The 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting issued the Hanoi Declaration on Digital Cooperation.

On January 16, 2026, the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) adopted the Hanoi Declaration on Digital Cooperation, affirming the shared determination of ASEAN nations to promote inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital transformation, towards building a smart, innovative, and people-centered digital community.

Bộ Khoa học và Công nghệ•16/01/2026

Shaping ASEAN's Digital Future

The 6th ADGMIN Conference and related meetings will be held in Hanoi from January 12-16, 2026, with the theme "ASEAN Adapting: From Infrastructure Connectivity to Intellectual Connectivity" . The ministerial-level sessions will take place over two days, January 15-16, 2026, chaired by the Minister of Science and Technology, Nguyen Manh Hung, in his capacity as Conference Chairman.

Hội nghị Bộ trưởng Số ASEAN lần thứ 6 ra Tuyên bố Hà Nội về Hợp tác số- Ảnh 1.

The Ministerial-level sessions within the framework of the 6th ADGMIN Conference and related meetings took place over two days, January 15-16, 2026.

The Hanoi Declaration is oriented towards In accordance with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026-2030 under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, the ASEAN Leaders' Statement on Promoting Digital Transformation in ASEAN, and based on the acknowledgment of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 Summary Report and the long-term efforts since the establishment of TELMIN (ASEAN Telecommunication Ministers' Meeting), and subsequently ADGMIN (ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting), in strengthening regional connectivity as a foundation for ASEAN's digital development.

The conference noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging not only as a technology, but also as a new essential infrastructure—a smart infrastructure—that will underpin the next phase of ASEAN's digital transformation, shaping how societies function, economies develop, and governments deliver services.

Just as physical and digital connectivity have long served as the backbone of regional integration, AI now has the potential to become the cognitive layer that enables smarter public services, enhances industrial productivity, strengthens cybersecurity, supports climate and environmental action, opens up new forms of digital-based economic activity, and promotes the transformation of citizens from passive consumers to active innovators.

ASEAN welcomes AI, as a key element driving the digital future, helps ASEAN proactively adapt to the shift from infrastructure connectivity to intellectual connectivity, thereby enabling the region to fully exploit the benefits of AI-led transformation, promote deeper regional integration, build a trustworthy, innovative, and inclusive digital community, and empower all citizens and businesses to access opportunities, develop innovation capabilities, and thrive in the global digital economy.

Through 10 key areas of cooperation.

The 6th ADGMIN Conference unanimously agreed through 10 key areas. Specifically:

Firstly, shaping ASEAN's digital future involves adopting the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2026-2030 (ADM 2030) as a cornerstone of regional digital integration, with the vision of building ASEAN into an inclusive, trustworthy, and innovative digital community, empowering all citizens and businesses to thrive in the global digital economy. With this vision, ADM 2030 will guide both regional cooperation and the updating of national digital strategies, ensuring consistent implementation across ASEAN.

Hội nghị Bộ trưởng Số ASEAN lần thứ 6 ra Tuyên bố Hà Nội về Hợp tác số- Ảnh 2.

Ministers and Heads of Delegation from various countries at the 6th ADGMIN Conference.

Secondly, we support the promotion of negotiations on the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Digital Economy (DEFA) to establish favorable rules and ensure that the implementation of the Agreement promotes interoperability, inclusiveness, and benefits businesses, consumers, and citizens across the ASEAN region.

Third, develop smart, seamless, inclusive, and resilient digital infrastructure through the integration of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) for intelligent and predictive operations; enhance network speed and coverage to ensure seamless connectivity; diversify approaches through broadband networks, 5G/6G, cloud computing services, data centers, low-orbit satellites (LEO), and submarine cables to ensure cross-border resilience and continuity; promote secure architecture from the design stage, robust redundancy and diversification mechanisms; and support the activities of the Working Group on Submarine Cables (WG-SC) to accelerate regional cooperation in facilitating the repair, maintenance, and protection of submarine cables in accordance with the ASEAN Guidelines on enhancing the resilience and repair of submarine cables.

Fourth, promote a reliable and secure digital ecosystem by strengthening regional cybersecurity resilience; enhance cooperation in combating fraud through telecommunications channels by implementing the ASEAN Guidance on Policies and Good Practices in Fraud Prevention; promote reliable cross-border interoperability and data flows through ASEAN mechanisms, while respecting national legal frameworks on data protection and privacy; support efforts led by ASEAN Working Groups; enhance the role of the ASEAN Regional Computer Incident Response Team (ASEAN Regional CERT) in timely cross-border information sharing, joint incident response, and capacity building in accordance with the ASEAN Standards Implementation Portfolio; and strengthen capacity building and harmonization of approaches to data protection, cloud security, ASEAN Digital Identifiers, and digital identifier interoperability.

Thursday, Promoting inclusive digital participation through enhanced universal and affordable connectivity, ensuring technology is accessible to all, including women, youth, rural communities, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups; strengthening digital capacity, promoting lifelong learning and responsible digital behavior; building a safe and trustworthy digital environment to protect citizens from online and telecommunications fraud through the application of technical standards and measures, facilitating meaningful and safe participation in the digital society.

Sixth, strengthen the digital workforce and digital talent ready for the future by encouraging collaboration in joint research and development (R&D) initiatives, academic-business partnerships, and participation in global innovation platforms; promote the sharing and development of information and communication technology (ICT) skills among colleges, universities, and training institutions; and support the mobility of skilled labor within the region by promoting forecast-based human resource planning, leveraging AI and digital analytics to forecast new skill needs, identify workforce gaps, and guide policy interventions.

Saturday, Accelerate digital economic integration through the development of public digital infrastructure and interoperable data connectivity; promote paperless and seamless digital commerce; enhance a safe, secure, and trustworthy cyberspace, including collective efforts to prevent and combat online fraud; strengthen support for startups, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and digital businesses through improved access to technology, finance, capacity-building opportunities, and cross-border collaboration, while empowering citizens and businesses to effectively participate in the digital economy.

Eighth, Strengthening cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) through promoting policy harmonization and enhancing joint safety efforts under the leadership of the Working Group on AI Governance (WG-AI) and ASEAN support mechanisms, including the ASEAN AI Safe Network, aims to enhance ASEAN's capacity to respond to emerging AI opportunities and risks; including sharing best practices in AI infrastructure development, exploring practical applications and use cases, and establishing testing mechanisms (sandboxes) to address regional challenges, thereby supporting digital transformation and strengthening ASEAN's common voice in global AI governance.

Ninth, Enhancing green digital transformation through promoting energy-efficient digital infrastructure and carbon-reducing software techniques; integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into national and regional digital transformation strategies; increasing the use of renewable energy for data centers; applying AI to optimize telecommunications networks; and promoting circular economy mechanisms in e-waste management for sustainable development.

In addition, Encouraging cooperation with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and International Organizations in funding, capacity building, technical cooperation, and innovation partnerships to realize ASEAN's ambition to become a leading global digital hub.

Here are some photos from the 6th ADGMIN Conference: