Obviously Sustainable’s Post

𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍’𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞 In a new article published by the East Asia Forum, Felippa Amanta explored how #digitalisation and #decarbonisation can go together for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (#ASEAN). ASEAN member states include some of the fastest growing economies, increasingly from their digital economy. At the same time, ASEAN faces immense decarbonisation challenges with rapidly increasing energy demand amidst high fossil fuel dependency. Felippa analysed the potential synergies and trade-offs between two key strategies framing the digitalisation and decarbonisation objectives in ASEAN, namely the Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the Strategy for Carbon Neutrality. Felippa argued that ASEAN must address the potential trade-offs between its digitalisation and decarbonisation ambitions. On its current course, the digital transformation will directly and indirectly increase emissions and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities in the region. Policymakers across the digital and environmental sectors must work together to advance both goals in a just manner. 🔗 Read the full article via the link in the comments.

As Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, we stand at a defining moment to shape the region’s future under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” With ASEAN poised to become the 4th largest economy by 2050, this is a pivotal opportunity to drive regional integration, enhance trade, and embrace digital resilience. Through initiatives like the ASEAN Economic Community and strategic events throughout 2025, Malaysia is set to deliver impactful outcomes that will resonate far beyond our tenure. This isn’t just about meetings—it’s about creating meaningful, long-term benefits for Malaysia and the entire ASEAN region. Let’s seize this moment to lead with purpose and leave a legacy of progress and prosperity for future generations. 🌏 https://lnkd.in/gKTTDvEp #ASEAN2025 #Inclusivity #Sustainability

ASEAN is fast becoming a regional economic powerhouse, driving growth, innovation, and sustainability. Through collaboration, strategic partnerships, and shared goals, we can unlock new opportunities for businesses across Southeast Asia and beyond. Together, we are shaping a future of resilience and prosperity. #ASEAN #EconomicPower #RegionalGrowth #Collaboration #Sustainability #TradeOpportunities #Innovation #FutureReady #ASEANBusiness #EconomicResilience #GlobalPartnerships

I had the pleasure of moderating the session on #ASEAN #Global Investors' View at the #MilkenInstitute #Asia Summit 2024. ASEAN continues to be an investment hotspot, driven by favorable demographic trends, improving industry dynamics, and a commitment to stronger regulatory frameworks. Between 2010 & 2020, despite the #EU being eight times the size, ASEAN contributed more to global growth than the EU. 30 years ago, #Japan’s economy was eight times larger than ASEAN; today, it is only 1.3 times larger. These figures highlight the remarkable growth and evolving significance of the region. ASEAN’s potential for PROSPERITY can be captured as follows: - P - #Population size - With 660 million people, ASEAN is the 3rd largest population block globally, offering an enormous market & workforce. - R - Economic resilience - projected to grow at 4.5% p.a. over the coming years, demonstrating its resilience and ability to adapt to challenges. - O - Opportunities in the #digital economy is expected to be $330 billion by 2025, driven by high #internet penetration & increasing digital adoption, making it a fertile ground for #tech #innovation & #ecommerce. - S - Strategic trade hub - member of major #trade agreements like #AFTA & #RCEP, sits at the heart of global trade routes, providing seamless access to markets across Asia-Pacific & beyond. - P - Potential for intra-ASEAN trade - w/c currently stands at 23% of the region's total trade, highlighting significant untapped potential for further integration & collaboration. - E - Economic size - With a combined #GDP of $3.6 trillion, ASEAN is now the 5th largest economy in the world, positioning it as a global economic powerhouse with tremendous influence on global trade and investment flows. - R - Renewable/green growth potential - ASEAN is increasingly investing in #renewableenergy and sustainable practices, offering opportunities for #greeninvestments as the region works to balance growth with environmental responsibility. - I - #Investment magnet - ASEAN attracted $175 billion #FDI in 2021, making it a highly attractive destination for global investors seeking high-growth opportunities in various sectors. - T - #Talent and youthful workforce - With 50% under the age of 30, ASEAN boasts a dynamic and youthful workforce, providing a vital edge in talent-driven industries and a robust consumer base. Y - Year-long #golf - ASEAN’s location near the equator means a pleasant tropical climate year-round, offering excellent leisure opportunities like golf, which is popular. Grateful to have been joined by an esteemed panel of experts: - Wayne Farmer, President, Canada-ASEAN Business Council - Munirah Khairuddin, CEO, Malaysia, Principal - K V Rao Chairman Tata Intl Singapore - Nazir Razak, Chairman, #IkhlasCapital - Ivan Rizal Sini, Chairman, Indonesia Genomics Curtis S. Chin Laura Deal Lacey #MIGlobal Robin Hu Kenny Kim Ek Ming Tay Haslinda Amin Richard Ditizio Anindya Novyan Bakrie

The year 2025 is fast approaching. For Malaysia, 2025 will be the year we take over the Chairmanship of the world’s fifth largest economic bloc, with its 680 million strong population. As one of this regional grouping’s founding fathers in 1967 — together with Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand — Asean has been such an integral part of Malaysia’s past, present and future that our Chairmanship in 2025 is nothing less than a defining moment on how we could lead the region towards realising its current potential fully. The year 2025 is equally significant for Asean because it also marks the 10th anniversary of the Asean Economic Community (AEC). The theme for Malaysia’s Chairmanship is “Inclusivity and Sustainability” — two key values which have drawn upon Malaysia’s MADANI values of Sustainability, Compassion, Respect, Innovation, Prosperity and Trust. “Inclusivity and Sustainability” as Malaysia’s Asean 2025 value proposition is admittedly very simple, even prosaic. But it truly encapsulates the brutal simplicity of what is facing our region: if Southeast Asia cannot become more inclusive and sustainable, other propositions such as economic prosperity and tech innovation may prove to be empty wins. Indeed, decades have been spent talking about the need for a “people-centric Asean”, of ensuring the economic wins of regional integration benefit all, including women, youth and micro-medium and small enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, our economies and people will also be left behind if we cannot create a regional ecosystem that maximises the benefits of e-commerce and digitalisation. Furthermore, our lands and economic ecosystems will also be devastated if we fail to embrace sustainability and transition towards greener energy and carbon neutrality. The MADANI Government, too, espouses prosperity that must not only benefit the rich and elites, and must not be at the expense of our environment which is already fragile from the impact of centuries of carbonised economies and industries. So, in effect, “Inclusivity and Sustainability” is the perfect theme for Asean 2025 because it is what the region, and I dare say even Malaysia, need to succeed in the future. #TZA #MITI #ThisIsWhereGlobalStarts #MyASEAN2025 https://lnkd.in/gAmG32cJ

Good discourse with distinguished fellow panelists on ASEAN. Combined, we are the fifth largest economy today. We need to go beyond becoming dividend yielders, but truly take advantage of China + 1 and continue attracting not just FDI but portfolio flows. Factors to direct flows to ASEAN : Supply chain disruptions, geo political risks, building of new economic pillars - EV, natural resources, nickel, water, solar; favourable demographics, consumer, tech, healthcare tourism etc. Thanks for having me Milken. Milken Institute

Together with my colleague, Evelyn Tan, we revisited the development of #RegionalChampions across #SoutheastAsia which we first spotlighted over a decade ago as the ASEAN Economic Community #AEC came into being. There are more ingredients needed to win nowadays in the age of digital, social and climate imperatives. The reality is that in the past, regional champions were household names — billion-dollar companies with extensive legacies. However, a modern business landscape offers even the smallest enterprise the ability to scale and build an effective regional footprint.

Malaysia intends to leverage on its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 to position the region, and Malaysia itself, as a vibrant hub for investment, trade, and industry, particularly in helping to build resilience for global supply chains . The theme for Malaysia's upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship, "Inclusivity and Sustainability" reflects our clear underlying intention to guide ASEAN towards an equitable, sustainable and inclusive growth. Inclusivity and sustainability are, indeed, at the heart of our Chairmanship to achieve the vision of ASEAN’s Community Blueprint 2025. In deepening economic integration by ensuring a highly integrated and cohesive economy; a competitive and innovative ASEAN with enhanced connectivity and towards becoming a global ASEAN, we also want to ensure that these benefits will ensure ASEAN becomes resilient, inclusive and people-centred. To that end, we aim to ensure that the benefits of economic progress are shared widely, particularly for women, youth and MSMEs across different countries and sectors. #TZA #MITI #ThisIsWhereGlobalStarts #ASEAN2025 #Trade #Investment #Industry #Malaysia https://lnkd.in/gMh9MCH5

🌎 Achieving an Inclusive, Innovative, Interoperable, and Investable Market 📊 Although navigating Southeast Asian economies’ diversity in the digital economy can be challenging, stakeholders have to recognise the value of a regional approach to digital integration. During recent discussions, stakeholders from the private sector, think tanks, civil society, and academia have expressed their willingness to cooperate with AMS governments to develop a strong framework agreement that meets current requirements and adapts effectively to future challenges. After all, the DEFA can establish Southeast Asia as an inclusive, innovative, interoperable, and investable market. 💭In what ways can DEFA be designed to be fit for both the region’s current and future needs amidst the rapid changes in the digital landscape? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. 👇 ➡️Check out our full report here: https://lnkd.in/gaFbVHdG #TechForGood #Innovative #SoutheastAsia #DigitalEconomy #Investable #Inclusive #Interoperable #DEFA #ASEAN The ASEAN Secretariat

🌏 ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA): A Milestone in Southeast Asia's Digital Transformation 🚀 Launched in November 2023, the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) represents a pivotal step in shaping the region's future, unlocking the potential to double the projected $1 trillion digital economy by 2030. By promoting deeper regional integration and addressing diverse levels of digital maturity, DEFA is poised to drive significant economic growth and innovation across Southeast Asia. As the framework enters its second year of negotiations, the focus is shifting to gathering input from key non-governmental stakeholders. Insights from the private sector, academia, and civil society are crucial to refining and strengthening DEFA, ensuring it is inclusive and adaptable to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. 🤝 In a recent interview with the Tech For Good Institute, Ms. Prewprae Chumrum, Executive Director at the Bureau of Trade in Services and Investment Negotiations and Chair of the DEFA Negotiating Committee, shed light on the goals behind ASEAN DEFA. 🔗Read the Interview here: https://lnkd.in/g3M_exxa 📘 Read the ASEAN DEFA report here: https://lnkd.in/ggz_SMst 👉 Swipe left to explore the key elements, challenges, and the visionary goals of DEFA as ASEAN prepares for a digitally integrated future. #TechForGood #SoutheastAsia #ASEAN #DigitalEconomy #DEFA #DigitalTransformation #PublicPolicy