Jakarta, 23 February 2023: A high-level forum discussed perspectives for consideration on ASEAN’S digital economy, ASEAN Digital Framework Agreement challenges, and strategies in building ASEAN’s digital community. Trade Policy Advisory Group (TradePAG) on ASEAN Chairmanship: ASEAN Digital Economy was hosted by Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and the International Trade Analysis and Policy Studies (ITAPS) at IPB University. Speakers, panellists, and an embassy representative from Australia attended the forum moderated by Dr Aladdin D. Rillo, ERIA’s Senior Economic Advisor. Mr Kasan, Head of Trade Policy Agency of Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade, and Dr Lili Yan Ing, ERIA’s Lead Advisor on Southeast Asia, delivered the opening remarks.

Mr Brian A. Wong, Managing Director of Seacliff Partners, presented key points to strengthen ASEAN’s digital readiness, including providing ubiquitous connectivity; enabling inter-ASEAN data, financial, and product flow; strengthening public–private partnerships; and combining approaches whilst adopting the blue ocean approach.  Mr Ichwan Makmur Nasution, Head of International Institution of Indonesia’s Ministry of Communications and Informatics, focused on the ministry’s digital strategies for Indonesia. Dr Maria Monica Wihardja, Economist and Visiting Fellow from ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, discussed implementation strategies in building ASEAN’s digital community.

Ms Jessica Wa’u, Deputy Director of ASEAN at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, and Dr Doan Thi Thanh Ha, ERIA’s Economist, raised reactions, citing cases from Singapore and Viet Nam, respectively. The Q&A session discussed issues such as sustainability, digital transformation limits, and regulations. The output of the forum will be a direct policy memo to the Indonesian Minister of Trade and in-line ministries.

ASEAN Digital Community 2040 Policy Brief