Bangkok, 27 November 2024: The Research Institute Network (RIN) convened its annual meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on 27 November 2024. Organised by ERIA in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies-Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO), the meeting addressed the broad impacts of digital economic transformation and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

RIN, comprising research institutions from 16 East Asia Summit countries, supports ERIA in research, capacity development, and dissemination of research outcomes. It has significantly contributed to studies on the economic development of ASEAN and East Asian nations.

The meeting commenced with remarks from Dr Hank Lim, Chairperson of RIN, who commended the network's achievements over the past 15 years and emphasised its potential for further contributions. This year’s meeting was particularly notable for featuring mid-career researchers presenting their findings.

Dr Lim formally introduced the newly appointed Director-General of the ERIA Support Office and the proxies for RIN members attending the RIN meeting for the first time, including:

• Isamu Wakamatsu, Director General of the ERIA Support Office and Chief Senior Researcher of the Research Planning Department (IDE-JETRO);
• Prof. Christopher Findlay, Honorary Professor at the Australian National University;
• Dandy Rafitrandi, Researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS);
• Rajeev Kher, Distinguished Fellow at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS); and
• Prof. Tamat Sarmidi, Deputy Director of the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Activity Report and ASEAN Chairmanship Contributions
   Participants were briefed on RIN’s activity report and its role in supporting ASEAN Chairmanship activities.

• Atsusuke Kawada detailed efforts to enhance knowledge-sharing among RIN members.
• Dr Alloysius Joko Purwanto, ERIA Energy Economist, presented a master plan for the automotive sector and projected the future of EV markets in the region.
• Latdavanh Songvilay, Director General of the Macroeconomic Research Institute (LASES), assessed Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.
• Prof. Tamat Sarmidi outlined themes for the incoming ASEAN Chair in 2025, focusing on the ASEAN Community’s three pillars and its Vision 2045.

2. Decarbonisation of Industry
   The first session explored strategies for reducing carbon emissions in industries.

• Dr Hiroshi Matsushima, Research Fellow at the Australian National University, highlighted consumer preferences’ influence on fuel efficiency in both internal combustion vehicles (ICVs) and electric vehicles (EVs).
• Mark Anthony A. Barral, Supervising Research Specialist at the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS), discussed the Philippine government’s efforts to transition to low-carbon practices, attract investment, promote innovation, and sustain growth.

3. AI/Data Governance and Supply Chains
   The second session delved into AI’s role in governance and supply chains.

• Dr Amit Kumar highlighted AI’s ability to perform routine and complex tasks, complementing human skills in some areas, replacing them in others, and generating new work opportunities.
• Tatum R. Ramos of PIDS presented research on urban challenges, focusing on smart-city networks utilising technological innovations to improve quality of life and create opportunities.
• Dr Wenyin Cheng, Associate Senior Researcher at IDE-JETRO, emphasised the role of foreign shareholdings in fostering innovation and management expertise within supply chains.
• Dandy Rafitrandi of CSIS analysed Indonesia’s trade and investment transformation and its evolving supply chains under economic security frameworks.

4. Digital Economy Framework Agreement
   The third session discussed the upcoming Digital Economy Framework Agreement, set to be adopted by ASEAN leaders in 2025.

• Hilmy Prilliadi, Research Associate at ERIA, provided a comprehensive overview of ASEAN’s digital transformation, with a focus on factors accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Queen Cel A. Oren, Research Specialist at PIDS, detailed ICT-related reforms in the Philippines that have enhanced economic inclusivity and connectivity.
• Dr Priyadarshi Dash, Associate Professor at RIS, explained the benefits of digital finance in expanding services to underserved areas, integrating them into formal systems, and promoting economic growth.

Closing Remarks

ERIA’s President Tetsuya Watanabe concluded the meeting by emphasising the significance of the RIN network in fostering regional collaboration. He reaffirmed ERIA’s commitment to strengthening its RIN partnership and urged members to deepen research on the digital economy and artificial intelligence.