The digital ministers of ASEAN member nations met in Hanoi from January 12-16, 2026, where they adopted the new ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2026-2030. The plan outlines a blueprint that would take the region from basic connectivity to connected intelligence, where technologies such as AI, robotics, IoT devices, and next-generation networks and technologies work together as seamless digital infrastructure. Indeed, a futuristic vision for the region’s technology future. However, for this to materialize, the region would need to assess who builds and controls the infrastructure that this connected intelligence depends on.

The declarations stressed the need to build intelligent infrastructure, which would require next-generation network technologies, such as 6G, the expansion of existing submarine networks, and the launching of low earth orbit satellites. AI must be properly harnessed so that its potential can be properly utilized for innovation. No doubt, AI would fundamentally change the way we go about doing our business and lives. Nonetheless, there is also a need for it to evolve both inclusively and responsibly so that communities can be empowered. 

The aspirations of the Declaration are noble. But beneath the rhetoric lies a fundamental contradiction that was missed – the ambitious infrastructure agenda may in fact widen digital disparities, leading to the deepening of technological dependencies. Several ASEAN nations lack internal capacity to build critical components. In such a scenario, racing to deploy advanced digital infrastructure would not reduce dependencies, as intended. Diversification would........

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