Keynote 1: The Digital ASEAN Ambition: From National Strategies to an Integrated Digital Economy

ASEAN is entering a decisive moment in its digital economy journey. Across the region, governments are investing in digital infrastructure, AI, digital services and innovation ecosystems. Yet the next phase of growth will depend on whether these national efforts can be connected into a more integrated, interoperable and scalable regional digital market.  

As ASEAN moves towards deeper regional cooperation and the expected signing of DEFA in November 2026, the region has an opportunity to move from digital ambition to practical implementation. With policy developments supporting deeper digital integration, ASEAN can build a more connected and interoperable digital economy that allows businesses, platforms and citizens to operate more seamlessly across borders.  

This keynote will examine how ASEAN can reduce digital fragmentation and create the policy conditions for businesses, citizens and digital service providers to operate more seamlessly across borders. It will explore how digital policy harmonisation, data governance, regulatory interoperability and regional coordination can enable investment, innovation and long-term digital growth.