Kuala lumpur: Closer policy alignment between ASEAN and South Korea is key to unlocking the next phase of digital-driven growth in Southeast Asia and fostering mutually beneficial economic linkages, a technology research expert said. Farlina Said, director of cyber and technology policy at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, emphasized that such alignment would ensure inclusive participation across member economies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, significant strides have already been made in digital cooperation under the ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Plan of Action 2026-2030. The ASEAN-ROK Action Plan outlines strategic cooperation in digital economy, energy transition, trade facilitation, and people-to-people connectivity. To further advance these relationships, ASEAN leaders, who will convene in Kuala Lumpur for their summit next week, should consider developing shared standards and coordinated responses in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, an
d data governance.
The 47th ASEAN Summit, themed ‘inclusivity and sustainability,’ will be held from Oct 26 to 28, with participation from top leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states, as well as key dialogue partners including the United States, China, South Korea, Japan, and India. While ASEAN leaders are expected to hold discussions with dialogue partners, South Korea is set to sign a free trade agreement with Malaysia.
Farlina highlighted that harmonization should align with ASEAN’s goal of enhancing regional linkages in data, business, and talent flows-a core theme of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, which prioritizes a connected, secure, and inclusive digital future. She noted that greater flows of people, business, and data will set the foundation for harmonization, supporting growth as a key pillar of regional relations. Despite similar principles, ASEAN and South Korea have nuances in practice and definition that present opportunities for greater coordination.
Bridging the digital gap, she pointed
out that South Korea’s AI Act, which defines ‘high-impact AI,’ could serve as a reference for ASEAN as the region advances its own digital governance frameworks. This policy exchange can strengthen ASEAN’s governance models while supporting innovation and consumer protection. Both sides can also deepen collaboration on incident-response mechanisms, particularly in tackling scams and protecting critical infrastructure.
She further emphasized that maintaining balanced growth among ASEAN member states requires practical initiatives, such as joint training and upskilling programs, to help smaller economies participate meaningfully in regional value chains. Such collaboration not only strengthens ASEAN’s digital competitiveness but also aligns with its vision of narrowing development gaps.
The inclusive spirit of South Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which complements ASEAN Vision 2045, reinforces a shared commitment to a rules-based and innovation-driven partnership. Both ASEAN and South Korea recognize that str
ategic alignment must go hand in hand with economic inclusivity and digital innovation.