JAKARTA, 26 January 2022 – Taking the theme ‘Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Outlook, Strategies, and Plans for ASEAN’, the ASEAN Secretariat held a webinar to discuss the Consolidated Strategy on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for ASEAN , which was recently adopted by the ASEAN Leaders at their 38th Summit in October 2021.
A cross-pillar priority deliverable under Brunei Darussalam’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2021, the Consolidated 4IR Strategy provides a clear narrative on how the ASEAN Community intends to progress digital transformation and embrace new technologies in a comprehensive manner, for the benefit of ASEAN economy and the wider society.
In his welcoming remarks, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Satvinder Singh highlighted that although ASEAN has put in place numerous 4IR-related initiatives across the three pillars of ASEAN Community, a greater synchronisation through a Consolidated Strategy is needed to drive 4IR in the region. He further emphasised that this holistic approach allows 4IR to not only be used as an engine for the region’s economic growth and competitiveness, but also to promote inclusivity and sustainability.
Australian Ambassador to ASEAN, Will Nankervis, welcomed the inclusion in the ASEAN’s 4IR Strategy the recommendations to promote gender equality, as well as individuals with disabilities and other marginalised groups. He further stated that “the Consolidated Strategy reflects the best aspects of our enduring partnership with ASEAN, a partnership that is responsive to emerging priorities and challenges, while also providing sustained support for long-term initiatives.”
Supported by the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program Phase II, the development of the Consolidated Strategy was inclusive, involving all relevant sectoral bodies and broader stakeholders across the three pillars of ASEAN Community.
In addition to representatives of ASEAN Organs, the webinar was attended by diverse ASEAN’s stakeholders and partners.
The webinar can be watched on the following link.
