Why AI governance means governing cognition

World Economic Forum (Mar 11, 2026) "Why AI governance means governing cognition" frames AI as having transitioned from a technical tool to foundational cognitive infrastructure by automating human reasoning and cognition, with employees already using AI tools for significant portions of their work. The piece argues this raises an urgent question: what does it mean to govern systems that do not merely shape behaviour but increasingly participate in reasoning and judgement? Delegated cognition enhances global productivity while centralising economic power and amplifying energy demands — large LLMs rely on centralised data centres tied to distant energy markets and regulatory regimes, and a small number of actors control development. Governance must prioritise human agency and transparency. Sharp framing for SEA mid-market boards starting to delegate director-level analysis to AI.