TL;DR:

• Asia is at the forefront of AI copyright regulation, with diverse legal frameworks tailored to foster innovation while safeguarding intellectual property.
• Singapore’s 2021 Copyright Act and China’s 2023 landmark rulings highlight progressive approaches to AI-generated content.
• Key challenges include defining authorship, using copyrighted data for AI training, and balancing creator rights with AI development.
• Asia’s leadership is shaping global standards, offering valuable insights for navigating copyright in the AI era.

How Asia’s diverse legal landscapes are addressing the challenges of AI-generated creativity and copyright protection

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the way content is created, consumed, and protected. From generating music to writing articles and producing digital art, AI has become a key player in industries reliant on creativity and intellectual property. As this technology advances, it brings with it significant questions about copyright—particularly in Asia, where diverse legal frameworks, cultural practices, and technological innovation intersect.

In this article, we’ll explore how Asia is addressing copyright in the AI era, examining the legal landscapes of key nations, highlighting challenges, and forecasting the region’s influence on global standards.

The Intersection of AI and Copyright

AI’s ability to produce content has sparked a debate: Can works created by machines truly be copyrighted? If so, who owns the rights? Traditional notions of authorship hinge on human creativity, but AI blurs those lines by operating as both a tool and an independent creator.

This has led to critical questions about copyrightability, the use of copyrighted works for training AI, and the responsibilities of human oversight. The answers are far from uniform, especially in Asia, where the legal and cultural contexts vary widely.

Current Legal Landscapes in Asia

Singapore: Leading the Way

Singapore has emerged as a leader in adapting its copyright laws for AI. The 2021 Singapore Copyright Act introduced a defence for copyright infringement related to machine learning, making it the first Southeast Asian country to do so. This amendment allows businesses to conduct computational analysis using copyrighted material, fostering an AI-friendly environment while maintaining safeguards against misuse. By providing a safe harbour for companies engaging in AI development, Singapore aims to attract global investments in the sector. However, purely AI-generated works remain unprotected, as human authorship is still a requirement for copyright protection.

China: Landmark Rulings

China has taken bold steps to address AI and copyright. In November 2023, the Beijing Internet Court ruled in favour of granting copyright protection to an AI-generated image, provided there was substantial human involvement in its creation. The court emphasised the importance of “intellectual inputs” and “personal expressions,” recognising that the prompts and aesthetic judgments of a human user are key to establishing originality. While this case-by-case approach reflects caution, it also sets a precedent for recognising AI-generated works under certain conditions.

Japan: A Balancing Act

Japan has adopted a permissive stance regarding the use of copyrighted materials for AI. The revised Copyright Act of 2019 allows for the ingestion of copyrighted works in AI training without requiring permission, provided it serves technological development. This flexibility has spurred AI innovation, but it has also raised concerns among content creators. Recent discussions suggest Japan may impose stricter protections for copyright holders while maintaining its innovation-friendly policies.

South Korea: Prioritising Human Creativity

South Korea has taken a cautious approach, requiring evidence of human thought and emotion to grant copyright for AI-generated works. This policy underscores the importance of preserving human creativity while navigating the ethical and legal implications of AI.

India: Co-Authorship Approach

India is unique in its recognition of co-authorship for AI-generated works. Rather than introducing new laws, the country relies on its existing intellectual property framework, which it considers sufficient to address these challenges. This pragmatic approach allows for flexibility while protecting human contributions.

Other Asian Nations

• Taiwan: Requires consent or licensing for using copyrighted materials in AI training, considering such activities as “reproduction” under copyright law.
• Hong Kong: Exploring exceptions to copyright infringement for AI training, similar to Singapore and Japan.
• Philippines: The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is working on drafting guidelines for AI-generated artwork, currently, copyrightable works in the Philippines require a “natural person” as the creator.
• Indonesia: Indonesian Copyright Law is currently silent on the protection of AI-generated works, making the country’s position uncertain. Yet the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DGIP) in Indonesia has clarified that copyrightable works require a “human touch,” which purely AI-generated works cannot meet.
• Vietnam: The current Intellectual Property Law in Vietnam does not specifically address AI-generated content that infringes on IP rights. Only human individuals or organisations can hold copyright under Vietnamese law; entities like computers, robots, and AI are not considered copyright holders
• ASEAN Initiatives: In March 2024, ASEAN released a non-binding Guide to AI Governance and Ethics, encouraging member states to harmonise approaches to AI regulation and intellectual property.

Key Challenges

Copyrightability of AI-Generated Works

The question of whether AI-generated works qualify for copyright protection is at the heart of the debate. Countries like China and Singapore require significant human involvement, while Japan allows for more permissive use in technological development. This divergence highlights the challenge of creating unified standards in a fragmented regulatory environment.

Training Data and Infringement Risks

The use of copyrighted materials for training AI models has raised legal concerns across Asia. While some nations, like Japan, allow this under specific conditions, others are still grappling with how to balance innovation with the rights of content creators.

Balancing Innovation and Protection

Governments face the challenge of fostering AI innovation while safeguarding intellectual property. Striking this balance is critical for ensuring both technological progress and the protection of creators.

Asia’s Role in Shaping Global Standards

Influencing International Frameworks

Singapore and Japan’s AI-friendly copyright laws provide valuable case studies for other regions. By addressing copyright concerns proactively, these nations are influencing global debates on AI governance. China’s landmark rulings on AI-generated works further contribute to shaping international norms.

Driving AI Innovation

The permissive copyright environments in countries like Singapore and Japan are attracting AI investments and fostering regional innovation. Initiatives like ASEAN’s guide encourage harmonisation, which could create a more cohesive regulatory landscape.

Challenging Traditional Concepts

As countries like China redefine the relationship between human creativity and machine output, traditional notions of authorship and originality are being reexamined. These developments could have far-reaching implications for global intellectual property laws.

Future Outlook

Asia’s diverse approaches to AI and copyright will likely continue to evolve as technology advances. Emerging challenges, such as voice cloning and AI-generated art, will test the limits of current laws and inspire new solutions. By taking the lead in addressing these issues, Asian countries are not only shaping their own futures but also influencing global standards.

For businesses and creators, staying informed about these developments is essential. As the legal landscape becomes increasingly complex, adaptability and awareness will be critical to thriving in this dynamic environment.

Conclusion

Asia is at the forefront of the global conversation on AI and copyright, demonstrating leadership through diverse legal frameworks and innovative policies. By balancing the rights of creators with the need for technological advancement, the region is setting a precedent for how the world can navigate the complexities of AI-driven creativity.

As this journey unfolds, Asia’s experience will provide valuable insights for shaping a fair and innovative global framework for copyright in the AI era.

Join the Conversation:

What do you think? Should AI-generated works be granted the same copyright protections as human-created content, or does this risk undermining the value of human creativity? What’s your take on how Asia is handling this balance? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Share your thoughts and experiences with AI technologies, and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments here. Let’s build a community of tech enthusiasts and stay ahead of the curve together!

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TL;DR

• Generative AI excels in content creation, mimicking human output, and enhancing productivity, but it comes with higher risks and uncertainties.
• Analytical AI is ideal for predictive tasks, decision-making, and risk management, offering more measurable benefits and lower risks.
• Companies should balance their AI strategies based on their business models, data types, and risk tolerance, with many use cases combining both approaches.

Understanding Generative and Analytical AI

Organisations are increasingly faced with a choice: generative AI or analytical AI? While both offer transformative potential, understanding their distinct capabilities, benefits, and risks is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions. This article delves into the differences between these two AI approaches and provides guidance on when to prioritise each, helping organisations maximise their AI investments.

Different Purposes and Capabilities

Generative AI and analytical AI serve different purposes and have unique capabilities. Generative AI, utilising deep learning neural networks, creates new content such as images, text, music, or code, mimicking human creativity. In contrast, analytical AI employs statistical machine learning for specific tasks like classification, prediction, or decision-making based on structured data.

For instance, in a marketing campaign, analytical AI can determine which product to promote to which customer, while generative AI can craft the personalised language and images for the promotion.

Different Algorithmic Methods

Generative AI often employs complex techniques like transformers, attention mechanisms, generative adversarial networks (GANs), and variational autoencoders (VAEs) to generate content. These models learn patterns in data to create new instances, typically requiring extensive computational resources and vast amounts of data.

Analytical AI, on the other hand, utilises simpler machine learning approaches such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. Models are usually trained on past data and applied to real-world situations by companies using their own data.

Different Types of Data

Generative AI uses unstructured data formats like text, images, and sequences to predict other sequences. Analytical AI, however, employs structured data—typically rows and columns of numbers—with supervised learning requiring data with known and labelled outcomes.

Different Returns on Investment

Generative AI can yield cost savings from increased productivity in content generation and higher customer engagement through personalised content. However, its economic value can be challenging to measure and often requires training on a company’s specific content, increasing costs.

Analytical AI provides better economic returns through predictive models that help businesses forecast demand, optimise inventory, identify market trends, and make data-driven decisions. It can also analyse customer data to tailor marketing campaigns, create product recommendations, and deliver personalised customer experiences, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Balancing Risks and Benefits

Security Concerns

Generative AI poses risks such as deepfakes, intellectual property infringement, and privacy concerns from sensitive information in training data. Analytical AI faces risks from cybersecurity breaches, biased datasets, and potential misuse for malicious purposes.

Measuring Economic Value

The benefits of analytical AI are often easier to measure than generative AI because they are captured in transactional systems, customer purchases, and costs. Both AI types can provide significant ROI through increased efficiency, productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction, depending on the specific use case and industry.

Striking the Right Balance

Consider Your Strategy and Business Model

Companies should prioritise generative AI if their primary business involves creating, selling, or distributing content. For instance, Bristol Myers Squibb uses generative AI for creating novel content in computational biology, while Universal Music leverages it for music creation and imitating artist voices.

Evaluate Your Data Assets

If a company’s data assets are primarily unstructured content like text, images, or video, generative AI should take precedence. Conversely, if most of the data is structured and numerical, analytical AI should be the focus.

Assess Risk Tolerance

Generative AI is considered riskier, with higher benefit uncertainty. Companies should evaluate their risk tolerance and willingness to accept these uncertainties when deciding their AI focus.

Democratising AI

Generative AI helps democratise access to advanced tools, making AI capabilities more accessible to non-technical users. This shift is crucial for fostering innovation and improving decision-making across organisations.

Join the Conversation

How is your organisation balancing the use of generative and analytical AI? We’d love to hear your experiences and insights! Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments and share your thoughts in the comments below. Subscribe to stay connected with the latest in AI advancements!

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TL;DR:

• AI tools can significantly enhance productivity and daily life in Asia.
• Top tools include Google Translate, Duolingo, Google Assistant, Siri, Wally, Spendee, Grammarly, Fitbit, Apple Health, Google Photos, Canva, MyFitnessPal, Feedly, ShopSavvy, Citymapper, and Snapseed.
• Integrating these tools can lead to better organisation, improved skills, and healthier habits.

A New Year, New Abilities?

As 2025 approaches, why not make use of some clever AI tools to enhance day-to-day living? Whether it’s learning a language, managing your budget, or just getting through the day with a little more ease, AI can be surprisingly helpful. Here’s a friendly guide with 12 beginner-friendly AI tools, each perfect for small, practical improvements to start your year right!

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1. Pick Up a New Language or Just Get Around Easier with Translation Tools

Having a translation tool is crucial if you are living in Asia or travelling there. Google Translate is a classic choice—not just for typing in words, but for translating menus, signs, and even whole documents on the spot. Use the camera feature to hover over text, and Google Translate gives you an instant translation right there. Perfect for those “oh no, what did I just order?” moments!

If you are prepared to go a little further, Duolingo makes learning a language’s foundations enjoyable and manageable. With daily goals and streaks, it’s a little routine you can build into each day, and before you know it, you’ll have a nice base in your chosen language.

Tool Links:

• Google Translate
• Duolingo

Quick Tips:

• Try camera mode on Google Translate for real-time translations of signs and menus—super helpful for those little surprises in new places!
• Download language packs in Google Translate for offline use, which is a lifesaver when Wi-Fi’s not around.
• Set a five-minute daily goal on Duolingo and do it while commuting or during a coffee break. Those minutes add up, and it’s an easy habit to keep up.

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2. Organise Your Day with Google Assistant or Siri

Ever wish you had a personal assistant? Turns out, you kind of do—right in your phone. Google Assistant and Siri are perfect for staying on top of everyday tasks without even lifting a finger. Just ask Siri or Google to remind you about a meeting, set timers, or add items to your shopping list.

Imagine starting your day with “Hey Siri, what’s on my schedule today?” or “Hey Google, remind me to check the train schedule at 8 a.m.” You’ll always be one step ahead and save yourself from forgetting the little things.

Tool Links:

• Google Assistant
• Siri

Quick Tips:

• Set up a ‘Good Morning’ routine to get a rundown of your day, traffic, and the weather—one less thing to think about.
• Use location-based reminders like, “remind me to buy groceries when I leave work.” Siri and Google Assistant will keep you on track without lifting a finger.
• Try voice commands for cooking or driving to make life hands-free, from setting timers to searching for quick answers.

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3. Track Your Spending and Savings Goals with Wally or Spendee

Budgets can be tricky, especially in Asia’s lively cities, where there’s always a great food spot or unique shop to tempt you. That’s where Wally and Spendee come in. These apps help you track expenses, set budgets, and even set goals—whether that’s saving up for a holiday or managing those day-to-day splurges. You’ll get visual breakdowns of your spending, so you can see where your money’s going without any complicated spreadsheets.

And the best part? Some of these apps even give you live currency conversion, which is a lifesaver if you’re switching currencies while travelling or living abroad.

Tool Links:

• Wally
• Spendee

Quick Tips:

• Start with tracking one category, like dining out, to see patterns and adjust. It’s an easy way to ease into budgeting.
• Set a small savings goal for something you’re excited about—a weekend trip or a new gadget. Seeing progress towards a goal can make budgeting more motivating.
• Use currency conversion features when travelling to avoid surprises—perfect for making sure your budget’s on track abroad!

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4. Improve Your Writing with Grammarly

Ever wished you had an extra set of eyes on your emails or posts? Grammarly is like a writing coach in your browser. It checks for grammar, spelling, and even the tone of your writing. Grammarly is a lifesaver if you’re sending out work emails or trying to nail a professional message, ensuring your words sound just as polished as you intended.

It’s a simple browser extension, so you can use it everywhere—from social media posts to important reports—and get feedback instantly. And if English isn’t your first language, Grammarly can be a great confidence boost.

Tool Link:

• Grammarly

Quick Tips:

• Set tone preferences in Grammarly to get advice that matches what you’re aiming for, like casual or professional.
• Use Grammarly for emails to make sure your messages sound clear and polished, especially when sending them off quickly.
• Enable Grammarly’s browser extension for real-time feedback across email, documents, and social media.

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5. Keep Fit and Healthy with Fitbit or Apple Health

Staying active in Asia’s bustling cities can be a challenge, but apps like Fitbit and Apple Health make it easy to track your wellness goals. With these apps, you can set daily step targets, track sleep, and even keep an eye on your heart rate trends. They give you reminders to move or drink water, so even with a busy schedule, you can build small wellness habits.

Set daily goals to keep things manageable—maybe a step count to reach or a sleep goal to aim for. And by the end of the month, you can see exactly how those little changes have added up.

Tool Links:

• Fitbit
• Apple Health

Quick Tips:

• Start with a simple step count goal (e.g., 5,000 steps) and gradually increase. You’ll start noticing improvements in your energy.
• Use the water tracker feature to stay hydrated, which is especially helpful in hot, humid climates.
• Check your sleep trends to see if there are any small changes that can improve sleep quality, like reducing screen time before bed.

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6. Keep Your Photos Organised with Google Photos

Asia is full of scenic spots, so if your photo library is starting to look a bit chaotic, Google Photos has you covered. This app uses AI to automatically organise your pictures by location, people, and even objects. It’s perfect for finding specific photos without endless scrolling, like that beach sunset in Bali or street food tour in Bangkok.

Google Photos also suggests albums, montages, and even short videos, so you can relive your favourite memories without putting in hours of editing.

Tool Link:

• Google Photos

Quick Tips:

• Enable location tagging so Google Photos can automatically organise by place.
• Create shared albums with friends and family for group trips and events, so everyone can add their best shots.
• Use the search bar for keywords like “beach” or “birthday” to find specific photos instantly.

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7. Create Stunning Visuals with Canva

Need to design social media posts, invitations, or presentations? Canva makes graphic design easy with ready-to-use templates. You don’t need any design experience—just pick a template, drop in your content, and Canva’s AI will suggest colours and layouts that look polished.

Whether you’re working on a project for work or just want to make a birthday card, Canva has tools to help you create something that looks like it took way more effort than it actually did!

Tool Link:

• Canva

Quick Tips:

• Start with templates based on what you’re making (e.g., “Instagram post” or “poster”) for ideas on layout and style.
• Use Canva’s resize feature to adapt your design for multiple platforms, saving you tons of time if you’re posting on social media.
• Check out Canva’s free elements like icons, stock photos, and fonts to add unique touches to your designs.

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8. Plan Healthy Meals and Track Nutrition with MyFitnessPal

Keeping up with healthy eating can be tricky when you’re juggling work, family, and social life. MyFitnessPal helps by tracking your meals, exercise, and even water intake. Just log what you eat, and MyFitnessPal breaks down your nutrients, helping you see what you’re doing well and where you could use a little improvement.

Whether you’re looking to maintain, gain, or lose weight, this app adjusts suggestions based on your goals, making it easy to fit healthy habits into your lifestyle.

Tool Link:

• MyFitnessPal

Quick Tips:

• Log meals right after eating to keep track without it feeling like a chore.
• Use MyFitnessPal’s barcode scanner to log foods instantly and get accurate nutritional info.
• Review your weekly nutrition breakdown to see trends and adjust—small tweaks add up over time.

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9. Stay Updated on News and Trends with Feedly

If keeping up with industry news or global trends is part of your routine, Feedly can be a game-changer. This AI-powered app organises articles and blog posts into a personalised feed, helping you stay informed without the endless scrolling. It’s ideal for professionals across Asia who want a quick, organised way to catch up on tech, business, or even local events.

Tool Link:

• Feedly

Quick Tips:

• Set up feeds based on specific interests, like “Asia tech news” or “digital marketing,” so you only see the most relevant articles.
• Use Feedly’s ‘Read Later’ feature to save longer reads for a commute or break.
• Follow industry leaders or popular publications within Feedly to get curated insights straight from the source.

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10. Make Smarter Shopping Decisions with ShopSavvy

If you’re a frequent shopper, ShopSavvy can help you find the best deals by comparing prices across different retailers. Just scan a product barcode, and ShopSavvy shows you prices from nearby stores or online platforms. It’s great for spotting deals or deciding if it’s worth buying locally or online.

Tool Link:

• ShopSavvy

Quick Tips:

• Use ShopSavvy to compare prices before buying electronics, clothing, or big-ticket items.
• Check for coupons or deals within the app to potentially save even more on your purchase.
• Enable location settings to get alerts on deals nearby while you’re out shopping.

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11. Manage Daily Commutes and Travel with Citymapper

For those navigating large cities or travelling frequently in Asia, Citymapper is a fantastic app that simplifies commutes. It offers AI-driven route planning that combines buses, trains, subways, and walking options, so you can find the quickest or cheapest way to get around. It’s especially helpful in cities with extensive public transport systems like Tokyo, Singapore, or Hong Kong.

Tool Link:

• Citymapper

Quick Tips:

• Save favourite routes to quickly access your usual commute times and updates.
• Enable push notifications to get live updates on delays or alternative routes during your journey.
• Use Citymapper’s “Nearby” feature to find transit stops, bikes, or scooters near you for a last-minute commute option.

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12. Create Fun and Unique Photo Edits with Snapseed

If you enjoy capturing memories or exploring Asia’s scenic spots, Snapseed is a fantastic app to enhance your photos. Created by Google, Snapseed offers a range of AI-powered editing tools that make your images look professional with just a few taps. You can adjust lighting, add filters, blur backgrounds, and even remove unwanted objects from the photo—all from your phone.

Tool Link:

• Snapseed

Quick Tips:

• Use the “Selective” tool to adjust brightness or contrast in specific parts of the photo, which is great for enhancing details without changing the whole image.
• Experiment with the “Lens Blur” effect for a soft background blur, making your subject stand out—ideal for food photos or portraits.
• Try the “Healing” tool to remove small distractions, like a stray object in the background, to keep the focus on your subject.

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Small Steps, Big Wins in 2025

Start with one or two of these tools, and see how they fit into your routine. Each one offers small, simple improvements that can make a big difference over time. So pick a tool, set a small goal, and start exploring how AI can make life just that bit easier in 2025.

Here’s to a smooth, productive year!

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Join the Conversation:

What AI tools have you found most helpful in your daily life? Share your experiences and tips with our community below! Don’t forget to subscribe for updates on AI and AGI developments here.

You may also enjoy our AI Unleashed series, which offers a hands on comparison and overview of the most popular AI apps:

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