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The 3rd ADGMIN, 9 February 2023 1
ASEAN Secretary General
Exchange of Views on Development in Digital Sector
Excellencies,
The digital age has ushered unprecedented changes and opportunities for businesses and governments around the world. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has the power to drastically transform business models and hence contribute to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by reducing resource use and accelerating and maximizing the effects of environmental measures. ASEAN has recently made great efforts to pursue a double transition towards a digital and sustainable future. In 2022, ASEAN finalised the ASEAN Circular Economy Framework Implementation Plan and Work Plan and is developing the Carbon Neutrality Strategy which provides a comprehensive approach to reducing resource use and cutting carbon emissions. Meanwhile, ASEAN is accelerating the digitalisation as a new driver for the regional growth, particularly through implementing the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap on digital transformation since 2021. Hence, the ADGMIN’s theme “synergy towards sustainable digital future” is not only timely but also relevant as digitalization and sustainability can be mutually supportive goals. In this regard, the today’s theme of ADGMIN discussion on “synergy towards sustainable digital future” is essential to preparing ASEAN for a new journey towards an innovative and sustainable future empowered by digital technologies.
Excellencies,
I would share my perspectives on how ASEAN should embrace digital technology to drive more sustainable growth in the region.
First, building an integrated ASEAN digital ecosystem that brings forth innovative green solutions and business models that reinforce sustainability at various levels is the prerequisite for a sustainable digital future of ASEAN. Creating a digital and sustainable ecosystem requires a whole newer level of horizontal integration across sectors. This process requires substantive
7 February 2023
The 3rd ADGMIN, 9 February 2023 2
collaboration efforts between digital sector and other sectoral bodies of ASEAN, stakeholders, including energy, transport, agriculture and finance and banking sectors to capitalise digital technology, especially in the implementation of the Framework for Circular Economy for the ASEAN Economic Community and the future Carbon Neutrality Strategy. To this end, I recommend Ministers to instruct ADGSOM to intensify their work under ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2025 (ADM 2025) and conduct the general review of ADM 2025, in collaboration with the relevant sectoral bodies, to provide a more structured plan to prepare for a sustainable digital future of ASEAN, especially in the post-2025 vision of the AEC.
Second, considering sustainable development is the core value of growth quality, it is highly recommended that ASEAN embed sustainability into the upcoming Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), making sustainability a legally binding commitment to support the emergence of a sustainable future of the ASEAN digital economy.
Third, developing human capital to participate meaningfully in the digital era is critical for long-term sustainable growth. Education and training in the digital age are essential to enable the workfoce to use innovative technologies, create new businesses, and adapt to a constantly changing world. To this end, ASEAN is working tirelessly to enhance the re-skilling and up-skilling of the most vulnerable groups such as unskilled workers, women and MSMEs. Several ASEAN initiatives including SME Academy, Go Digital ASEAN have successfully brought these groups real benefits and prepare them for a sustainable digital future. I encourage ADGMIN and officials to further collaborate with the ASEAN Secretariat, business councils, non-governmental organisations to support these important initiatives.
I thank you for your consideration.
