M360 ASEAN Can Bridge Differences, Advance Shared Digital Future - Fahmi
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- M360 ASEAN can serve as a regional platform for governments and industry players with differing stances to convene, deliberate and identify common ground to advance ASEAN’s digital future, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.
He said Malaysia is in a unique position to bring together stakeholders who might otherwise be seen as poles apart, as reflected in the diverse lineup of partners and industry sponsors gathered at the event.
“Yet, through an event under the GSMA, we can all converse in a civilised fashion and find ways forward together,” he said in his opening remarks at M360 ASEAN 2026 here today.
Fahmi noted that this is the very role envisioned for the event as governments, regulators and industry players navigate the opportunities and challenges arising from the region's digital transformation.
“This is what I believe M360 ASEAN can do, provide that space for us to meet, to think, to debate and to find ways forward together,” he said.
Fahmi also expressed hope that the collaboration forged through the event would deliver shared prosperity, noting that building a common ASEAN future would bring widespread benefits to communities across the region.
“Malaysia is not simply offering a market; we are offering a partnership. Our approach is to test solutions against real needs, measure what works and develop practical models with relevance beyond our borders,” he said.
Touching on ASEAN’s digital prospects, Fahmi said the effective implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) could propel the regional digital economy to USD2 trillion by 2030.
However, he cautioned that this potential would not be realised automatically, as fragmented digital markets, access disparities and a lack of digital trust could impede investment, stifle growth and leave communities behind.
“The real measure of success is whether this regional ambition translates into practical opportunities across ASEAN,” he said.
Fahmi emphasised that wider digital inclusion must go hand in hand with robust safety measures, with trust serving as the cornerstone for citizens to use digital services confidently and for businesses to invest.
“Trust is not an obstacle to innovation. It is the foundation that allows people to participate safely, businesses to invest and digital services to grow sustainably,” he added.
M360 ASEAN 2026, organised by the GSMA on Sept 9 and 10, brings together ministers, regulators and industry leaders to discuss digital trust, artificial intelligence, resilient infrastructure and regional digital integration.
The event, held for the first time in the ASEAN region and in Malaysia, is endorsed by the Ministry of Communications, with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as host partner.
-- BERNAMA
