Video: Humility helps governments solve real-world problems in the AI era Governments do not need a “silver bullet” to navigate the artificial intelligence (AI) era. Instead, they need the humility to learn from different sectors and remain focused on solving real-world problems, according to UNDP’s Juan Kanggrawan. UNDP's Regional Digital and AI Expert, Juan Kanggrawan, reflects on his experience in both government and the private sector at the GovInsider's Festival of Innovation 2026. Image: GovInsider As governments accelerate their artificial intelligence (AI) transformation efforts, the biggest challenge lies not in the technology itself, but whether institutions can embrace cross-sector collaboration and maintain the humility to keep learning. “Many people think there's a silver bullet. You're in an AI tech startup, you can solve everything. You're in the government, you can do all the policy. I don't think so,” said UNDP’s Regional Digital and AI Expert, Juan Kanggrawan. Speaking to Civic Punks’ podcast host, Derek Alton, on the sidelines of GovInsider’s Festival of Innovation (FOI) in Singapore, in March this year, Kanggrawan shared what he learned from his time in government. “First is humility. Don't think you are the best. You know everything. Try to learn and work with people from multiple perspectives,” he said. The second is the ability to solve problems. Referencing former US President Barack Obama, Kanggrawan said the most valuable people in any organisation are those who can execute and deliver results. “I need people who can do, get the things done. Problem solver,” he said, adding that the principle applies to anyone working in a startup, government, university, or international organisation. From unicorns to public impact Before joining UNDP, Kanggrawan spent years working in Southeast Asia’s private sector, including unicorn companies and smart city initiatives. His journey into government and international development began through volunteer work