6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting Opens as ASEAN Pushes Intelligent Connectivity Agenda

At the start of the ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting, there were solid demands to increase regional digital collaboration as leaders of the ASEAN bloc convened to mould the next stage of digitalization of the bloc. At the opening ceremony, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn emphasized that ASEAN needed to leave behind the fundamental infrastructures and embark on intelligent connectivity based on innovation, trust, and inclusivity. The meeting provides the background in harmonizing digital policies in Southeast Asia due to the fast changing technology.

Driving ASEAN’s Digital Future

The priorities identified by ministers at the meeting include growth of digital economy, data governance across borders, cybersecurity and new technologies. Dr. Kao has emphasized the need to reduce digital divide coupled with the need to make sure that digitalisation works to the advantage of businesses, governments and the overall citizens. The discussions also supported the regional frameworks that facilitate secure digital trade and people-based innovation that strengthens ASEAN as a competitive and strong digital hub.