GAIA Podcast with Google Vice President Wilson White on AI Governance and Productivity

APO Secretary-General Indra (L) and Mr. Wilson L. White, Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google (R)

On 16 March 2026, APO Secretary-General Dr. Indra Pradana Singawinata hosted a Genine Artificial Intelligence Action (GAIA) Podcast discussion with Mr. Wilson L. White, Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google, at the APO Secretariat in Tokyo. The discussion focused on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in productivity transformation, global governance, and multistakeholder cooperation, with particular reference to the Hiroshima AI Process.

During the discussion, Mr. White highlighted the importance of the Hiroshima AI Process as a global platform for advancing safe, trustworthy, and responsible AI. He emphasized that effective governance frameworks are not in opposition to innovation, but rather serve as a foundation for building trust, enabling adoption, and supporting long-term economic growth. He noted that the process brings together governments, industry, and academia to facilitate open dialogue and collective action on AI governance.

Mr. White also shared Google’s contributions to responsible AI development, including initiatives aimed at enhancing transparency, safety, and risk management. These include the development of model cards to improve transparency in AI systems, secure AI frameworks to prevent misuse, and frontier safety frameworks to assess risks associated with advanced AI technologies. He underscored the importance of private-sector engagement in international governance frameworks, including contributions to global initiatives such as the Hiroshima AI Process and OECD reporting mechanisms.

A picture taken during the GAIA podcast between APO Secretary-General Indra (L) and Mr. Wilson L. White, Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google (R)

The discussion also highlighted the significant economic and social opportunities presented by AI in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. White noted that AI adoption could generate substantial economic value, while also enabling broader societal benefits through increased access to technology. He shared examples of Google’s AI applications, including the use of AI in scientific research, agriculture, and public health, as well as initiatives to expand access to AI tools and training for workers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Both speakers emphasized the importance of workforce development and capacity building in ensuring inclusive AI adoption. They noted that SMEs, which form the backbone of many APO member economies, must be supported through targeted training, upskilling, and access to digital tools. Public–private collaboration was identified as a key enabler in expanding AI capabilities across different sectors and levels of economic development.

Mr. White further outlined key policy considerations for governments in developing effective AI strategies. These include investment in digital infrastructure, strengthening human capital through education and lifelong learning, and establishing regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with appropriate safeguards. He also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and regulatory alignment to avoid fragmentation and support the global adoption of AI technologies.

Both sides emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the APO and global technology partners in advancing responsible AI and productivity-driven development. The discussion reaffirmed the role of the APO Genuine AI Action (GAIA) initiative as a platform for fostering knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and capacity-building activities related to AI.