Khon Kaen, 31 July - 1 August 2024: The diverse economies of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) are increasingly recognising the transformative potential of digitalisation, innovation, and technology (DIT) in key areas such as agriculture, trade, energy, and the environment. As countries strive for sustainable growth, a digital and technological revolution is inevitable. This revolution is set to reshape the region's socio-economic landscape, fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth. However, realising this potential requires a strategic approach to harnessing the transformative power of DIT to drive meaningful change.

The Mekong Forum 2024, titled ‘Breaking Through New Horizons: Digitalisation, Innovation, and Technology in the GMS’, was held to lay the foundation for a subregional innovation strategy aligned with the GMS-2030 and ASEAN’s digital and connectivity agendas, specifically tailored to the needs of the GMS. The 2-day forum, hosted by the Mekong Institute (MI), took place in Khon Kaen, Thailand, from 31 July to 1 August 2024, and drew approximately 300 participants from diverse backgrounds.

The forum commenced with a series of remarks and keynote addresses. In his opening remarks, Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of MI, underscored the Forum's objective as an open platform to discuss emerging issues related to DIT and to translate strategic policy frameworks into actionable approaches for meaningful change. Chea Chanthum, MI Council Chairperson and Secretary General of the Secretariat for Population and Development, Ministry of Planning of the Kingdom of Cambodia, also emphasised the Forum's role in catalysing innovation in alignment with the GMS 2030 and ASEAN’s digital connectivity agenda. Narongchai Akrasanee, Steering Committee Chairman of MI, discussed the evolution of digital technology, including Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Machine Learning, and Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), which are set to advance both regionally and globally. Bing Lidong, Director of the Language Technology Lab at DAMO Academy, Alibaba Group, highlighted the company's efforts to promote inclusive digital transformation through a progressive project focused on developing an inclusive Large Language Model (LLM) across Southeast Asia.

Dr Aladdin D. Rillo, Managing Director for Policy Design and Operations at ERIA (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia), delivered a keynote address titled ‘The State of DIT in the GMS: Opportunities and Challenges.’ In his speech, he emphasised the potential of digital technology to enhance ASEAN’s competitiveness, while noting the persistent digital divide in terms of accessibility, affordability, connectivity, and digital talent readiness. He also introduced ERIA’s initiative, the ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC), designed to facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing to leverage DIT for sustainable economic growth, inclusive social development, and environmental stewardship in the region.

The forum featured seven thematic panel discussions aimed at exploring global and local perspectives to strengthen the regional DIT community. Lina Maulidina Sabrina, Senior Programme Officer at ERIA, also shared insights during the fourth session on Inclusive Digital Societies – Engaging Women and Youth in Accelerating DTI Adoption in the GMS. She was joined by representatives from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Stockholm Environment Institute-Asia Center, ASEAN Youth Organisation (AYO), WWF Mekong for the Future (MFF), and Mekong Institute (MI). In this panel, she shared key insights on how to empower underrepresented groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in the digital economy.

The Mekong Forum 2024 concluded with closing remarks from Ye Xuenong, Permanent Representative of China to ESCAP, and Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of MI. Over the 2-day forum, ERIA also participated in the exhibition to showcase its latest research and publications, which aim to support inclusive and sustainable regional economic integration amidst rapid digital transformation.