The 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting: Opening a new chapter in ASEAN internal cooperation, ASEAN and partners
From 15 to 16 January, 2026, the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting (ADGMIN 6) was held in Hanoi, Vietnam. The conference concluded on the afternoon of 16 January, 2026, after approving numerous significant contents.
A new chapter in ASEAN digital transformation
According to the ADGMIN 6 announcement, the Meeting noted the successful implementation of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM 2025) and the immense efforts made by ASEAN to deploy 82 approved projects to achieve the eight desired outcomes of the Masterplan for the 2021–2025 period.
These efforts have led to the transformation of ASEAN into a leading digitally connected community and economic bloc, driven by secure and transformative digital services, digital technologies, and ecosystems.
The ADM 2025 completion report highlighted key results and main achievements, while providing recommendations for the development of a new masterplan.
ADGMIN 6 officially approved the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2030 (ADM 2030), marking an ambitious new chapter in ASEAN's digital transformation journey.
This forward-looking plan sets a bold vision for ASEAN as a comprehensive, trusted, and innovative digital community, empowering every citizen and business to thrive in the global digital economy.
ADM 2030 reflects the strong and renewed commitment of all ASEAN member states to enhance regional digital development through deeper cooperation, increased participation, and collective action.
ADGMIN 6 also reached a consensus on amending the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the ASEAN IT Center and the ASEAN IT Fund, which will henceforth operate as the ASEAN Digital Center and the ASEAN Digital Fund to become more adaptive and relevant to the scope of work of the ASEAN Digital Senior Officials' Meeting (ADGSOM) and the ASEAN Telecommunications Regulators' Council (ATRC).
The ASEAN TELSOM/ATRC Project Implementation and Funding Management Handbook (ATPMM) was revised into the ADGSOM/ATRC Administrative and Project Funding Management Handbook (APAMM), establishing an updated and streamlined mechanism to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in managing ASEAN projects and funding processes.
ADGMIN 6 approved 17 projects for implementation in the 2026 ADGSOM work cycle. These projects reflect the collective efforts of ASEAN member states as they work toward the ADM 2030 vision, establishing a new roadmap to strengthen regional digital initiatives and affirming the region's recognition of digital transformation as a vital catalyst for economic resilience, social welfare, and sustainable development.
Progress in AI governance
ADGMIN 6 noted the operational progress of the working group on artificial intelligence (AI) governance (WG-AI). The group has supported ADGSOM in its role as the leading sectoral body in ASEAN for coordinating and advising on AI issues.
Furthermore, the WG-AI serves as the focal point for ASEAN's engagement on AI with stakeholders, including Dialogue and Development Partners, through public-private dialogues and capacity-building activities on AI governance. This work is based on the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics (2024) and the expanded ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics for Generative AI (2025).
The adoption of the Declaration on the establishment of the ASEAN AI Safety Network at the 47th ASEAN Summit affirms the strong commitment and cooperation among ASEAN member states to operate this network in coordination with the WG-AI and other related regional initiatives.
Enhancing subsea cable resilience and repair
ADGMIN 6 approved the Enhanced ASEAN Guidelines for strengthening subsea cable resilience and repair, which provides best practices to accelerate subsea cable repairs through simplified procedures and enhanced cable protection according to the principles of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
The meeting also welcomed the ongoing efforts of the working group on subsea cables (WG-SC) in supporting the practical implementation of these enhanced guidelines through information sharing and capacity-building activities.
Facilitating cross-border data flows in ASEAN
ADGMIN 6 acknowledged ongoing efforts by the working group on digital data governance (WG-DDG) and the ASEAN Data Protection and Privacy Forum to facilitate cross-border data flows within ASEAN.
This includes promoting the adoption of ASEAN model contractual clauses, the operation of the Global cross-border privacy rules (CBPR) and the Global privacy recognition for processors (PRP) system, and raising awareness of privacy-enhancing technologies.
Adopting ASEAN Guidelines on anti-scam policies and practices
ADGMIN 6 approved the ASEAN Guidelines on anti-scam policies and best practices, providing practical guidance for governments, telecommunications regulators, and the industry in ASEAN to adopt recommended anti-scam measures, share scam-related information, and enhance protection for the public and industries against fraudulent calls and messages.
The meeting emphasized the urgent need for collective action to effectively prevent and combat the threat of scams across digital and telecommunications channels, particularly through the Working Group on Anti-Online Scams (WG-AS), to safeguard public and economic security and trust in digital infrastructure.
ADGMIN 6 also approved the Guidelines on digital platform regulation in ASEAN as regional recommendations providing practical, future-ready guidance to enhance trust, protect consumers and digital users, improve governance, transparency, and fairness, and promote sustainable growth across ASEAN.
The meeting noted the implementation of the public-private dialogue project on AI supported by the ASEAN Digital Fund. The project successfully integrated perspectives from key industry participants and provided recommendations designed as adaptable guidelines rather than mandatory frameworks, allowing ASEAN Member States (AMS) to choose actions consistent with their unique priorities, institutional readiness, and technological maturity levels.
ADGMIN 6 highlighted the importance of the ASEAN Digital Awards, the ASEAN Cyberkids initiative, and the ASEAN Cyber Shield (ACS) as annual platforms to empower the community and enhance the capacity of businesses and citizens in developing digital skills and talents.
High appreciation for 5G deployment progress
ADGMIN 6 highly appreciated the 5G deployment progress in each ASEAN member state and the regional efforts of ATRC toward reducing mobile roaming charges, managing and coordinating spectrum, researching the feasibility of establishing an ASEAN Internet Exchange network, studying low-carbon emissions in telecommunications infrastructure, and supporting the establishment of the ASEAN Working Group on telecommunications infrastructure (WG-TI) to promote these initiatives.
Sharing practices on cyber threats and attacks
ADGMIN 6 welcomed the progress made in operating the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (ASEAN Regional CERT), following the 2nd Meeting of the ASEAN Regional CERT Task Force held in Singapore on August 26, 2025, under Malaysia's coordination.
The ASEAN Regional CERT information-sharing mechanism has successfully integrated all ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat into the operational platform since May 2025.
The ASEAN Regional CERT plays a role in enhancing regional cybersecurity resilience through timely information exchange and the sharing of best practices regarding cyber threats and attacks. This center serves as a dedicated platform for direct activities, including cybersecurity drills and CERT-to-CERT capacity-building programs, to promote cohesive cooperation across ASEAN.
ADGMIN 6 adopted the Hanoi Declaration on "ASEAN Adaptive: From Connectivity to Intelligence Connectivity", recognizing the essential importance of cybersecurity, innovation, and inclusiveness in building a resilient and prosperous digital future for ASEAN.
Concurrently, ADGMIN 6 emphasized the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2030 as a framework for cooperating with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and international organizations on digital cooperation initiatives.
Digital cooperation with ASEAN dialogue partners and international organizations
ADGMIN 6 affirmed the strengthening of cooperation with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and international organizations to consolidate partnerships, aiming to leverage expertise and resources to advance ASEAN’s digitalization agenda and promote ASEAN’s digital standards and best practices on the international stage.
ADGMIN 6 noted the Chairman's Statement of the 28th ASEAN - China Summit held in October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which emphasized the importance of enhancing exchange and cooperation between ASEAN and China in the field of AI and encouraged the concrete implementation of the ASEAN - China Joint Statement on facilitating cooperation to build a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem.
ADGMIN 6 highly appreciated the progress China has achieved in the Action Plan for Implementing the ASEAN - China Partnership on Digital Economy (2021-2025) and the 2025 ASEAN-China Digital Work Plan.
At the same time, the meeting noted the establishment of the China - ASEAN AI Industrial Innovation Center and the China - ASEAN Digital Academy, as well as the ongoing development of Joint Guidelines on mapping ASEAN multilateral contract clauses and China’s standard contract clauses for cross-border data flows.
Additionally, ADGMIN 6 approved the China - ASEAN Cooperation Action Plan on building a sustainable and inclusive digital ecosystem (2026-2030) and the 2026 ASEAN - China Digital Work Plan focusing on policy and strategy alignment, digital infrastructure, open source, and digital security and trust.
Regarding Japan, ADGMIN 6 highly appreciated the progress achieved in the 2025 ASEAN - Japan Digital Work Plan. The Meeting also welcomed the 2026 ASEAN - Japan Digital Work Plan, which focuses on: (i) AI and digital policy; (ii) cybersecurity; (iii) digital infrastructure and digital transformation; and (iv) cooperation and coordination.
Moreover, ADGMIN 6 welcomed progress in ASEAN - Japan cooperation on AI and adopted the Joint Statement of ASEAN-Japan Digital Ministers on promoting safe, secure, and trusted AI, focusing on: Governance, AI development and digital infrastructure, capacity building and human resource development, co-creation of AI solutions, inclusive and trusted AI, and digital solidarity and economic development.
ADGMIN 6 appreciated the commitment of the Republic of Korea (ROK) in promoting digital cooperation with ASEAN and noted the successful implementation of the 2025 ASEAN - ROK Digital Work Plan, particularly the completion of the ASEAN Cyber Shield Project, which enhanced cybersecurity resilience across ASEAN, as well as the progress of the Korea - ASEAN Digital Innovation Flagship (KADIF) projects.
Along with this is the 2026 ASEAN - ROK Digital Work Plan, which continues the implementation of KADIF projects to establish a solid AI foundation, enhance human capacity, and promote AI usage. ADGMIN 6 looks forward to further strengthening cooperation in AI safety and regional cybersecurity.
ADGMIN 6 noted the adoption of the ASEAN - India Joint Statement on Promoting Digital Transformation at the 21st ASEAN - India Summit on October 10, 2024, in Vientiane, Laos, aiming to strengthen cooperation in digital infrastructure, financial technology, cybersecurity, AI, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, as well as sustainable finance and investment.
Concurrently, it noted the progress achieved in implementing cooperation activities in the 2025 ASEAN - India Digital Work Plan through capacity-building programs.
ADGMIN 6 agreed on the 2026 ASEAN - India Digital Work Plan, including: IT training/capacity building, organizing the India - ASEAN regulators' conference, and deploying IT-telecommunications solutions.
Regarding the 2023-2025 ASEAN - US Work Plan, ADGMIN 6 highly appreciated the significant progress achieved, including priorities of the 2025 ASEAN-US Digital Work Plan such as: AI, cybersecurity, subsea cables, cloud computing, anti-online scam efforts, and support for negotiations and implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
ASEAN and the US also successfully held the 6th Cybersecurity Policy Dialogue on October 21, 2025, in Singapore, highlighting a shared priority in addressing the issue of online scams.
ASEAN appreciated the cooperation between the US public and private sectors in combating online scams, including through technical assistance workshops and the building of a set of five public-private cooperation principles.
For the Russian partner, ADGMIN 6 appreciated its continuous support based on existing cooperation frameworks and embracing opportunities brought by digital transformation.
ADGMIN 6 noted the role of digital technology in shaping socio-economic development in ASEAN and Russia, highlighting the potential for collective action and identifying common challenges such as the digital divide.
At the same time, the meeting noted priority cooperation areas with Russia based on the themes of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Partnership (2021-2025).
ASEAN looks forward to cooperating with Russia under the approved 2026 ASEAN - Russia Digital Work Plan, including cooperation areas such as: AI, e-government, the digital economy, and regional digital integration.
Strengthening ASEAN digital cooperation with international regions and organizations
ADGMIN 6 welcomed the increasingly deep cooperation between ASEAN and the EU regarding EU support within the 2025 ASEAN - EU Digital Work Plan, including contributions to the 1st ASEAN AI Summit and the ASEAN-UNESCO Multilateral Forum on Digital Platform Governance.
Additionally, ASEAN member states expressed appreciation for the ongoing Global Gateway projects, SCOPE-Trade and SCOPE-Digital.
The meeting also welcomed the 2026 ASEAN - EU Digital Work Plan, including exchange and cooperation in secure and reliable connectivity, AI governance, digital platforms and online scams, digital standards, digital trade, and Earth observation.
Along with this are efforts to enhance subsea cable resilience through the work of the International Advisory Body on Subsea Cable Resilience, as well as direct support for each ASEAN member state to accelerate digital transformation.
ADGMIN 6 welcomed the increasing engagement of ASEAN member states in the AI for Good multilateral platform as a means to promote inclusive, responsible, and human-centric AI applications.
Concurrently, the meeting noted the results of activities under the 2024-2026 ASEAN - ITU Priority Areas of Cooperation to further strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and ITU.
ITU is encouraged to propose ASEAN - ITU Priority Areas of Cooperation for the 2027-2030 period aligned with ADM 2030, particularly noting the results of the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-2025) and Asia-Pacific Regional Initiatives (ASP-RIs).
ADGMIN 6 also welcomed the 2026 ASEAN-ITU Digital Work Plan and appreciated the dedicated support from the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) for ASEAN through cooperation activities, especially online training and dialogues.
ADGMIN 6 welcomed the first ADGSOM consultation with the World Bank (WB) and looks forward to developing a long-term partnership to support ASEAN priorities on inclusive, trusted, and sustainable digital transformation, aiming to promote regional integration, sustainable economic growth, and job creation.
In this regard, ADGMIN 6 approved the 2026 ASEAN - WB Digital Work Plan to strengthen digital transformation, develop digital infrastructure, build capacity, and include activities promoting the digital economy through inclusive digital economy promotion, interoperable digital identification and verifiable credentials, harmonizing policy approaches to facilitate cross-border data flows, cooperating with the WG-AI and the newly established ASEAN AI Safety Network, and building regional capacity on satellite regulatory frameworks.
Finally, ADGMIN 6 agreed that the 7th ADGMIN Meeting and related conferences will be held in Bandar Seri Begawan in January 2027./.
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