The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), at its fourth ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting on the 2nd of February, has set out plans to build a submarine cable network in the region, for both local and global connectivity. In a declaration statement pursuant to the meeting, the association agreed to:
"Build a secure, diverse and resilient submarine cable network for regional and global connectivity, in coordination with relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies, through recognition and strengthening of best practices and information sharing frameworks, to facilitate the expeditious deployment, repair, maintenance, removal, and protection of submarine cables, between ASEAN Member States."
The declaration also stated the association's intent to encourage the responsible use and transmission of data, intensify collaboration on the governance of emerging technologies such as generative AI, enhance cooperation to prevent and combat online scams, and develop open, safe, interoperable digital public infrastructure and e-government services to connect people and businesses in ASEAN.
