Connecting infrastructure: The first step in building a digital foundation.
For nearly a decade, ASEAN has invested heavily in expanding its digital infrastructure, from broadband internet networks to online public service platforms. Thanks to these joint efforts, the region is now among the fastest-growing internet regions in the world, facilitating the strong growth of the digital economy , e-commerce, and financial technology.
However, the achievements also reveal a new challenge: Digital infrastructure, while fundamental, is only a prerequisite. To thrive in the data age, ASEAN needs to shift from connecting devices and platforms to connecting knowledge, values, and intelligence, where data and innovation become the primary drivers of development.
This year's conference marks a significant shift: ASEAN has agreed to move its focus from infrastructure to data mining, AI development, and enhancing digital capabilities for the entire society. The participating countries recognize that in the data age, nations that effectively generate, share, and analyze data will lead the growth process.
"Intelligent connectivity" is emphasized as a new stage of development where data is interconnected across borders, AI is applied responsibly, and digital policies are harmonized among member states. This is not only an inevitable trend but also an urgent requirement for ASEAN to maintain its competitiveness in the context of digital globalization.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and delegates attending the Conference.
Data – a strategic resource shaping the region's future.
With over 670 million people, ASEAN is one of the regions with the richest data resources in the world . However, the value of this data is only truly realized when countries build mechanisms for shared use, standardized governance, and modern analytical infrastructure.
At ADGMIN 6, member states agreed to promote data sharing mechanisms, creating a foundation for the development of the digital economy, digital services, and AI applications on a regional scale. In particular, supporting emerging nations like Timor-Leste in bridging the digital divide was considered a key priority for developing an inclusive and equitable ASEAN digital community.
Alongside data, artificial intelligence has been identified as a "new growth engine." Ministers emphasized the need for responsible, secure, and human-centered AI development. Collaborative development of an AI code of ethics, a common governance framework, and standards for transparency and safety will ensure AI serves the region's sustainable development goals.
With AI increasingly being applied in healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, and public administration, ASEAN aims to create a common AI space where countries can jointly exploit, share, and develop capabilities.
For "intelligent connectivity" to truly become a driving force, ASEAN must build strong digital trust. Cooperation on cybersecurity, personal data protection, and combating harmful information is considered a key task for the coming period.
The countries agreed to strengthen the policy framework for protecting personal data, enhance cybersecurity capabilities at the regional level, and expand digital skills training programs for citizens to ensure a safe, reliable, and inclusive digital environment.
Building digital trust not only makes online transactions safer but also lays the groundwork for businesses and individuals to confidently participate more deeply in the digital economy.
Delegates attend the opening ceremony of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting.
Regional cooperation: A shared driving force to ensure no one is left behind.
One of the highlights of the conference was the commitment to expanding cooperation to bridge the digital divide among member states. Timor-Leste's participation in ADGMIN 6 as a full member demonstrates the spirit of solidarity and determination to ensure the inclusiveness of the ASEAN community in digital transformation.
Initiatives such as connecting digital infrastructure, data sharing, AI development, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting cross-border digital economy continue to be strengthened. Deep cooperation helps ASEAN create a large, potential, and globally competitive digital market.
The overarching message of ADGMIN 6 shows that ASEAN is proactively shaping its digital future. While the previous phase focused on infrastructure, the current phase is about knowledge, data, and intelligence.
An intelligently connected ASEAN not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to strengthening peace, promoting sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for its people. ASEAN is ready to enter a new era where all nations have the opportunity to develop and no one is left behind.
The 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting marks a significant turning point in the region's digital transformation. From a foundation of digital connectivity, ASEAN is strongly moving towards a phase of intellectual connectivity—a phase requiring deeper linkages, a longer-term vision, and stronger commitment from all member states.
With data-driven and AI-driven approaches as its cornerstone, ASEAN is building a unified, secure, and prosperous digital community where all knowledge resources are shared, all development opportunities are expanded, and all citizens benefit from the fruits of digital transformation.
Source: https://mst.gov.vn/chuyen-tu-uu-tien-ha-tang-sang-khai-thac-du-lieu-va-tri-tue-nhan-tao-197260209200229185.htm
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