Bandar Seri Begawan, 10 June 2024: ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe delivered the keynote address at the AIPA (ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly) Tripartite Forum, a side event of the AIPA Caucus Meeting. The forum brought together businesses, government officials, and parliamentarians from ASEAN to discuss ‘Building a Vibrant Digital Economy in ASEAN: Strategies for Cyber Resilience and Shared Prosperity.’

President Watanabe discussed strategies for building a resilient and inclusive digital economy in ASEAN. He highlighted the rapid digital transformation and the increasing digital economy revenue in the region. Additionally, he emphasised the crucial importance of cybersecurity in the face of rising threats, mentioning initiatives like Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT). In conclusion, he underscored that close collaboration amongst all stakeholders and the sharing of best practices are essential for making ASEAN a powerhouse in the global digital economy.

Dr Aladdin Rillo, ERIA Managing Director for Policy Design and Operation, shared his expertise during Panel Discussion 1 on ASEAN’s Digital Economy, focusing on how ASEAN Member States can effectively prepare for a digital future. His insights explored the important role of digital literacy, cyber resilience, regulatory harmonisation, and right-skilling in fostering digital inclusivity for all.

Dr Rillo also stressed the importance of each ASEAN Member State's strong commitment to developing a robust regulatory framework for the digital economy, as such dedication is essential to spur growth and strengthen inclusivity. He also highlighted the pivotal role of knowledge management, stating, ‘The role of knowledge management is very important. People need to know what is going on so that they can participate in the digital transformation.’

Dr Keita Oikawa, ERIA Economist, also shared his expertise during the panel discussion on the cybersecurity landscape. Alongside other panellists, he discussed effective policies for companies and countries to advance cybersecurity across the region. They also discussed how to cultivate cyber-awareness across all segments of society.