On January 15, 2026, the opening ceremony of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN 6) took place in Hanoi , marking one of the region's important digital cooperation events in 2026.
Hosted by Vietnam, the conference brought together Ministers in charge of information technology, telecommunications and digital transformation from ASEAN countries, the ASEAN Secretary-General, representatives of Dialogue Partners, international organizations, and a large number of delegates from within and outside the region.
On the sidelines of the conference, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn spoke with the press, sharing his assessment of Vietnam's digital development progress and ASEAN's future cooperation priorities.
According to the ASEAN Secretary-General, Vietnam's identification of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as strategic breakthroughs demonstrates a long-term vision and proactive policy thinking, consistent with ASEAN's common priorities in the context of increasing digital competition.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn noted that Vietnam is demonstrating a leading role in ASEAN's digitalization strategy.
Mr. Kao Kim Hourn stated that Vietnam's orientation aligns with the "ASEAN Vision 2045: Our Shared Future," a long-term strategy towards a peaceful , prosperous, resilient, sustainable, and inclusive ASEAN Community.
Vietnam is considered an active participant in the development of this vision, particularly in the pillars of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Vietnam's success in these strategic areas not only benefits the nation but also contributes to enhancing ASEAN's competitiveness, role, and position in the international arena.
A key focus of ADGMIN 6 was bridging the digital divide among member states, aiming for a unified, dynamic, and highly competitive ASEAN digital economy .
ASEAN is currently finalizing and is expected to adopt the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2030, which aims to transform the region into a global digital hub that is competitive, connected, and inclusive.
Simultaneously, ASEAN continues to promote negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), launched in September 2023, with the expectation of completion and signing this year. Once implemented, DEFA is expected to support policy harmonization, facilitate data flows, e-commerce, and cross-border digital business models in the region.
The ASEAN Secretary-General emphasized that for truly inclusive digital transformation, each country needs to proactively promote broad citizen participation in the digitalization process. The focus should be on strengthening capacity building, particularly equipping ASEAN citizens with digital skills, with the spirit of "leaving no one behind." Education and training, linked to research and innovation, should be identified as key pillars for bridging the digital divide, especially for vulnerable groups and less developed regions.
He also noted the role of the business community, especially micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which account for approximately 97% of all businesses in the region, and which need stronger support to participate effectively in the digital economy. Enhancing the digital capacity of this sector will not only increase the competitiveness of individual businesses but also contribute to promoting inclusive and sustainable growth across ASEAN.
Assessing Vietnam's role in chairing ADGMIN 6, the ASEAN Secretary-General stated that this year's theme, "ASEAN Adapting: From Infrastructure Connectivity to Intelligence Connectivity," carries clear strategic significance. Artificial intelligence is a prime example of "intelligent connectivity," linked to the vision of developing smart governments, smart economies, and smart societies throughout the region.
The fact that ADGMIN 6 was held in Hanoi, the first ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in 2026, also contributed to shaping the cooperation priorities for the whole year, affirming that digitalization is one of ASEAN's top priorities. Vietnam was highly appreciated for its pioneering role in mobilizing the participation of dialogue partners, international organizations and the private sector, thereby creating further momentum in realizing ASEAN's digital initiatives.
The ASEAN Secretary-General expressed confidence that Vietnam will continue to play its coordinating and leading role, transforming commitments and initiatives into concrete actions, contributing to making ASEAN digital cooperation deeper, more substantive, and more effective in the future.
Source: https://mst.gov.vn/thanh-cong-chuyen-doi-so-cua-viet-nam-se-gop-phan-nang-tam-asean-197260209213149766.htm
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