You’ve worked with global leaders, governors, and professors at institutions like Harvard. What have those collaborations taught you about the kind of leadership needed in the AI era?

Nguyen Anh Tuan: Leadership in the AI age requires more than power or popularity  -  it demands vision, compassion, innovation, and deep ethical wisdom.

Working with world leaders, esteemed governors, and prominent professors  -  especially at institutions like Harvard  -  I’ve learned that the most impactful leaders today are those who:

Think long-term  -  true pioneers who can foresee both the promises and perils of AI.

Act with compassion and responsibility  -  making decisions grounded in respect for human dignity and well-being.

Innovate with purpose  -  using technology not just for efficiency or dominance, but to ethically and effectively serve humanity.

Move fast and wisely  -  in a rapidly evolving AI age, leaders must balance speed with foresight and flexibility.

Ultimately, leadership today must rise above populism, avoiding short-term applause in favor of long-term responsibility.

True leaders must think with, for, and by the people. Equally important is interfaith understanding and respect. The future must be inclusive, drawing from the spiritual and cultural values of diverse traditions. Ethical AI cannot thrive without a foundation of empathy, mutual respect, and a shared moral compass.

These lessons have deeply shaped my work in building the AI World Society (AIWS) and designing a new form of enlightened, human-centered leadership for our era.

What inspired you to create the AIWS Digital Asset Standards Initiative (AIWS-DASI)? Was there a turning point?

The inspiration came from a clear and disturbing realization: the digital asset ecosystem was descending into chaos  -  untrustworthy and prone to abuse.

In late December 2024, I witnessed a surge of unethical behavior across digital asset platforms  -  lies, fraud, manipulation, and cybercrime. Public trust was eroding. There were no shared values, no transparency, and no clear ethical framework guiding the use or governance of digital assets.

That moment changed everything for me.

I realized that if digital assets were to truly empower people and support a new economy  -  rather than exploit them  -  we needed a principled foundation. A framework rooted in ethics, responsibility, transparency, and respect for human dignity.

That’s why I founded AIWS-DASI under the broader vision of AIWS.

AIWS-DASI is more than a technical standard  -  it’s a social and moral covenant for how digital assets are created, valued, and used, with AI as a trusted agent of support, not manipulation. It recognizes that digital assets must contribute to a new economy of trust, uphold social good, reflect cultural and spiritual values, and align with the principles of a human-centered AI era.

By establishing these standards, we aim to shape a future in which digital transformation is both innovative and ethical  -  where truth and integrity define the digital economy, not speculation or deceit.

AIWS-DASI launches the world’s first ethical certification system for digital assets. How will this certification work in practice, and who can apply? What is its core mission?

AIWS-DASI introduces a pioneering ethical certification system designed to uphold integrity, transparency, and trust in the rapidly expanding digital asset space. At its core, the certification ensures that digital assets  -  whether tokens, digital art, cryptocurrencies, or AI-generated products  -  adhere to clear ethical, technical, and legal standards.

In practice, the certification process is governed by the AIWS-DASI Council and reviewed by the AIWS Asset Board  -  a body composed of global experts in AI, finance, cybersecurity, law, and ethics. Applicants  -  including creators, startups, platforms, and organizations  -  submit their digital assets for evaluation across criteria such as origin transparency, ethical use of AI, privacy protection, traceability, environmental impact, and social value. Assets that meet the criteria are awarded the AIWS Ethical Label, signaling their credibility and social responsibility.

The primary objective is to combat fraud, deception, and unethical practices in the digital space, particularly as digital assets increasingly underpin economic and social infrastructures. By establishing a behavioral standard, AIWS-DASI aims to build a safe, human-centered digital economy  -  where innovation serves the public good.

How does AIWS differ from other global AI ethics initiatives, and what unique impact do you hope to create?

AIWS sets itself apart both in vision and structure. While many global efforts focus on frameworks or principles, AIWS builds a workable and actionable societal model for the AI era  -  grounded in ethics, human dignity, and global cooperation.

It integrates governance, the digital economy, education, culture, and spiritual values into one unified ecosystem. The goal is not just safe AI or regulatory compliance, but to shape a future where AI becomes a companion to civilization.

We ask not only what AI should not do, but what AI can do for good  -  supporting democracy, creativity, peace, and the common prosperity.

Our unique impact lies in creating living institutions such as AIWS Government 24/7, AIWS Film Park, AIWS Music for Humanity, and AIWS Digital Assets  -  where ethical AI is practiced and shared in daily life. Through partnerships with global leaders, institutions like Harvard and MIT, and policymakers, AIWS seeks to pioneer a new age of enlightenment, where AI reinforces moral foundations instead of eroding them.

What safeguards ensure transparency and accountability in the AIWS-DASI certification process itself?

AIWS-DASI is designed with a multi-layered governance architecture to ensure integrity, transparency, and credibility at every stage:

First, independent oversight by the AIWS Asset Board. This globally representative board  -  comprising leaders in ethics, law, finance, and technology  -  oversees the entire certification framework. It evaluates applications, monitors compliance, and has the authority to revoke certifications in cases of violations.

Second, transparent evaluation criteria. All ethical, technical, and governance standards required for certification are publicly available. Applicants undergo a rigorous assessment process based on these published standards, ensuring decisions are objective and free from bias or arbitrariness.

Third, audit trails and a public registry. AIWS-DASI maintains a tamper-resistant, auditable registry of all certified digital assets and related decisions. Each certified project is listed in a public ledger, enabling community oversight and limiting potential abuses.

Fourth, whistleblower and appeals mechanisms. Any individual or organization may raise concerns or report violations via a secure whistleblower system. Applicants have the right to appeal, with reviews conducted by an independent panel to ensure fairness.

Fifth, regular reassessments of certified entities. Certified holders must submit periodic updates to ensure continued compliance with evolving standards in ethics, security, and transparency.

Sixth, the AIWS Code of Ethical Conduct. All certified participants must pledge to uphold this code  -  committing to human dignity, truth, privacy rights, and responsible innovation. Breaches may result in revocation of certification and public disclosure.

Together, these mechanisms ensure that AIWS-DASI functions not merely as a technical certifier, but as an ethical steward of the digital asset ecosystem  -  fostering public trust, protecting users, and advancing a fairer, more enlightened digital economy.

Experts forecast that up to 90% of online content in the near future may be generated by AI. What governance mechanisms, in your view, could realistically ensure truth and authenticity in such a future? And how can we ensure that human creativity remains central  -  not sidelined?

In a world where AI-generated content becomes the dominant form of information, the core challenge is not AI’s presence itself, but how we govern its role in shaping narratives, values, and beliefs.

AI is a tool, not an author

My fundamental belief is simple: all AI-generated content must originate from a human idea  -  a human intention. AI is a powerful assistant: it accelerates expression, expands reach, and amplifies imagination. But it must never overwhelm the core creative impulse that resides only in humans.

Governance frameworks by BGF and AIWS

To maintain this balance, BGF and AIWS are developing governance frameworks and standards to:

First, verify source and intention: Every AI-generated content must be traceable to a human originator, with metadata indicating whether it was human-made, AI-assisted, or AI-generated.

Second, introduce ethical standards for AI content: Under the AIWS-DASI framework, we can certify platforms and creators who adhere to ethical standards  -  ensuring that truth, respect, and transparency permeate every layer of digital content.

Third, celebrate human-centered creativity: Initiatives like AIWS Film Park and AIWS Music for Humanity show how AI can amplify the human story without diminishing its soul.

Human–AI partnership for truth

In this ecosystem, AI does not lead  -  AI supports. Governance mechanisms will ensure that AI:

Operates transparently, with auditable logs of how content is created
Respects intellectual and emotional authorship
Actively avoids spreading falsehoods by embedding verification protocols
Empowers creators from diverse cultures and spiritual traditions

Preserving the human spirit in the age of AI

Our mission is to build a digital society where AI expands  -  not narrows  -  the scope of human expression. By enforcing ethical standards, verifying content provenance, and honoring the dignity of human creativity, we can ensure that even in an AI-dominated future, humanity remains at the center  -  with its stories, dreams, and truths.

How can developing countries meaningfully participate in global AI ethics and digital governance?

Developing nations have a vital role in shaping the ethical future of AI and digital governance. They are not passive recipients of technologies developed elsewhere  -  they must co-create global standards and values in the age of AI. Their perspectives, challenges, and cultural richness offer irreplaceable insights.

Participation is essential because:

Inclusive norms protect their interests: Without their involvement, global standards may emerge that fail to reflect their realities  -  inadvertently widening inequalities, deepening digital divides, or embedding exploitative systems. Active participation safeguards sovereignty, culture, and future economies.

AI as a leapfrogging tool: With proper ethical frameworks, AI can help these countries leap ahead in healthcare, education, finance, and governance. Engagement allows them to build protective fences while maximizing benefits.

Cultural and spiritual contributions to ethics: Many nations hold deep spiritual and cultural traditions essential to a more humane vision of AI. Philosophies rooted in harmony, compassion, and community can enrich the global framework.

Meaningful engagement involves:

Joining global alliances and initiatives: Organizations like BGF and initiatives such as AIWS-DASI welcome collaboration. Through these, countries gain access to cutting-edge research, policy frameworks, and ethical standards they can adapt locally.

Sharing local innovations and real-world scenarios: Contributing examples of local AI use, societal challenges, and ethical dilemmas helps ground global frameworks in real life. Lead working groups, present at international forums, and participate in multilateral dialogues as equal partners.

Building local capacity with international support: Through AIWS networks, countries can train AI ethicists, policy leaders, and engineers with curricula grounded in universal values of dignity and justice.

Launching ethical model pilots: Pioneering AI ethics pilots in healthcare, rural development, or digital identity  -  and linking them to AIWS-DASI certification  -  positions these countries as leaders and models for the global community.

The benefits of engagement include:

Global prestige and influence: Shaping the rules instead of merely following them.

Access to resources and knowledge: Unlocking funding, technical support, and world-class networks.

Cultural empowerment: Embedding their own philosophies, religions, and traditions into global digital governance, ensuring AI is value-rich, not value-less.

Economic development with integrity: Ethical AI frameworks attract responsible investment and nurture trustworthy innovation ecosystems.

Conclusion: Engaging in AI ethics and digital governance is not merely a right  -  it is a vital necessity. By acting now, developing nations can shape the future of AI to serve all humanity and create a future that reflects their values, voices, and visions.

What does “human-centered innovation” mean to you in practice  -  and how can businesses and governments embrace this mindset?

To me, human-centered innovation means that all technological progress must begin and end with the well-being, dignity, and empowerment of people.

It’s not merely about user experience or satisfaction  -  it’s about aligning innovation with human values, ensuring technology becomes a force for compassion, equity, and upliftment.

In practice, this means:

Start with human needs, not just technological capabilities.

The fundamental questions should be: What human problems are we solving? What opportunities are we unlocking for human growth? Technology is a tool to amplify potential, not the destination itself.

Respect human agency.

People are not data points or passive users  -  they are decision-makers, co-creators, and partners. Systems must provide transparency, control, and meaningful choices.

Embed ethics from the start.

Design for fairness and justice from day one  -  not as an afterthought. Every innovation should be stress-tested for its social and ethical impact, especially on vulnerable communities.

Prioritize inclusion.

Solutions must account for cultural, linguistic, and diverse human needs  -  particularly those of marginalized populations. The AI revolution must leave no one behind.

Recommendations for businesses:

Establish a Human Values Unit within R&D and product design teams.

Adopt AIWS-DASI certification to ensure transparency, trustworthiness, and dignity in AI systems.

Co-design with users, especially those most affected by the technology.

Redefine KPIs beyond profit  -  include trust, well-being, accessibility, and social value.

Recommendations for governments:

Integrate ethics into policy and regulation using standards like AIWS and the Boston Charter for AI Ethics.

Invest in humanistic education, combining AI, ethics, humanities, and public service.

Fund Civic Tech and social innovation: leverage AI to tackle issues like health, climate, and education.

Protect digital human rights: ensure data, identity, and digital freedom are safeguarded by law and design.

In summary:

Human-centered innovation is about restoring the “soul” of technology. It calls on us to develop AI not merely for efficiency or growth, but for compassion, truth, meaning, and shared progress.

With the right mindset and mechanisms, we can ensure that innovation lifts humanity  -  not replaces it.

How do you envision the development of the AI World Society in the next decade?

In the next 10 years, I envision AIWS evolving into a global citizen-technology ecosystem  -  a collaborative ethical platform where governments, businesses, universities, and individuals work together in the AI era to build a peaceful, inclusive, and creative civilization.

The AIWS Government 24/7: An integrated model of AI-enabled governance

AIWS will help governments transition from traditional administration to intelligent, continuous, transparent, responsive, and efficient governance  -  with trustworthy AI agents supporting public institutions while upholding democratic values.

Ethical digital economy and financial systems

AIWS will contribute to shaping a digital economy grounded in trust and fairness. Through the AIWS-DASI framework, it will lead efforts to certify ethical digital assets, protect against cybercrime, and empower citizens across both developed and developing nations.

Centering culture, spirit, and humanity

AIWS fosters the fusion of culture, technology, and spirituality. Initiatives like the AIWS Film Park and AIWS Music for Humanity promote global artistic collaboration, elevate human creativity in partnership with AI, and preserve sacred values and shared heritage across borders.

A global alliance of democratic forces

AIWS will continue to unite democratic nations  -  from the U.S., EU, Japan, and India to Southeast Asia  -  to promote responsible AI, counter authoritarian digital models, and uphold the four pillars: Democracy, Ethics, Innovation, and Humanity.

Enlightened digital citizenship in the AI era

AIWS will broaden access to educational initiatives that equip students, young leaders, and citizens with ethical, cultural, and civic capacities to shape the AI future. Knowledge platforms, digital libraries, and transnational research centers will make AI education accessible, practical, and value-driven.

By 2035, AIWS will no longer be just a vision  -  it will be a living society of values. A trusted framework to ensure AI remains a friend of humanity, not a force of disruption. A world where innovation is led by compassion, where digital progress is rooted in ethics, and where the soul of civilization is never lost to the speed of machines.

As a global voice in ethical AI, what keeps you optimistic and purposeful in this fast-changing and complex landscape?

What keeps me hopeful is the unwavering belief that human dignity, compassion, and creativity will always prevail over complexity. I believe that technology, when guided by ethics and wisdom, can be a profound force for good.

Even in uncertain times, I draw clarity and strength from several sources:

The power of global collaboration: Working alongside governors, spiritual leaders, professors, and young innovators  -  from Harvard to Hanoi, Paris to Tokyo  -  I witness a shared aspiration to build a better future. These collaborations remind me that no matter how far AI progresses, humanity’s pursuit of peace, fairness, and meaning remains at the center.

Moral anchors like AIWS and BGF: AIWS gives me a moral compass  -  focusing not just on machines, but on societies, values, and our shared destiny. Initiatives like AIWS Government 24/7, AIWS-DASI, and AIWS Music for Humanity prove that ethics and beauty can coexist within digital innovation. That gives me hope.

Stories of integrity and vision: When I think of leaders like the late Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, French President Emmanuel Macron, and spiritual teacher Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, I am reminded that ethical leadership is real and powerful. Honoring their legacies reinforces the purpose behind this work.

The energy of youth and future generations: Young people in Vietnam, the U.S., Japan, and beyond inspire me every day. They embrace AI not just as a tool, but as a responsibility. They are curious, ethical, and bold  -  and they will shape a more enlightened digital civilization.

Ultimately, I remain optimistic because I see AI as a mirror. It reflects who we are. If we act with ethics, courage, and compassion, AI will reflect that back. And together, we can build a civilization that celebrates both intelligence and humanity.

What core values should guide young AI leaders as they innovate?

My advice is simple yet profound: lead with humanity first. Technology may define the tools of our era; values define the destiny of our civilization.

Compassion and responsibility: Every algorithm, model, and system you build impacts real lives. Lead with compassion  -  design technology to serve people, not to control them. Let responsibility guide every innovation, ensuring that progress never comes at the cost of dignity or freedom.

Truth and transparency: In an era where information can be distorted by speed and automation, truth becomes sacred. AI leaders must commit to transparency, honesty, and integrity  -  both in how AI is built and how it’s deployed. Trust is the foundation of every sustainable innovation.

Creativity and courage: Don’t just replicate what exists  -  imagine what could be. Great AI leadership demands creative thinking and the courage to pioneer. The most transformative breakthroughs come from those who blend vision with ethical imagination.

Collaboration and humility: No one builds the future alone. Work alongside scientists, philosophers, artists, and spiritual leaders. Humility allows you to listen, learn, and evolve. The best AI leaders are not those who dominate technology, but those who harmonize human and machine intelligence.

Respect for cultural and spiritual diversity: AI must reflect the richness of human diversity. Leaders must ensure that AI respects different cultures, beliefs, and values  -  strengthening global solidarity rather than division. Interfaith understanding and ethical depth are essential for sustainable innovation.

In essence, young AI leaders must see themselves not just as innovators, but as stewards of the future  -  building an ethical, compassionate, and human-centered AI world. Because in the AI age, the true measure of leadership is not how powerful the technology is, but how wisely and kindly it serves humanity.

From founding VietNamNet to leading Boston Global Forum: How has your journey shaped your vision for technology and ethical governance?

My journey has always been guided by a deep commitment to using technology as a force for good.

Looking back, when I founded and served as Editor-in-Chief of VietNamNet, I saw journalism as a foundation to uplift society  -  a platform for reconciliation and a catalyst for compassion. One of my earliest initiatives was World Reconciliation Day, which promoted respect, tolerance, and love.

As I witnessed the rapid rise of AI, I saw both immense promise and profound risk. I quickly recognized the urgent need for ethical governance  -  to ensure that AI serves humanity, rather than the reverse.

Over time, I began to envision a future in which AI would not replace humans, but become a sincere companion and assistant  -  amplifying our capabilities and uplifting our dignity.

That vision crystallized in 2017 with the founding of the AI World Society (AIWS)  -  a comprehensive framework for building a new kind of society in the AI era: one grounded in ethics, human values, and technological innovation.

Today, through the work of Boston Global Forum, we continue that mission  -  collaborating with global leaders and thinkers to shape a fair, peaceful, and enlightened future led by responsible AI.

Tuan Viet Nam