ADB warns AI boom could leave Asia exposed

Asian Development Bank authors Roshen Fernando and Ed Kieran Reyes argue that Asia and the Pacific should build AI readiness and infrastructure before betting on the current AI investment wave.

• The post says AI-related exports are surging, but gains are concentrated in a few advanced economies that make AI chips, data-center equipment, and AI-capable phones; it warns that a slowdown could leave unfinished data centers, idle power plants, and volatile markets.
• It urges governments to prioritize grid investment, transparent electricity pricing, fast internet, and clear data/privacy rules before approving new data centers, while using time-bound incentives, domestic-supplier contracts, training, and shared computing capacity to broaden benefits.