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If ASEAN is to prosper for another 50 years, it must tackle difficult questions about how to navigate the accelerating pace of technological change and digital disruption. On the one hand, the Fourth Industrial Revolution could bring huge benefits to the region, driving financial inclusion, access to affordable healthcare, new forms of education, and the creation of new companies and service sector jobs. ASEAN is today the fastest-growing internet market in the world. A recent report from Google and Temasek calculates that the region's online population is expanding by 124,000 new users every day – and will continue at this pace for the next five years.

Equally, however, technology could cause many challenges. As robots become ever cheaper, can manufacturing still be a route to job creation? How should the region teach IT and technology skills and create a vibrant innovation ecosystem? How can governments build the right enabling environment, and a connected regional digital economy, that enables the Fourth Industrial Revolution to thrive? Just as important is the issue of transparency. Digital technologies help to expose corruption and wrong-doing, which could raise social frustration and disruption. But these technologies also offer exciting possibilities for removing bad behavior.

With more than 750 leaders from business, government, academia and civil society, the upcoming Forum's summit in Cambodia will be a platform not only for debating these big questions but importantly for brainstorming solutions and helping people to take action.

If ASEAN is to prosper for another 50 years, it must tackle difficult questions about how to navigate the accelerating pace of technological change and digital disruption. On the one hand, the Fourth Industrial Revolution could bring huge benefit to the region, driving financial inclusion, access to affordable healthcare, new forms of education, and the creation of new companies and service sector jobs. ASEAN is today the fastest-growing internet market in the world. A recent report from Google and Temasek calculates that the region's online population is expanding by 124,000 new users every day – and will continue at this pace for the next five years.

Equally, however, technology could cause many challenges. As robots become ever cheaper, can manufacturing still be a route to job creation? How should the region teach IT and technology skills and create a vibrant innovation ecosystem? How can governments build the right enabling environment, and a connected regional digital economy, that enables the Fourth Industrial Revolution to thrive? Just as important is the issue of transparency. Digital technologies help to expose corruption and wrong-doing, which could raise social frustration and disruption. But these technologies also offer exciting possibilities for removing bad behavior.

With more than 750 leaders from business, government, academia and civil society, the upcoming Forum's summit in Cambodia will be a platform not only for debating these big questions but importantly for brainstorming solutions and helping people to take action.

If ASEAN is to prosper for another 50 years, it must tackle difficult questions about how to navigate the accelerating pace of technological change and digital disruption. On the one hand, the Fourth Industrial Revolution could bring huge benefit to the region, driving financial inclusion, access to affordable healthcare, new forms of education, and the creation of new companies and service sector jobs. ASEAN is today the fastest-growing internet market in the world. A recent report from Google and Temasek calculates that the region's online population is expanding by 124,000 new users every day – and will continue at this pace for the next five years.

Equally, however, technology could cause many challenges. As robots become ever cheaper, can manufacturing still be a route to job creation? How should the region teach IT and technology skills and create a vibrant innovation ecosystem? How can governments build the right enabling environment, and a connected regional digital economy, that enables the Fourth Industrial Revolution to thrive? Just as important is the issue of transparency. Digital technologies help to expose corruption and wrong-doing, which could raise social frustration and disruption. But these technologies also offer exciting possibilities for removing bad behavior.

With more than 750 leaders from business, government, academia and civil society, the upcoming Forum's summit in Cambodia will be a platform not only for debating these big questions but importantly for brainstorming solutions and helping people to take action.

If ASEAN is to prosper for another 50 years, it must tackle difficult questions about how to navigate the accelerating pace of technological change and digital disruption. On the one hand, the Fourth Industrial Revolution could bring huge benefit to the region, driving financial inclusion, access to affordable healthcare, new forms of education, and the creation of new companies and service sector jobs. ASEAN is today the fastest-growing internet market in the world. A recent report from Google and Temasek calculates that the region's online population is expanding by 124,000 new users every day – and will continue at this pace for the next five years.

Equally, however, technology could cause many challenges. As robots become ever cheaper, can manufacturing still be a route to job creation? How should the region teach IT and technology skills and create a vibrant innovation ecosystem? How can governments build the right enabling environment, and a connected regional digital economy, that enables the Fourth Industrial Revolution to thrive? Just as important is the issue of transparency. Digital technologies help to expose corruption and wrong-doing, which could raise social frustration and disruption. But these technologies also offer exciting possibilities for removing bad behavior.

With more than 750 leaders from business, government, academia and civil society, the upcoming Forum's summit in Cambodia will be a platform not only for debating these big questions but importantly for brainstorming solutions and helping people to take action.

If ASEAN is to prosper for another 50 years, it must tackle difficult questions about how to navigate the accelerating pace of technological change and digital disruption. On the one hand, the Fourth Industrial Revolution could bring huge benefit to the region, driving financial inclusion, access to affordable healthcare, new forms of education, and the creation of new companies and service sector jobs. ASEAN is today the fastest-growing internet market in the world. A recent report from Google and Temasek calculates that the region's online population is expanding by 124,000 new users every day – and will continue at this pace for the next five years.

Equally, however, technology could cause many challenges. As robots become ever cheaper, can manufacturing still be a route to job creation? How should the region teach IT and technology skills and create a vibrant innovation ecosystem? How can governments build the right enabling environment, and a connected regional digital economy, that enables the Fourth Industrial Revolution to thrive? Just as important is the issue of transparency. Digital technologies help to expose corruption and wrong-doing, which could raise social frustration and disruption. But these technologies also offer exciting possibilities for removing bad behavior.

With more than 750 leaders from business, government, academia and civil society, the upcoming Forum's summit in Cambodia will be a platform not only for debating these big questions but importantly for brainstorming solutions and helping people to take action.

Surprising things you may not know about ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is expected to experience robust economic growth throughout the next decade, with some predicting it could overtake the EU within a generation. Whether or not that happens, there is consensus that the region will grow rapidly, both in terms of its economic might and its influence on world trade.

There are several interesting things about this dynamic region that you may not know before.

First, if ASEAN were a single country, it would be the seventh-largest economy in the world.

With a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion, the region is already an economic powerhouse and is set to grow to become the equivalent of the world's fourth-largest economy by 2050. By many other measures, the ASEAN region is already a player of global significance.

Second, ASEAN is the fourth-largest exporting region in the world, trailing only the European Union, North America and China/Hong Kong

ASEAN countries account for 7% of global exports, while trade with the United States has risen 62% since 2002. The region is an important consumer of US goods, too. The average. ASEAN consumer purchases nearly 1.75 times as many American goods per capita as the average Chinese consumer, and nearly nine times as many as the average Indian consumer.

Third, ASEAN is home to 227 of the world's largest companies

Back in 2006, ASEAN was home to the headquarters of 49 companies in the Forbes Global 2000. By 2013, that number had risen to 74. ASEAN now includes 227 of the world's companies with more than $1 billion in revenues. Singapore is a standout, ranking fifth in the world for density of corporate headquarters and first for foreign subsidiaries.

Fourth, although the region occupies only 3% of the world's total surface, 20% of all known species live deep in its mountains, jungles, rivers, lakes and seas

The region also contains seven of the world's 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots – biologically rich areas under greatest threat of destruction.

Last, ASEAN countries accounted for a quarter of global fish production

Of the world's top 10 largest fish producers, four are from ASEAN – Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Surprising things you may not know about ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is expected to experience robust economic growth throughout the next decade, with some predicting it could overtake the EU within a generation. Whether or not that happens, there is consensus that the region will grow rapidly, both in terms of its economic might and its influence on world trade.

There are several interesting things about this dynamic region that you may not know before.

First, if ASEAN were a single country, it would be the seventh-largest economy in the world.

With a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion, the region is already an economic powerhouse and is set to grow to become the equivalent of the world's fourth-largest economy by 2050. By many other measures, the ASEAN region is already a player of global significance.

Second, ASEAN is the fourth-largest exporting region in the world, trailing only the European Union, North America and China/Hong Kong

ASEAN countries account for 7% of global exports, while trade with the United States has risen 62% since 2002. The region is an important consumer of US goods, too. The average ASEAN consumer purchases nearly 1.75 times as many American goods per capita as the average Chinese consumer, and nearly nine times as many as the average Indian consumer.

Third, ASEAN is home to 227 of the world's largest companies

Back in 2006, ASEAN was home to the headquarters of 49 companies in the Forbes Global 2000. By 2013, that number had risen to 74. ASEAN now includes 227 of the world's companies with more than $1 billion in revenues. Singapore is a standout, ranking fifth in the world for density of corporate headquarters and first for foreign subsidiaries.

Fourth, although the region occupies only 3% of the world's total surface, 20% of all known species live deep in its mountains, jungles, rivers, lakes and seas

The region also contains seven of the world's 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots – biologically rich areas under greatest threat of destruction.

Last, ASEAN countries accounted for a quarter of global fish production

Of the world's top 10 largest fish producers, four are from ASEAN – Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Surprising things you may not know about ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is expected to experience robust economic growth throughout the next decade, with some predicting it could overtake the EU within a generation. Whether or not that happens, there is consensus that the region will grow rapidly, both in terms of its economic might and its influence on world trade.

There are several interesting things about this dynamic region that you may not ever know before.

First, if ASEAN were a single country, it would be the seventh-largest economy in the world.

With a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion, the region is already an economic powerhouse and is set to grow to become the equivalent of the world's fourth-largest economy by 2050. By many other measures, the ASEAN region is already a player of global significance.

Second, ASEAN is the fourth-largest exporting region in the world, trailing only the European Union, North America and China/Hong Kong

ASEAN countries account for 7% of global exports, while trade with the United States has risen 62% since 2002. The region is an important consumer of US goods, too. The average ASEAN consumer purchases nearly 1.75 times as many American goods per capita as the average Chinese consumer, and nearly nine times as many as the average Indian consumer.

Third, ASEAN is home to 227 of the world's largest companies

Back in 2006, ASEAN was home to the headquarters of 49 companies in the Forbes Global 2000. By 2013, that number had risen to 74. ASEAN now includes 227 of the world's companies with more than $1 billion in revenues. Singapore is a standout, ranking fifth in the world for density of corporate headquarters and first for foreign subsidiaries.

Fourth, although the region occupies only 3% of the world's total surface, 20% of all known species live deep in its mountains, jungles, rivers, lakes and seas

The region also contains seven of the world's 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots – biologically rich areas under greatest threat of destruction.

Last, ASEAN countries accounted for a quarter of global fish production

Of the world's top 10 largest fish producers, four are from ASEAN – Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Surprising things you may not know about ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is expected to experience robust economic growth throughout the next decade, with some predicting it could overtake the EU within a generation. Whether or not that happens, there is consensus that the region will grow rapidly, both in terms of its economic might and its influence on world trade.

There are several interesting things about this dynamic region that you may not ever know before.

First, if ASEAN were a single country, it would be the seventh-largest economy in the world.

With a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion, the region is already an economic powerhouse and is set to grow to become the equivalent of the world's fourth-largest economy by 2050. By many other measures, the ASEAN region is already a player of global significance.

Second, ASEAN is the fourth-largest exporting region in the world, trailing only the European Union, North America and China/Hong Kong

ASEAN countries account for 7% of global exports, while trade with the United States has risen 62% since 2002. The region is an important consumer of US goods, too. The average. ASEAN consumer purchases nearly 1.75 times as many American goods per capita as the average Chinese consumer, and nearly nine times as many as the average Indian consumer.

Third, ASEAN is home to 227 of the world's largest companies

Back in 2006, ASEAN was home to the headquarters of 49 companies in the Forbes Global 2000. By 2013, that number had risen to 74. ASEAN now includes 227 of the world's companies with more than $1 billion in revenues. Singapore is a standout, ranking fifth in the world for density of corporate headquarters and first for foreign subsidiaries.

Fourth, although the region occupies only 3% of the world's total surface, 20% of all known species live deep in its mountains, jungles, rivers, lakes and seas

The region also contains seven of the world's 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots – biologically rich areas under greatest threat of destruction.

Last, ASEAN countries accounted for a quarter of global fish production

Of the world's top 10 largest fish producers, four are from ASEAN – Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Surprising things you may not know about ASEAN

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is expected to experience robust economic growth throughout the next decade, with some predicting it could overtake the EU within a generation. Whether or not that happens, there is consensus that the region will grow rapidly, both in terms of its economic might and its influence on world trade.

There are several interesting things about this dynamic region that you may not ever know before.

First, if ASEAN were a single country, it would be the seventh-largest economy in the world.

With a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion, the region is already an economic powerhouse and is set to grow to become the equivalent of the world's fourth-largest economy by 2050. By many other measures, the ASEAN region is already a player of global significance.

Second, ASEAN is the fourth-largest exporting region in the world, trailing only the European Union, North America and China/Hong Kong

ASEAN countries account for 7% of global exports, while trade with the United States has risen 62% since 2002. The region is an important consumer of US goods, too. The average. ASEAN consumer purchases nearly 1.75 times as many American goods per capita as the average Chinese consumer, and nearly nine times as many as the average Indian consumer.

Third, ASEAN is home to 227 of the world's largest companies

Back in 2006, ASEAN was home to the headquarters of 49 companies in the Forbes Global 2000. By 2013, that number had risen to 74. ASEAN now includes 227 of the world's companies with more than $1 billion in revenues. Singapore is a standout, ranking fifth in the world for density of corporate headquarters and first for foreign subsidiaries.

Fourth, although the region occupies only 3% of the world's total surface, 20% of all known species live deep in its mountains, jungles, rivers, lakes and seas

The region also contains seven of the world's 25 recognized biodiversity hotspots – biologically rich areas under greatest threat of destruction.

Last, ASEAN countries accounted for a quarter of global fish production

Of the world's top 10 largest fish producers, four are from ASEAN – Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

At the 32nd ASEAN Summit on 28 April 2018, the ASEAN Leaders established the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). The ASCN is a collaborative platform where cities from the ten ASEAN Member States (AMS) work towards the common goal of smart and sustainable urban development. There are twenty-six pilot cities in total.

In the light of the opportunities and challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and digitalisation, the primary goal of the ASCN is to improve the lives of ASEAN citizens, using technology as an enabler. By focusing on our people, it adopts an inclusive approach to smart city development that is respectful of human rights and fundamental freedoms as inscribed in the ASEAN Charter. The networking of Smart Cities across ASEAN also contributes to enhancing mutual understanding across cultures.

The ASCN aims to facilitate cooperation on smart city development, catalyse bankable projects with the private sector, and secure funding and support from ASEAN's external partners. To this end, 33 partnerships have been established thus far. Moving forward, the ASCN is looking to develop more partnerships to improve initiatives for smart city development in the region.

At the 32nd ASEAN Summit on 28 April 2018, the ASEAN Leaders established the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). The ASCN is a collaborative platform where cities from the ten ASEAN Member States (AMS) work towards the common goal of smart and sustainable urban development. There are twenty-six pilot cities in total.

In the light of the opportunities and challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and digitalisation, the primary goal of the ASCN is to improve the lives of ASEAN citizens, using technology as an enabler. By focusing on our people, it adopts an inclusive approach to smart city development that is respectful of human rights and fundamental freedoms as inscribed in the ASEAN Charter. The networking of Smart Cities across ASEAN also contributes to enhancing mutual understanding across cultures.

The ASCN aims to facilitate cooperation on smart city development, catalyse bankable projects with the private sector, and secure funding and support from ASEAN's external partners. To this end, 33 partnerships have been established thus far. Moving forward, the ASCN is looking to develop more partnerships to improve initiatives for smart city development in the region.

At the 32nd ASEAN Summit on 28 April 2018, the ASEAN Leaders established the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). The ASCN is a collaborative platform where cities from the ten ASEAN Member States (AMS) work towards the common goal of smart and sustainable urban development. There are twenty-six pilot cities in total.

In the light of the opportunities and challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and digitalisation, the primary goal of the ASCN is to improve the lives of ASEAN citizens, using technology as an enabler. By focusing on our people, it adopts an inclusive approach to smart city development that is respectful of human rights and fundamental freedoms as inscribed in the ASEAN Charter. The networking of Smart Cities across ASEAN also contributes to enhancing mutual understanding across cultures.

The ASCN aims to facilitate cooperation on smart city development, catalyse bankable projects with the private sector, and secure funding and support from ASEAN's external partners. To this end, 33 partnerships have been established thus far. Moving forward, the ASCN is looking to develop more partnerships to improve initiatives for smart city development in the region.

At the 32nd ASEAN Summit on 28 April 2018, the ASEAN Leaders established the ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN). The ASCN is a collaborative platform where cities from the ten ASEAN Member States (AMS) work towards the common goal of smart and sustainable urban development. There are twenty-six pilot cities in total.

In the light of the opportunities and challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and digitalisation, the primary goal of the ASCN is to improve the lives of ASEAN citizens, using technology as an enabler. By focusing on our people, it adopts an inclusive approach to smart city development that is respectful of human rights and fundamental freedoms as inscribed in the ASEAN Charter. The networking of Smart Cities across ASEAN also contributes to enhancing mutual understanding across cultures.

The ASCN aims to facilitate cooperation on smart city development, catalyse bankable projects with the private sector, and secure funding and support from ASEAN's external partners. To this end, 33 partnerships have been established thus far. Moving forward, the ASCN is looking to develop more partnerships to improve initiatives for smart city development in the region.