Expanding the Future of Social Welfare through AI

The Project for Human Resource Development on Social Welfare in ASEAN Region was launched in August 2025. This technical cooperation project is jointly implemented by the ASEAN Training Centre for Social Work and Social Welfare (ATCSW), the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand (MSDHS), and JICA.
Through strengthening ATCSW’s capacity as a hub for social welfare human resource development, the project aims to expand access to high-quality training and learning opportunities across the ASEAN region.

On March 31, 2026, as a side event of World Social Work Day, the International Conference on the Use of AI for Ethical Social Work Practice was held in Bangkok. The conference was co-hosted under the JICA project in collaboration with the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and the Global Institute of Social Work (GISW).
Approximately 50 participants attended in person at the MSDHS venue, while around 300 participants from around the world joined online. The event was also livestreamed on Facebook, creating a platform for social welfare professionals to connect beyond regional and national boundaries.
The conference was chaired by Prof. Tan Ngoh Tiong of GISW, and featured a diverse group of speakers from the United States, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and India.

The conference highlighted the steadily growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of social welfare. AI is increasingly being utilized to streamline administrative tasks, support care planning, and help identify individuals in need of assistance at an early stage.
At the same time, participants examined critical ethical challenges, including algorithmic bias, data privacy and protection, and how to safeguard human-centered support in an environment where AI is increasingly integrated into practice.
A shared understanding emerged among participants that AI should not replace human professionals, but rather serve as a partner that supports social workers. This perspective led to active discussions on responsible and ethical AI implementation.

The conference opened with remarks by Mr. Kantapong Rangsesawang, Permanent Secretary of MSDHS. This was followed by an address from Mr. Shunsuke Sakudo, Chief Representative of the JICA Thailand Office, who emphasized the importance of placing human values at the center of AI utilization.
While noting AI’s potential to transform areas such as case management and policy formulation, Mr. Sakudo also cautioned against risks including bias and over-reliance on technology. He shared JICA’s experiences in promoting responsible AI use, including support for AI-related infrastructure development in India and AI education initiatives in Kenya.
He underscored that although AI cannot replace human connections, when used appropriately it can enhance the capacity of social welfare professionals and improve access to services.

The panel discussion was moderated by Prof. Teoh Ai Hua, Regional President of the South East Asia and Pacific region of the International Council of Social Welfare (ICSW-SEAP), and Dr. Akiko Yokoyama, JICA Project Expert.
Panelists from Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and India shared experiences and case studies on AI applications in social welfare within their respective contexts. The discussions emphasized the importance of organizational and sector-wide guidelines, as well as the need for responsible and effective AI adoption across social welfare systems.

Dr. Hiroshi Murayama from the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology presented research on robot-assisted communication to reduce loneliness among older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 68 community-dwelling older adults in Japan to evaluate a four-week intervention using the socially interactive robot BOCCO emo with human facilitation. The intervention group showed reduced loneliness and improved well-being compared to the control group. The robot facilitated two-way communication and created a sense of human presence. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of human-mediated AI in supporting mental health and social connection for older adults, while sparking discussion on the limits of AI as a substitute for human effort and the need for further research.

Dr. Wiput Phoolcharoen, Secretary General of the Policy Research and Development Institute Foundation, presented on AI for Ethical Social Work, highlighting its role in supporting family welfare and child protection through improved decision-making and case coordination, while keeping human judgment at the center. Mrs. Yaowaret Khammanat and Mr. Riskie Chehna from the Thai Medical Social Workers Association shared their experiences using technology to support vulnerable populations in Thailand, enhancing social services and healthcare access while maintaining ethical, human-centered practices.

In closing, Ms. Saranpat Anumatrajkij, the Executive Director of ATCSW, delivered a summary of the conference and expressed appreciation to all speakers, participants, and partner organizations.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to collectively reflect on the future of social welfare in the age of AI. Valuing continued dialogue and collaboration, JICA will continue to work through its projects with ATCSW and MSDHS to contribute to the development of social welfare professionals who can respond to evolving social needs across the ASEAN region.