ASEAN ministers meeting in Hanoi endorsed the Hanoi Declaration, committing to inclusive digital transformation, AI-driven infrastructure, resilient cybersecurity, and the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2026–2030 to strengthen regional integration and shared digital resilience.

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At the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting in Hanoi, leaders endorsed the Hanoi Declaration to advance ASEAN into an AI‑enabled era, deepen cross‑border data cooperation, strengthen cybersecurity and anti‑fraud systems, and implement the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2026–2030 for inclusive, resilient digital economies.

From Connectivity to Intelligent Integration

The core of the Hanoi Declaration is a commitment to evolve ASEAN’s digital landscape beyond traditional connectivity toward intelligent integration. This shift underscores artificial intelligence not merely as a technology but as foundational infrastructure that enables predictive services, adaptive systems, and smarter societal functions. Ministers also reaffirmed inclusive, safe digital transformation across ASEAN sectors, underscoring innovation, equity, and resilience as cornerstones of regional digital integration. The ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2026–2030 will guide coordinated national strategies to build a trustworthy and innovative digital community.

Building Secure, Seamless, and Scalable Digital Infrastructure

The Hanoi Declaration highlights the urgent need to reinforce digital infrastructure that is both resilient and inclusive, calling for the deployment of advanced networks like 5G/6G, cloud services, data centres, and satellite systems to support cross-border continuity. Integration of AI and IoT is seen as critical to enabling predictive operations and seamless service delivery. Additionally, the agenda promotes stronger cybersecurity cooperation, regional fraud countermeasures, and frameworks for secure digital trade and interoperable public services — addressing core operational risks and strategic resilience priorities for enterprise and government systems alike.

Digital Inclusion, Talent, and Governance for Sustainable Growth

Recognizing that infrastructure alone is insufficient, ASEAN leaders emphasized inclusive digital participation and talent development. Initiatives include expanding affordable access, fostering ICT education, and strengthening academic-industry R&D partnerships to cultivate a skilled digital workforce. Robust governance frameworks are also prioritized, with commitments to harmonized digital policies, enhanced cybersecurity, and collaborative AI safety practices. Such measures aim to reduce digital divides, empower MSMEs, and accelerate seamless paperless processes — directly aligning with enterprise challenges around verifiable data integrity and operational efficiency.

Forward Looking

ASEAN’s unified technology roadmap positions the region to harness secure AI-enabled ecosystems that strengthen economic integration, empower digital enterprises, and elevate resilience against emerging threats.

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SOURCE
The 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings  Hanoi, Vietnam, 15 to 16  January 2026
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(January 17, 2026)