Kuala Lumpur, 11–13 June 2024: ERIA, in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat and the Australian counterpart, held a series of six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) on the Development of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan (ACSP) in Kuala Lumpur from 11–13 June 2024. The FGDs covered six key areas: sustainable infrastructure, smart and sustainable urban development, digital innovation, seamless logistics and supply chains, regulatory excellence and cooperation, and people-to-people connectivity. Over the 3 days, the discussions focused on identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities, and proposed several initiatives around these six areas. Various stakeholders from academia, research institutes, and the public and private sectors attended the FGDs to provide diverse perspectives on addressing current and future challenges.

The FGDs were inaugurated with welcoming remarks from H.E. Amb. Bovonethat Douangchak, Lao PDR’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN and the current Chair of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC). He underscored the significance of reflecting on the achievements of the previous Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 in the context of addressing future challenges. He further emphasised the need for an inclusive process in developing the ACSP, inviting active participation from all stakeholders. This call to action was a testament to the stakeholders' pivotal role in shaping a more connected, sustainable, resilient, and prosperous ASEAN.

The six sessions of the FGDs were engaging and highly productive, leading to the identification of key trends across the envisaged ACSP areas. These trends, including digital transformation, climate change, and geopolitical shifts, are currently influencing the implementation of ASEAN Connectivity and will continue to do so in the future. The discussions also highlighted the opportunities and challenges these trends present, such as capacity gaps, the digital divide, and concerns over data transparency and privacy. Moreover, the FGDs identified challenges such as the need for more funding and financing from both private and public sectors, and the lack of harmonised regulations, which could complicate the implementation of initiatives.

Concluding each discussion, potential initiatives to address these challenges were raised, such as enhancing consultations with industries, improving digital innovation skills and talents, encouraging Public–Private Partnership (PPP) investments, and tailoring initiatives according to the readiness and requirements of ASEAN Member States. Ultimately, these efforts should aim to narrow the development gap across the region and further strengthen the ASEAN identity amongst its people.