Penang, 23 April 2025: ERIA actively participated in the Second Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials for the 56th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (SEOM 2/56) and related events, held from 20–24 April 2025 in Penang, Malaysia. The meeting, convened at the invitation of SEOM Chair Dr Sugumari Shanmugam, the Senior Director of ASEAN Department, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia – brought together senior officials from ASEAN and Timor-Leste to advance regional economic priorities.

ERIA's Contributions to ASEAN's Semiconductor and EV Policy

On 21 April, Dr Intan Murnira Ramli (Senior Policy Fellow), Dr Han Phoumin (Senior Energy Economist), and Dr Alloysius Joko Purwanto (Energy Economist) presented progress on two flagship studies supporting Malaysia’s 2025 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs). These studies contribute to the development of the ASEAN Framework for an Integrated Semiconductor Supply Chain (AFISS) and the ASEAN Electric Vehicle Battery Passport.

The presentation received positive feedback from the Senior Economic Officials. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community, expressed appreciation for ERIA’s continued support, noting the importance of expert input in shaping practical and impactful regional strategies.

To further support ASEAN in navigating global shifts, ERIA is conducting a new impact study examining the implications of political and economic trends on the semiconductor and automotive sectors. The study aims to provide policy recommendations to help ASEAN capitalise on emerging opportunities and address geoeconomic challenges.

Advancing ASEAN–Japan Cooperation on Innovation

ERIA also participated in the 30th SEOM–METI Consultation on 23 April, which focused on enhancing ASEAN–Japan economic ties. Dr Aladdin Rillo, Managing Director for Policy Design and Operations, presented updates on several key initiatives, including:

• Masterplan for the ASEAN–Japan Next-Generation Automotive Industry
• ASEAN–Japan AI Innovation Co-Creation Roadmap
• Activities of the ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC)

Dr Rillo noted that the automotive masterplan, to be submitted at the AEM–METI Consultation in September 2025, aims to guide policymakers and industry stakeholders in boosting ASEAN’s automotive competitiveness while supporting decarbonisation. Consultations and surveys involving OEMs and suppliers from both ASEAN and Japan highlight that while internal combustion and hybrid vehicles remain relevant, accelerating battery EV adoption is critical. This will require stronger demand stimulation, investment in workforce development, and advanced component manufacturing.

On the AI Innovation Co-Creation Roadmap, Dr Rillo explained that ASEAN and Japan aim to jointly drive AI deployment across the region. Early findings suggest the region could unlock up to US$120 billion in annual value through widespread adoption of generative AI. Key enablers include robust digital infrastructure, sound data governance, startup support, and digital skills development.

Dr Rillo also announced that ERIA will host the 2nd ASEAN Start-up Roundtable on 28–29 April 2025, focusing on themes such as AI infrastructure, digital talent development, and regulatory and investment frameworks. The event will bring together government, industry, academia, and investment leaders to discuss practical strategies for building inclusive and innovative AI startup ecosystems in ASEAN.