulating Technology in Asia: Prospects and Challenges”, held on 7–8 March 2024 in Tangerang, Indonesia.
Organized by the Faculty of Law at UPH in collaboration with Monash Law (Australia) and the Faculty of Law, Chiang Mai University (Thailand), this inaugural conference served as a platform for international dialogue and knowledge exchange on SDG-related best practices, particularly in the areas of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through collaborative research presentations, comparative policy analysis, and regional cooperation discussions, the conference aimed to foster a shared understanding of how law and policy can guide the sustainable regulation of emerging technologies in Asia.
A key highlight of the event was a special session in collaboration with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), titled “Local Content Requirements: Promises and Pitfalls.” This exclusive session provided a cross-sectoral platform for government representatives, legal experts, and academic researchers to exchange insights on technology regulation, inclusive growth, and responsible innovation, reflecting the broader SDG principle of ensuring that technological advancement contributes to equitable and sustainable development.
Throughout the two-day conference, participants explored a wide range of subtopics including digital transformation and public governance, innovation and intellectual property protection, green technology and climate change, digital economy and inclusive growth, and human rights in the age of AI. These themes underscored the interconnectedness of technological regulation with the global sustainability agenda, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in creating regulatory ecosystems that are inclusive, transparent, and future-ready.
Through this international collaboration, UPH reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the SDGs through education, research, and policy engagement. The conference outcomes are expected to inform future initiatives in the development of legal frameworks and governance models that uphold innovation, protect human rights, and ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future for Asia and the world.