JAKARTA, 22 December 2025 – The 18th issue of the ASEAN Economic Integration Brief (AEIB) is now available, presenting updates on regional economic developments, while highlighting ASEAN’s progress in digital transformation and the role of the intangible economy in advancing regional growth.
This issue features an exclusive contribution by H.E. YB Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital of Malaysia, who reflects on ASEAN’s digital transformation journey under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship. The article highlights key regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the ASEAN AI Safety Network, and the ASEAN Guide for Sustainable Data Centre Development, which collectively aim to position ASEAN for the emerging “Intelligent Age”, shaped by the convergence of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and quantum technologies.
The second featured article, by Thang Luong and Maslina Malik of the ASEAN Secretariat, examines the growing importance of the intangible economy, and outlines ASEAN’s emerging strengths, persistent structural challenges, and the key actions needed to build a robust regional ecosystem that can position ASEAN at the forefront of the new growth frontier.
This issue of the AEIB also provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the regional economic outlook, the latest developments across the AEC, and key economic indicators reflecting the evolving dynamics of the region’s economy.
The ASEAN Economic Integration Brief is produced by the ASEAN Integration Monitoring Directorate (AIMD) of the ASEAN Secretariat. For further information, contact: AIMD@asean.org.
