Malaysia has been ranked second in ASEAN in the GSMA Digital Nations Index 2026, behind Singapore, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s leading digital economies as governments across the region accelerate investment in connectivity, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital services. The ranking was announced during the closing Read more…
ASEAN’s emerging Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is creating a significant opportunity to deepen digital economic cooperation with India, potentially connecting two of Asia’s most dynamic markets through interoperable payments, digital identity, trusted data flows, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. ASEAN substantially concluded negotiations on DEFA in May 2026, establishing the Read more…
ASEAN’s digital transformation is entering a new phase following the conclusion of negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark regional initiative designed to strengthen digital trade, cross-border payments, digital identity, trusted data flows and e-commerce across Southeast Asia. Researchers are now calling for a dedicated ASEAN–India Read more…
The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, in strategic partnership with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), proudly announces the inaugural Mastercard ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur this October. This groundbreaking event marks the beginning of a three-year initiative aimed at catalyzing sustainable and inclusive Read more…
Malaysia has solidified its position as a regional trailblazer in artificial intelligence (AI) policy and innovation by hosting the inaugural ASEAN AI Malaysia Summit 2025 (AAIMS25), a historic gathering that marks a transformative moment for Southeast Asia’s digital future. Held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the Read more…
Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) took the lead in steering high-level discussions on regional economic integration at the 48th Meeting of the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration (HLTF-EI). The two-day meeting, chaired by MITI Secretary-General Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob, focused on Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables Read more…
The Philippines has solidified its position as a regional leader in trade modernization, ranking second in Southeast Asia in the 2025 United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. With a score of 91.4%, the country has surpassed the 90% implementation threshold for the first time since the Read more…
In a landmark move set to redefine Southeast Asia’s digital future, Malaysia has announced a strategic partnership between global AI leader NVIDIA Corporation and YTL Power International Bhd, positioning the nation as a premier hub for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation in the ASEAN region. Backed by a RM10 billion investment, Read more…
Malaysia has officially launched the Startup ASEAN platform, a bold regional initiative designed to unify and empower Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and executed by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), the platform marks a major milestone under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in Read more…
