― ATCSW Hosts “International Conference on the Use of AI for Ethical Social Work Practice” ―
The Project for the Development of Social Welfare Human Resources in the ASEAN Region was launched in August 2025. This project is a technical cooperation initiative carried out in collaboration between the ASEAN Training Center for Social Welfare and Social Work (ATCSW), the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) of Thailand, and JICA.
We aim to expand access to higher-quality training and learning opportunities throughout the ASEAN region by strengthening the capabilities of ATCSW, a hub for training professionals in social welfare.
Sharing Knowledge Across Borders on World Social Work Day
On March 31, 2026, the “International Conference on the Use of AI for Ethical Social Work Practice” was held in Bangkok as a side event to coincide with World Social Work Day. The conference was co-hosted by a JICA project in collaboration with the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and the Global Institute of Social Work (GISW).
Approximately 50 people attended in person at MSDHS, while about 300 others joined online from around the world. The event was also livestreamed on Facebook, creating a space where social welfare professionals from across regions and national borders could connect.
The event was chaired by Mr. Tan Ngo Thion of GISW and featured a diverse lineup of speakers from the United States, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and India.
How Can AI Support the Social Welfare Sector?
At the meeting, participants were briefed on the current trend of AI’s steadily expanding use in the social welfare sector. AI is already becoming an integral part of frontline operations, helping to streamline administrative tasks, develop support plans, and identify people in need of assistance at an early stage.
At the same time, ethical issues such as algorithmic bias, the protection of personal information and privacy, and how to ensure “human-centered support” were also highlighted as key themes.
Participants shared the common view that “AI should not replace humans, but rather serve as a partner to support professionals,” and engaged in a lively exchange of views on how to use it responsibly.
A Message on “Human-Centered AI”
― Remarks by the Director of the JICA Thailand Office ―
The meeting began with opening remarks by Mr. Kantaporn Ransisawan, Deputy Secretary-General of the MSDHS. Next, Mr. Shunsuke Sakumichi, Director of the JICA Thailand Office, took the stage and emphasized the importance of placing “people” at the center of AI applications above all else.
Director Sakumichi pointed out that while AI has the potential to significantly transform social services—such as case management and policy formulation—it is also necessary to be mindful of risks such as bias and overreliance.
JICA shared its experience in promoting the “responsible use of AI” through initiatives such as developing AI-related infrastructure in India and supporting AI education in Kenya. The organization emphasized that while AI cannot replace human connections, when used appropriately, it can support social welfare workers and help improve access to services.
Panel Discussion Bringing Together Insights from Around the World
The panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Theo Ai Fa, Regional Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific at the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), and Ms. Akiko Yokoyama, a JICA project specialist.
Speakers from Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and India presented on AI initiatives in their respective countries and regions. During the discussion, the importance of guidelines for entire organizations and sectors was emphasized, as was the need for responsible and effective AI implementation.
AI That Offers Companionship to the Elderly
— Research Examples from Japan —
Hiroshi Murayama of the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology presented research on “Robot-Assisted Communication to Alleviate Loneliness Among Older Adults.” A four-week intervention using the human-mediated social robot BOCCO emo was conducted with 68 older adults living in the community in Japan, and the results confirmed a reduction in feelings of loneliness and an improvement in well-being. This robot enabled two-way communication and created a human-like presence. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of human-mediated AI in supporting the mental health and social connections of older adults in Asian communities, sparking lively debate regarding the limits of AI as a substitute for human effort and the need for further research.
“Ethics” from Both Policy and Practical Perspectives
Wiput Poonjarun, Secretary-General of the Policy Research and Development Foundation, gave a presentation on “AI for Ethical Social Work.” While highlighting the role of AI in supporting family welfare and child protection through improved decision-making and case coordination, he emphasized the importance of placing human judgment at the center of the process. Yawwarat Kammanat and Riski Jena of the Thai Association of Medical Social Workers shared their experiences of utilizing technology to support vulnerable populations in Thailand, focusing on how to maintain ethical and human-centered practices while improving access to social services and healthcare.
With these discussions in mind as we look to the future
At the close of the event, Sarampat Anumalrajakit, then Executive Director of ATCSW, delivered closing remarks and expressed his gratitude to the speakers, participants, and partner organizations.
This plenary session provided a valuable opportunity to collectively explore the future of social welfare in the age of AI from a variety of perspectives. JICA will continue to value such dialogue and collaboration, and through projects with ATCSW and MSDHS, we will continue to contribute to the development of social welfare professionals capable of flexibly addressing social challenges in the ASEAN region.
Remarks by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security Remarks by the Director of the JICA Thailand Office Representatives of the event’s co-organizing organizations (MSDHS, JICA, GISW, ICSW)
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