ASEAN's 11th Connectivity Forum pioneers digital integration efforts

ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary-General Kim Hae-yong, center, poses with Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won, left, and Ambassador of Lao PDR to Korea and Chair of ASEAN Committee in Seoul Songkane Luangmunithone during the opening ceremony of the 11th ASEAN Connectivity Forum at a Seoul hotel, Tuesday. Courtesy of ASEAN- Korea Centre

The ASEAN-Korea Centre organized the 11th ASEAN Connectivity Forum in Seoul, Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment in the region's journey toward digital integration. As the only forum of its kind in Korea, the event has been held annually since 2013 with a focus on the theme of digital connectivity, bringing together experts from government, the private sector and academia from both ASEAN and Korea.

This year's forum was especially significant as it aligned with the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, established in 2010.

The master plan aims to unite the ASEAN economic community into a single market and production base, focusing on five strategic objectives: sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation, seamless logistics, regulatory excellence and people mobility for ASEAN integration.

The forum included an opening ceremony, keynote speech, ASEAN-Korea Expert session and ASEAN digital connectivity project presentations by each member state as well as online business meetings.

Kim Hae-yong, secretary-general of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, delivered the opening remarks, followed by congratulatory remarks from Laotian Ambassador Songkane Luangmuninthone, who doubles as the chair of the ASEAN Committee in Seoul.

The keynote speech was delivered by former ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi, shedding light on the direction ASEAN should take in digital connectivity and its resulting opportunities for Korea.

The ASEAN-Korea expert session delved into the current status of ASEAN's connectivity efforts and future plans, emphasizing regional cooperation for digital connectivity through the ASEAN Digital Master Plan.

Discussions also covered ongoing negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), the development of internet infrastructure, data management, collaboration between ASEAN and Korea and the integration of regional payment systems.

The second session, the ASEAN Digital Connectivity Project Presentation, featured government officials from each of the 10 ASEAN member states sharing insights into digital connectivity projects. The presentations covered key policy updates in areas such as 5G networks, digital currency, cybersecurity and e-commerce market analysis.

To foster business opportunities, an online business meeting was extended from Jan. 10 to Feb. 8, providing Korean companies interested in ASEAN connectivity projects with a platform for engagement. A week before the forum, pre-recorded videos showcasing connectivity projects and policy updates from each ASEAN country were released on the ASEAN-Korea Centre's YouTube channel.

Kim emphasized the forum's commitment to redefining Korea's role in promoting ASEAN's digital connectivity within the evolving landscape of an increasingly vital digital economy, marking the 11th anniversary of this significant event.