Dr. Eric J. W. Orlowski

About this programme

Dr. Eric J. W. Orlowski is a Research Fellow at the NUS AI Institute, working on AI governance, policy, and the social conditions of AI development and deployment. Trained in Science and Technology Studies and ethnographic research, his work focuses on making AI governance practical and context-sensitive. He currently leads research on cultural alignment in AI systems, examining how developers can assess whether systems are appropriate, meaningful, and useful across deployment settings.

Highlight

The Sovereignty Trap: “Our Own AI” May Leave Southeast Asia Weaker

As Southeast Asia’s dependence on external AI systems grows, calls for “sovereign AI” are gaining traction. Yet without a clearer meaning of what sovereignty actually
Read more Accent arrow

AI on Trial: Navigating Explainability and Transparency

In this article, Dr. Eric J. W. Orlowski delves into the critical elements of AI governance: explainability and transparency. Drawing insights from AI Singapore's <a

Read more Accent arrow

Featured authors

DO

Dr. Eric J. W. Orlowski is a Research Fellow at the NUS AI Institute, working on AI governance, policy, and the social conditions of AI development and deployment. Trained in Science and Technology Studies and ethnographic research, his work focuses on making AI governance practical and context-sensitive. He currently leads research on cultural alignment in AI systems, examining how developers can assess whether systems are appropriate, meaningful, and useful across deployment settings.

Read insights by Dr. Eric J. W. Orlowski

Research

Rigorous studies and data that inform regional tech policies

Insights

Expert analysis on regional emerging trends

Perspectives 11 Jun 2026

The Sovereignty Trap: “Our Own AI” May Leave Southeast Asia Weaker

As Southeast Asia’s dependence on external AI systems grows, calls for “sovereign AI” are gaining traction. Yet without a clearer meaning of what sovereignty actually entails, the concept risks hardening into a narrow politics of possession—one that prioritises possession over control. This article examines how ambiguity in AI sovereignty can weaken cooperation and interoperability, and why coordinated resilience is critical for the region.

Perspectives 15 Nov 2024

AI on Trial: Navigating Explainability and Transparency

In this article, Dr. Eric J. W. Orlowski delves into the critical elements of AI governance: explainability and transparency. Drawing insights from AI Singapore's report on the topic, he explores how these twin concepts can help ensure AI systems are accountable and comprehensible in an increasingly automated world.

Engagements

Dialogues connecting policymakers, researchers and industry

Across the region

Perspectives 11 Jun 2026

The Sovereignty Trap: “Our Own AI” May Leave Southeast Asia Weaker

As Southeast Asia’s dependence on external AI systems grows, calls for “sovereign AI” are gaining traction. Yet without a clearer meaning of what sovereignty actually entails, the concept risks hardening into a narrow politics of possession—one that prioritises possession over control. This article examines how ambiguity in AI sovereignty can weaken cooperation and interoperability, and why coordinated resilience is critical for the region.

EXPLORE

Focus areas that might interest you

Digital Economy

Tech Governance

Examining how Southeast Asia is shaping tech governance through evolving regulation, policy innovation, and regional cooperation to support responsible digital development.

Digital Economy

Responsible AI Adoption

Examining how AI can be adopted responsibly to strengthen businesses, improve livelihoods, and address emerging risks across Southeast Asia.

Digital Society

Inclusive Digital Growth

Exploring how Southeast Asia can foster more inclusive digital growth through stronger readiness, participation, and future-ready digital capabilities.

Digital Economy

Financial Inclusion

Exploring how digital technologies can expand financial inclusion and improve access to financial services for underserved communities across Southeast Asia.

Digital Economy

Digital Sustainability

Exploring how Southeast Asia can harness digital innovation, regional cooperation, and responsible business to advance sustainable development and growth.

Digital Economy

Digital Resilience

Examining how Southeast Asian economies can strengthen resilience against cyber threats through stronger capabilities, coordination, and adaptive governance.

Digital Society

Digital Platforms for Public Benefit

Examining how digital platforms can create public value through inclusive access, cross-sector collaboration, and more effective digital governance in Southeast Asia.

Digital Society

Confident Digital Society

Exploring how Southeast Asia can build a more confident digital society through stronger trust, resilience, and protection against emerging digital risks.

EXPLORE

Not quite what you’re looking for?

Get started by searching for a term or topic

Stay updated Accent arrow
Linkedin Youtube

Keep pace with the digital pulse of Southeast Asia!

Never miss an update or event!

Subscribe now ➞ Accent arrow

Mouna Aouri

Programme Fellow

Mouna Aouri is an Institute Fellow at the Tech For Good Institute. As a social entrepreneur, impact investor, and engineer, her experience spans over two decades in the MENA region, South East Asia, and Japan. She is founder of Woomentum, a Singapore-based platform dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs in APAC through skill development and access to growth capital through strategic collaborations with corporate entities, investors and government partners.

Dr Ming Tan

Senior Fellow & Founding Executive Director

Dr Ming Tan is Senior Fellow at the Tech for Good Institute; where she served as founding Executive Director of the non-profit focused on research and policy at the intersection of technology, society and the economy in Southeast Asia. She is concurrently a Senior Fellow at and the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore and Advisor to the Founder of the COMO Group, a Singaporean portfolio of lifestyle companies operating in 15 countries worldwide. Ming was previously Managing Director of IPOS International, part of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. Prior to joining the public sector, she was Head of Stewardship of the COMO Group.


Ming also serves on the boards of several private companies, Singapore’s National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, Singapore Network Information Centre (SGNIC), and on the Digital and Technology Advisory Panel for Esplanade–Theatres on the Bay, Singapore’s national performing arts centre. Her current portfolio spans philanthropy, social impact, sustainability and innovation.