Leaders from ASEAN countries convene in Singapore to advocate for an inclusive and trustworthy digital ecosystem
THE 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) and Related Meetings with Dialogue Partners, ITU, and APT took place from 30th January to 2nd February 2024 in Singapore. Chaired by Singapore as the ADGMIN Chair for 2024, the event welcomed ASEAN Deputy Secretary General for Economic Community, Satvinder Singh.
During the four-day gathering, discussions revolved around the theme “Building an Inclusive and Trusted Digital Ecosystem,” aligning with ASEAN’s vision outlined in the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM2025). The meeting addressed the persistent digital divide as a challenge to regional economic integration, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among policymakers and the private sector.
Key deliverables included the approval of the ASEAN Digital Senior Officials’ Meeting (ADGSOM) – ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators’ Council (ATRC) Key Deliverables for 2023, ADGSOM-ATRC Work Plan and Budget for 2024, and the Annual Priority for the 2024 Work Cycle. Furthermore, projects and activities with dialogue partners like China, Japan, ROK, India, U.S., ITU, and APT were either noted or endorsed for the 2024 Work Cycle.
On February 2, ADGMIN and China welcomed the ASEAN-China Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Communications, Digital, and Technology for 2024-2029. The launch of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in 2023 marked a significant milestone, positioning ASEAN as a pioneering region in fostering a unified digital economy.
Estimates project that ASEAN DEFA could propel the region’s digital economy from USD 1 trillion to USD 2 trillion by 2030. With the ADM2025 reaching its halfway mark, recommendations from the ADM2025 mid-term review study will inform the formulation of the next ASEAN Digital Masterplan for 2026-2030.
