The ASEAN member states and officials applauded China's achievements in digital technology and the economy, and called for support to help advance the region's digital infrastructure, nurture digital talent and align regulatory frameworks to enhance cross-border e-commerce and unlock new growth opportunities.

With groundbreaking advances in artificial intelligence, or AI, and quantum computing, the rapid development of the digital economy has positioned China as a leading force in digital innovation, said Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN.

Speaking at the ASEAN-China Digital Ecosystem Cooperation Forum in Bangkok on Wednesday, he emphasized that ASEAN-China relations have evolved with the times, growing into one of the region's most adaptive and forward-looking partnerships. And the technological momentum creates significant opportunities for deeper ASEAN-China collaboration in emerging technologies.

"This robust economic relationship is now being further strengthened by our shared resolve to drive the wave of digital transformation, unlocking new opportunities for innovation, connectivity and sustainable growth," Kao said.

Kao said the region's priority is to enhance digital connectivity infrastructure in terms of quality, accessibility, affordability and capacity in digital skills.

He also said the ethics and governance of AI should be addressed. And the region should also focus on bridging the digital divide to ensure truly inclusive digital transformation.

"We look forward to collaborating with China to build robust frameworks for the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. Also, as e-commerce continues to be a cornerstone of our digital cooperation, ASEAN's dynamic market presents opportunities for both regions to leverage their respective strengths," Kao said.

Organized by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, or CAICT, the Wednesday forum gathered officials and enterprises from China and ASEAN member states, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia.

In a panel discussion centered on the opportunities and challenges of emerging digital technologies, business leaders and researchers exchanged insights from their experiences in international markets, particularly in Southeast Asia.

In his keynote speech, China's Vice-Minister of Industry and Information Technology Zhang Yunming called for more cross-border cooperation in digital infrastructure projects, the application of digital technology innovation and the training of talent.

New forms

"We should accelerate the digital transformation and develop new business forms such as industrial internet cultivation, intelligent manufacturing and service-oriented manufacturing, empowering economic growth and sustainable development," Zhang said.

"We should adhere to the principles of openness, cooperation and sharing, helping the small and medium-sized enterprises as well as the vulnerable groups in developing countries to catch up with the digital trend," he stressed, adding that countries should also enhance digital policy coordination to create an open and fair environment for digital businesses.

Statistics from ASEAN show that the region now has more than 480 million active internet users. Of them, 80 percent are digital consumers, and the region is poised for significant digital expansion. It is estimated that about $2 trillion will be unlocked in the region's digital economy by 2030.

Prasert Jantararuangtong, Thailand's deputy prime minister and minister of digital economy and society, emphasized the importance of digital transformation and the role of technology in promoting economic growth.

In his opening remarks, Prasert praised the partnership between ASEAN and China, and called for collective efforts to empower people in the region through digital technology and promote economic growth.

The event concluded with thanks to all parties involved for their contributions to making the conference possible and for taking meaningful steps toward a more innovative and digitally empowered future.

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