Malaysia Committed To Making ASEAN Digital Economy Framework A Reality
Published Time：
2025-10-10 10:00
Source：
On September 26, 2025, Malaysia remains committed to transforming the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) into reality, ensuring its implementation yields tangible benefits for citizens and enterprises. Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary-General of MITI, made the remarks during the WEF Business Dialogue on ASEAN’s Digital Economy 2025.
He emphasized that ASEAN, as one of the fastest-growing regions, must collaborate closely to accelerate digital transformation. The dialogue is held alongside the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting, reinforcing regional cooperation.
Citing ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Hairil noted that DEFA is more than a framework—it’s a catalyst to enhance ASEAN’s competitiveness, investor appeal, and innovation ecosystem. If DEFA is forward-looking, it could add up to US$2 trillion to the region’s digital economy by 2030.
He acknowledged progress in digital trade, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and digital authentication, but identified challenges in talent development, data privacy legislation, and regulation of emerging technologies like AI.
At FOZL, we believe that DEFA’s move toward operationalization marks a pivotal moment for ASEAN’s digital integration. For cross-border tech firms, digital service providers, and startups, Malaysia’s role in this ecosystem offers strategic potential. With our presence in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Germany, and Indonesia, FOZL is well positioned to support companies in regulatory alignment, market strategy, data compliance, and scaling operations.
Learn more: https://www.bernamabiz.com/news.php?id=2471686/
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