Sea, Google expand AI partnership across Southeast Asia digital services

by

Rei Fortes

-

2 months ago

Sea, Google expand AI partnership across Southeast Asia digital services

Singapore – Sea Limited has strengthened its collaboration with Google to accelerate the development and deployment of AI-driven services across its digital platforms, targeting consumers in Southeast Asia and other global markets.

The expanded cooperation was formalised through a MoU, signalling a shared objective to apply AI at scale in ways intended to provide practical applications and improve day-to-day digital interactions. The agreement also reflects a focus on responsible implementation, including considerations around data protection and user safety.

The two companies plan to pursue joint initiatives across Sea’s three principal business segments: digital entertainment, online retail and financial services.

“AI is the next big technology revolution, and we believe that it has huge potential to positively transform our business and create value in our markets,” Forrest Li, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sea, commented. 

“This partnership with Google on AI will drive innovation in the business application of the technology at scale, and allow us to make AI more accessible to the digitally underserved in our markets.”

Within gaming, Garena is set to work with Google to incorporate advanced AI technologies aimed at enhancing player engagement and improving operational efficiency in game design, development and management. Garena may also take part in selected early-stage trials connected to Google’s emerging AI research programmes.

In e-commerce, Shopee and Google intend to explore the development of an aAI-driven shopping assistant prototype capable of operating across both platforms. The proposed system would be designed to support product discovery, user interaction and transaction processes through more automated and personalised digital experiences.

In digital financial services, Monee will collaborate with Google on the Agent Payments Protocol, an open framework designed to support AI-enabled payment processes. Monee is expected to contribute technical input to help ensure the framework is secure and adaptable to the varied regulatory and market conditions of Southeast Asia. 

The companies also plan to examine the feasibility of piloting AI-supported payment functionalities across their respective platforms at a later stage.

“By combining Google’s AI leadership with Sea’s innovative ecosystem, we’re building products that don’t just solve today’s challenges but define the future of gaming, commerce, and financial services. And we’re developing these solutions responsibly, with user privacy and safety at the core,” Sanjay Gupta, president at Google Asia Pacific, shared. 

“Together, we are accelerating the adoption of this transformative technology and unlocking the immense economic potential of Southeast Asia’s digital landscape.”

Through this broadened partnership, Sea and Google aim to extend the application of AI across digital entertainment, e-commerce and payments ecosystems, with a focus on scalable deployment and regional digital growth.

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