Speaking at the ASEAN Summit in Manila on Nov. 15, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong urged regional leaders to advance key digital and energy frameworks to safeguard stability. He highlighted the newly finalized Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which took three years to negotiate and is set to propel the regional digital economy to US$2 trillion by 2030. To further shield economies from global volatility, Wong advised accelerating cross-border payments, widening access to artificial intelligence, and combating online scams.
Key points
Advancing digital economy frameworks will help member nations combat cyber threats while…: Advancing digital economy frameworks will help member nations combat cyber threats while driving regional market growth.
Strengthening energy resilience through the ASEAN Power Grid is essential to meet the gro…: Strengthening energy resilience through the ASEAN Power Grid is essential to meet the growing power demands of emerging technologies.
Maintaining neutrality and avoiding major-power rivalries remains vital to preserving pea…: Maintaining neutrality and avoiding major-power rivalries remains vital to preserving peace and openness across Southeast Asia.
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- ASEAN faces more uncertainty, but PM Lawrence Wong said unity and deeper integration can help it stay strong and move forward.
- He pointed to the new Digital Economy Framework Agreement, worth a projected US$2 trillion by 2030, and urged stronger digital links, AI access, and cyber protection.
- Wong also called for faster energy security plans and wider partnerships, warning ASEAN must avoid major-power rivalry and keep the region peaceful and open.
AI generated
MANILA - ASEAN can expect more turbulence and storms ahead in an increasingly uncertain world, but as long as the grouping remains cohesive and united, it can navigate its path forward and emerge stronger, said PM Lawrence Wong on Nov 15.
This will require responding decisively to disruptions by deepening integration, such as through advancing digital integration, strengthening energy security and broadening external partnerships, he added on the first day of the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines capital.
The Philippines has advanced many initiatives on these fronts under its chairmanship of ASEAN, and Singapore, as incoming chair, will build on them to sustain the…
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