Artificial Intelligence for Digital Preservation of Audiovisual Heritage in ASEAN: Archival Infrastructure, Metadata, and Repository Governance

Abstract

This investigation examines the contribution of artificial intelligence (AI) to the digital preservation and accessibility of audio-visual heritage, particularly film and animation, between 2023 and 2025, while evaluating the readiness of archival infrastructure and information management practices within memory institutions. Situated within Library and Information Science (LIS), the research focuses on archival collections of film and animation that demand sustained custodial oversight through core digital repository functions, including ingest, preservation, and access, consistent with the Open Archival Information System (OAIS) reference model. Requirements relating to preservation metadata and rights accountability are interpreted using recognised preservation metadata frameworks, such as Preservation Metadata: Implementation Strategies (PREMIS), together with records management principles that emphasise institutional responsibilities, governance policies, and metadata supporting records systems. Adopting a quantitative research design, the study operationalises indicators derived from the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025, the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics (2024), and UNESCO Memory of the World preservation-risk survey reports to evaluate ASEAN member states across three dimensions: (i) digital infrastructure capacity underpinning repository sustainability, (ii) governance maturity supporting the responsible adoption of AI, and (iii) levels of vulnerability influencing archival resilience. The findings reveal a pronounced structural imbalance whereby advances in digital capability, AI adoption, and animation production have outpaced the development of archival storage infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and sustainable long-term repository management across the region. Consequently, the study advocates targeted investment in fundamental digital preservation capabilities, including resilient storage, fixity-based preservation management, and professional capacity building, alongside policy interventions that enhance rights-conscious access, transparent governance, and the long-term trustworthiness of repositories managing audio-visual heritage collections.