Russia and ASEAN countries have agreed to explore opportunities for digital cooperation, including the development of multilingual artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, with proposed initiatives spanning joint research, education and technology development.
The discussions took place during a special dialogue session titled Digital Dialogue Russia-Asean: A Look at the East, held as part of the Kazan Digital Week 2026 international forum in Kazan, Russia, last week.
According to Astro Awani, President of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rifkat Minnikhanov said research institutions and universities in Russia and ASEAN could collaborate on multilingual AI development through joint research, methodology development and pilot projects.
He identified educational platforms as a potential catalyst for advancing these initiatives, while also highlighting cultural heritage preservation as another area of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, Tatarstan Deputy Prime Minister Roman Shaikhutdinov identified the technology city of Innopolis as a potential hub for Russia-ASEAN collaboration in digital technology and AI.
He said Tatarstan was prepared to provide facilities and incentives to foreign companies looking to expand into the Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets.
The discussions also included a proposed joint initiative to develop methodologies and pilot projects for multilingual AI-powered learning assistants, aimed at exploring the use of AI in education across different language communities.
Beyond AI, participants also identified healthcare, cybersecurity, financial technology and digital finance as potential areas for closer cooperation, recognising AI as a key driver of digital economic growth.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan and BRICS International Malaysia signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening ties in trade, investment, technology and humanitarian collaboration.
BRICS International Malaysia chairman Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian said the discussions reflected efforts by Russia and ASEAN to strengthen digital sector ties and explore new opportunities through technology and innovation.
The Malaysian delegation comprised 27 representatives from 20 companies and organisations, with four delivering presentations and sharing insights at the forum.
Source: Business Today
Share:
<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
