Jakarta, 10 September 2024: The ASEAN Secretariat, in collaboration with various think tanks, convened the inaugural ASEAN Think Tank Summit (ATTS). The event brought together experts from across the region to generate actionable policy ideas aimed at fostering greater connectivity, resilience, and maintaining ASEAN’s centrality. In her opening remarks, Dr Yeo Lay Hwee, Senior Fellow of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA), emphasized the importance of these goals. H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, also highlighted the critical role of digital technologies in advancing ASEAN’s strategic agenda and maintaining strong regional cooperation.

The first panel, co-moderated by Dr Lili Yan Ing, Senior Economist at ERIA, and Dr Yeo Lay Hwee, addressed key questions concerning ASEAN’s digital future. These included: 1) Strategies to digitalize the supply chain ecosystem and overcome barriers to interoperable digital trade, 2) The role of regional mechanisms like the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in enhancing cross-border trade, and 3) Collaborative efforts to support digital transformation through a strong digital skills and talent ecosystem. 

Panellists included Dr Ming Tan (Tech for Good Institute, Singapore), Dr Bradley Jensen Murg (Cambodian Institute for Cooperation and Peace), Dr Thantavanh Manolom (Institute for Industry and Commerce, Lao PDR), and Prof. Antoinette Raquiza (Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation, Philippines). Following their presentations, the session included a dynamic Q&A with all participants, fostering an engaging discussion and offering diverse perspectives on the key issues raised.

Several key policy recommendations emerged from the session’s discussion. First, the promotion of innovation through regulatory sandboxes was emphasized. Second, harmonizing cybercrime regulations across ASEAN was proposed to strengthen the region’s credibility. Third, addressing the challenge of protectionism in DEFA development, the importance of capacity building, especially with government involvement, was stressed. Fourth, reducing production costs and engaging third-party providers, such as regional companies working across ASEAN member states, were suggested to enhance digital infrastructure. Additionally, cross-border infrastructure sharing among ASEAN Member States was discussed, particularly to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Lastly, the rising demand for 'hot skills' like coding and prompting was highlighted, alongside the need for digital literacy, particularly in understanding generative AI content, underscoring the critical role of education.

Dr Lili Yan Ing further stressed the need to address issues like data privacy, cybersecurity, fostering innovation to enhance competition, and closing the digital divide to ensure inclusivity in ASEAN's digital transformation. She also highlighted the importance of considering political, social security, and social dimensions alongside economic factors.

In conclusion, the ATTS underscored the crucial role of digital transformation in enhancing ASEAN’s integration and competitiveness. Discussions centered on strategies for digital trade, regulatory harmonization, capacity building, and fostering innovation. Experts emphasized the importance of collaboration among member states to overcome challenges such as cybersecurity, data privacy, and the digital divide, while ensuring that digital progress benefits all sectors of society.

Publication: Building an ASEAN Economic Community Beyond 2025