ARTICLES

26 Sep 2025

Digital Literacy Vital for Enhancing ASEAN’s Digital Integration Agenda

Kristina Fong Siew Leng

To achieve the grand goal of regional digital integration, ASEAN would need to up the level of digital literacy among its citizens.

Digital Economy Framework Agreement Digitalisation

9 Sep 2025

Beyond Green Data Centres: Leaner, Smarter AI for Southeast Asia’s Sustainable Digital Future

Muyi Yang|Xiwei Xu|David Lo

Booming growth in data centres is escalating electricity demand and risks undermining the region’s energy transition goals. Hardware improvements are insufficient; Southeast Asia must also promote energy-efficient AI software.

20 May 2025

An Intelligent Trade-Off: AI as a Double-Edged Sword in Southeast Asia’s Climate Battle

Indira Zahra Aridati

Indira Zahra Aridati argues that although AI offers positive benefits for Southeast Asia’s climate battle, the region should not look at its usage through rose-tinted glasses. Without careful consideration, such systems may inadvertently undermine and be counterintuitive to the very climate goals that they aim to achieve.

Artificial Intelligence ASEAN ASEANFocus Digitalisation Environment

21 Mar 2025

Great Power Competition in Technology: Implications for ASEAN

Elina Noor

Amid great power tensions, Elina Noor suggests measures that ASEAN can take to proactively shape its technological future, highlighting the importance of a people-centred approach.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Digitalisation Technology

7 Jan 2025

Big Data, Bigger Debate: Malaysia’s PADU System and the Future of Digital Governance

Nuurrianti Jalli

Public reactions to Malaysia’s Central Database Hub (PADU), particularly on social media platforms like Reddit, reveal widespread concerns about data security, government transparency, and the system’s capabilities. The PADU initiative highlights the need for robust data protection measures, clear communication, and strong legal frameworks to build public trust.

Digitalisation Malaysia Malaysian Politics

16 Dec 2024

Fraud with Danger: The Rise of Cyber Scams in Southeast Asia

Lance Wu

Lance Wu investigates the prevalence of cyber scams in the region and the challenges in responding to them while protecting ASEAN’s digital transformation.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Crime Cyber Security Digitalisation

10 Oct 2024

The DEFA Treads a Fine Line to be Successful in Driving Digital Services Trade in ASEAN

Kristina Fong Siew Leng

Kristina Fong analyses the tough navigation between safeguards and digital enablers in the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement negotiations.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Digital Economy Framework Agreement Digitalisation Economic Development

4 Oct 2024

Everyone Everywhere All at Once: The Rise of Digital Nomads in Southeast Asia

Lance Wu

Lance Wu explores the growing presence of digital nomads in Southeast Asia, shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges they pose to local economies.

ASEAN ASEAN Connectivity ASEANFocus Digitalisation

17 Jul 2024

The Impact of China’s Digital Silk Road on the Digital Domain of the Philippines

Julio S. Amador III|Deryk Baladjay

The Philippines’ outdated legal framework is unable to meet the new concerns posed by the large scale entry of Chinese technologies. The country’s institutions need to be resilient from foreign influence while accommodating investments that can bolster its digital push.

Digitalisation Philippine Philippine Politics Southeast Asia Technology

4 Jul 2024

Advancing ASEAN’s Digital Economy: Challenges in Cybersecurity and IP Protection

Farlina Said|Farah Nabilah

Farlina Said and Farah Nabilah explore ways to enhance ASEAN’s cybersecurity and intellectual property protection mechanisms to strengthen the region’s digital economy.

ASEAN ASEANFocus Cyber Security Digital Economy Framework Agreement Digitalisation