Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister has called for deeper cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union in advancing the digital economy, saying stronger collaboration could unlock significant opportunities for both regions.
Speaking at a regional digital forum in Singapore, the Deputy PM underscored that enhanced ASEAN–EU ties would be critical in building a more connected, innovative, and secure digital ecosystem. He noted that both regions share common priorities from promoting digital trade and cross-border data flows to supporting ethical artificial intelligence and cybersecurity standards.
“Digital connectivity is no longer a choice, but a necessity for sustainable and inclusive growth,” he said. “By aligning our digital frameworks and strengthening trust, ASEAN and the EU can ensure that our businesses and people thrive in the global digital economy.”
The Deputy PM highlighted Singapore’s ongoing efforts to champion digital integration within ASEAN, pointing to initiatives such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to boost intra-regional trade and digital infrastructure. He said closer coordination with the EU one of ASEAN’s largest trading partners would help both regions set global benchmarks in areas like data governance and technology regulation.
He also emphasized the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adapting to digital transformation, noting that equitable access to digital tools and skills would be key to narrowing development gaps across the region.
The EU has recently expressed interest in expanding digital partnerships with Southeast Asia, particularly in cybersecurity cooperation and innovation ecosystems. Observers say the latest push by Singapore could pave the way for a more comprehensive digital partnership agreement between the two regions in the near future.
Singapore continues to position itself as a bridge between Asia and Europe, advocating for open, trusted, and rules based digital collaboration to drive future economic growth.
source: cnbc.com