BOAO, China, March 29 (Xinhua) -- China's rise in artificial intelligence (AI) technology has unlocked new opportunities for other countries and facilitated cross-border progress, the chairman of a Malaysian think tank has said.

"The whole idea of AI advancement is for humanity to move to the next level of progress, instead of leaving others behind," said Mohd Faiz Abdullah, executive chairman of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies of Malaysia, on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026.

According to the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2026 released at the forum, the global epicenter of AI development is shifting from Europe and the United States toward Asia. Capitalizing on their substantial digital populations, diverse application ecosystems, and coherent policy frameworks, Asian economies are rapidly evolving from AI followers into frontrunners.

Faiz said Asia has been playing a central role in the global landscape. With its fast-growing technological capability, Asia will further expand its influence as the linchpin of global economic growth.

"With greater challenges ahead, Asia's role will be expanded even further," he said, noting that the region boasts massive growth momentum underpinned by frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which fuels organic growth through real economic value addition rather than speculative financial maneuvers.

He added that the biggest challenge for Asian economies lies in moving beyond protectionist tendencies, which requires building mutual trust and improving regional and global governance to unlock the synergy of multilateral mechanisms in the region fully.

On narrowing the gap between the Global North and the Global South, he said Asia should strengthen its voice in global governance through endogenous growth, safeguard true multilateralism, and push for a more equitable international order.

He also called for abandoning zero-sum mentality, stressing that major economies can achieve common success rather than fall into hostility.

He noted that China and Malaysia share common ground in promoting international fairness and the common good of humanity, expressing strong confidence in Asia's future and describing the region as the world's most stable engine of growth.