Kelly Forbes
Executive Director | AI Asia Pacific Institute
The AI Asia Pacific Institute is an ecosystem encouraging the development and progress of trustworthy artificial intelligence.
In an era defined by rapid technological disruption and complex global challenges, the governance of artificial intelligence has emerged as one of humanity’s most pressing concerns. Leading the charge for ethical, cross-border solutions is Kelly Forbes, founder of the AI Asia Pacific Institute (AIAPI). A dual-qualified lawyer whose career has spanned four continents, Forbes has positioned herself at the critical intersection of international law, policy, and emerging technology. Her mission is clear: to architect the governance frameworks necessary to harness AI’s immense potential for good while deftly mitigating its significant risks. This work, she argues, is not merely technical but foundational to achieving a sustainable and equitable global future.
Forbes’s journey is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the power of international cooperation and justice—principles she explored in her Bachelor of Laws dissertation. This academic foundation proved prescient, as AI, by its very nature, transcends national borders. Her unique legal background, spanning multiple jurisdictions, provides a distinct advantage in navigating the fragmented regulatory landscapes that currently define the technology. “AI is a two-edged sword,” she observes. “It holds incredible potential to advance positive impact. We must adapt our governance structures to better respond to the new risks the technology imposes.”
Founded three years ago in Singapore, the AIAPI was established to address precisely this gap. The institute focuses on the social, legal, and ethical dimensions of AI, aiming to steer its development toward building a sustainable world. With less than eight years remaining to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Forbes sees AI not as a sideline issue, but as a central accelerant. “AI can accelerate these SDGs,” she states. From climate action to sustainable urban development, the technology promises powerful tools for progress. Yet, this promise is contingent on robust governance that prioritizes human-centric outcomes. “Policy has the potential to facilitate human-centric outcomes and foster a balance between innovation and governance,” she notes, pointing to pioneering regulatory labs in Singapore and the UAE as models of proactive adaptation.
"Diversity and inclusion are not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do"
Forbes’s journey is rooted in a deep-seated belief in the power of international cooperation and justice—principles she explored in her Bachelor of Laws dissertation. This academic foundation proved prescient, as AI, by its very nature, transcends national borders. Her unique legal background, spanning multiple jurisdictions, provides a distinct advantage in navigating the fragmented regulatory landscapes that currently define the technology. “AI is a two-edged sword,” she observes. “It holds incredible potential to advance positive impact. We must adapt our governance structures to better respond to the new risks the technology imposes.”
Founded three years ago in Singapore, the AIAPI was established to address precisely this gap. The institute focuses on the social, legal, and ethical dimensions of AI, aiming to steer its development toward building a sustainable world. With less than eight years remaining to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Forbes sees AI not as a sideline issue, but as a central accelerant. “AI can accelerate these SDGs,” she states. From climate action to sustainable urban development, the technology promises powerful tools for progress. Yet, this promise is contingent on robust governance that prioritizes human-centric outcomes. “Policy has the potential to facilitate human-centric outcomes and foster a balance between innovation and governance,” she notes, pointing to pioneering regulatory labs in Singapore and the UAE as models of proactive adaptation.
This advocacy for mentorship extends to a broader, unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, which she views as both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity. “Diversity and inclusion are essential to solving the world’s most critical challenges,” Forbes asserts. “Women bring many valuable contributions to the table that are needed in the world today.” She highlights traits often associated with women’s leadership—such as empathy, collaboration, and relationship-building—as critical for solving complex, systemic problems. “Ultimately, diversity and inclusion are not only the right thing to do but also the smart thing to do. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we can create a better world for everyone.”
Balancing this ambitious professional mission with personal life as a mother has honed her focus on sustainability in all forms. Forbes champions the deliberate maintenance of routines and boundaries as non-negotiable for physical and mental health. She approaches work-life integration not as a quest for perfection, but as a daily practice requiring conscious effort and flexibility.
Under Forbes’s direction, the AIAPI is expanding its vital work from its Singapore base into the Middle East, with operations now developing in Dubai. The institute’s role is to serve as a neutral convener and expert resource, helping to shape policies that are transparent, accountable, and equitable. For Forbes, this is more than a professional endeavor; it is a contribution to building a fairer, more resilient world. She firmly believes that with the correct governance, AI can be the great enabler of this future.
Through her unique blend of legal acumen, cross-cultural fluency, and principled leadership, Kelly Forbes is not just analyzing the future of AI governance—she is actively constructing its foundation. Her work exemplifies how thoughtful leadership can bridge disciplines and borders to turn formidable global challenges into opportunities for universal advancement.
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