The relevance and urgency of having a Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in ASEAN cannot be understated. Whilst digital transformation has been high on the ASEAN agenda in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated digital technology adoption in all aspects of the ASEAN Community. New and digital technologies have allowed people to stay connected, to keep on learning and working, allowing businesses to continue operations during the pandemic, and will play an even greater role during recovery. The world will be faced with a post-pandemic reality where digital technologies will permeate all aspects of our lives. The move towards a unified approach towards the 4IR will be challenging for ASEAN given: (1) distinct stages of 4IR readiness of the ASEAN Member States (AMS); (2) varying depths and scopes of regional 4IR initiatives; and (3) lack of a coordination mechanism for 4IR issues in ASEAN.
Following multiple rounds of reviews and consultations, the Consolidated Strategy on the Fourth Industrial Revolution for ASEAN was adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the 38th and 39th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits held on 26-28 October 2021. It is envisioned that this Consolidated Strategy will help the region move forward to become a digital ASEAN Community in a unified, comprehensive, and coordinated manner.
Supported by the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Programme Phase II (AADCP II), the development of the 4IR Consolidated Strategy was inclusive, involving diverse ASEAN Organs, Sectoral Bodies, and broader stakeholders. In addition to providing ASEAN’s 4IR strategic framework, the 4IR Consolidated Strategy also provides specific recommendations to advance forward ASEAN Community’s progression towards digital transformation.
Following its official adoption in October 2021, the ASEAN Secretariat, with the support from the AADCP II, intends to organise a socialisation seminar to familiarise ASEAN stakeholders with its 4IR Consolidated Strategy, as well as to encourage their participation in ensuring effective implementation of these plans and strategies.
Please click HERE for the Consolidated Strategy on the 4IR for ASEAN
