DIVERGENT TRAJECTORIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A STRATEGIC EXAMINATION OF STATE-DRIVEN AND MARKET-LED FRAMEWORKS IN SINGAPORE AND INDONESIA

Abstract

This research looks at how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to support sustainability goals in Singapore and Indonesia, two countries with very different paths of development. Singapore takes a government-driven approach with its "Green AI Blueprint," which focuses on strict rules, large public investment in green projects, and a clear system of regulations designed to set global standards in sustainable technology. This top-down strategy has succeeded in creating energy-saving solutions and building strong international credibility. In contrast, Indonesia’s progress is more bottom-up and market-driven. A growing startup community is working on practical solutions to environmental and social challenges, such as making farming more efficient and improving access to finance. This approach is flexible and creative, but it is also slowed down by weak infrastructure and limited government coordination. This study argues that neither model is automatically better. Instead, both offer important lessons for the wider goal of sustainable development. The most valuable progress will come from connecting the strengths of each. The paper puts forward suggestions for building this collaboration—such as helping Indonesia develop stronger institutions for its innovations, while giving Singapore opportunities to test its governance frameworks in real-world and diverse settings.