Anwar: DEFA can help double Asean digital economy to US$2 trillion
MANILA: Asean must accelerate its digital transformation by fully leveraging the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to strengthen regional economic integration and drive sustainable growth.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of accelerating digital transformation in Southeast Asia through the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). This framework is crucial for enhancing regional economic integration and fostering sustainable growth in line with the Asean Community Vision 2045. Malaysia warmly welcomed DEFA's historic signing, which could potentially double the size of the regional digital economy to US$2 trillion by 2030.
However, Anwar warned against allowing a few global tech giants to monopolize artificial intelligence (AI), urging collective efforts to bolster technological capabilities, safeguard data sovereignty, and establish a strong governance framework for transparency and accountability. During the 49th Asean Summit, Anwar stressed that DEFA could unlock more digital trade and investment opportunities, benefiting Malaysia and strengthening its economic position.
In 2025, the information and communications technology and e-commerce sectors contributed 23.5% or RM476.8 billion to Malaysia's GDP.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Anwar gesa Asean pelbagai sumber bekalan makanan, ubatan freemalaysiatoday.com
- Anwar urges Asean to diversify food, medicine supply sources amid global uncertainty malaymail.com
- Packed Asean Summit schedule for Anwar in Manila nst.com.my
- General : Packed ASEAN Summit Schedule For Anwar In Manila bernama.com
