Digital Policy Alignment Crucial To Unlock Next Phase Of ASEAN-S. Korea Growth
By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- Closer policy alignment between ASEAN and South Korea is key to unlocking the next phase of digital-driven growth in Southeast Asia and foster mutually beneficial economic linkages, a technology research expert said.
Farlina Said, director of cyber and technology policy at the Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, said this would also ensure inclusive participation across member economies.
As it is, both regions have made significant strides in digital cooperation under the ASEAN-Republic of Korea (ROK) Plan of Action 2026–2030, she told Bernama.
The ASEAN-ROK Action Plan outlines strategic cooperation in digital economy, energy transition, trade facilitation, and people-to-people connectivity.
To further advance the relationship, ASEAN leaders convening in Kuala Lumpur for their summit next week should take cognisance that the next step lies in developing shared standards and coordinated responses in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data governance.
The 47th ASEAN Summit, themed “inclusivity and sustainability”, will be held from Oct 26 to 28, with the participation of top leaders from 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 including South Korea, the latter is set to sign a free trade agreement with Malaysia.
Farlina emphasised that harmonisation should move in tandem with ASEAN’s goal of enhancing regional linkages in data, business and talent flows -- a core theme of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, which prioritises a connected, secure and inclusive digital future.
“Greater flows of people, business and data will set the foundation for harmonisation, which in turn supports growth as a key pillar of regional relations.
“ASEAN and South Korea may not differ greatly in principles -- but the nuances in practice and definition present an opportunity for greater coordination,” she said.
Bridging the Digital Gap
She highlighted that South Korea’s AI Act, which defines “high-impact AI”, could serve as a reference point for ASEAN as the region advances its own digital-governance frameworks.
“This kind of policy exchange can strengthen ASEAN’s governance models while supporting innovation and consumer protection,” she added.
Farlina said both sides can also deepen collaboration on incident-response mechanisms, particularly in tackling scams and protecting critical infrastructure.
“Information-sharing and operational touchpoints would help build digital trust and enhance crisis-management capabilities.
“Initiatives such as the ASEAN-Korea Data Ecosystem and the Korea-ASEAN AI Convergence and Spread Programme aim to link ASEAN’s digital ambitions with South Korea’s technological expertise,” she said.
She further said that maintaining balanced growth among ASEAN member states requires practical initiatives, such as joint training and upskilling programmes, 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, she said.
“Both ASEAN and South Korea recognise that strategic alignment must go hand in hand with economic inclusivity and digital innovation,” she added.
-- BERNAMA
