Jakarta (VNA) - The Second ASEANSectoral Bodies and the Stakeholders Consultative Workshops on the ConsolidatedStrategy on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for ASEAN took place on April27 and 29, respectively, via videoconference.

In his remarks, DeputySecretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Satvinder Singh noted that‘digital transformation is accelerating in the region, driven by our youngdemography, rising middle class, and fast-growing industry.’’ Althoughrepresenting only 7 percent of ASEAN’s GDP, the region’s digital economy isexpected to accelerate, with uptake further boosted by the necessity during thepandemic, he added.

Welcoming the development of the Consolidated Strategy, supported by theASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Programme Phase II (AADCP II),Australian Ambassador to ASEAN Will Nankervis stated that ‘’Australia standsready to assist the implementation of this critical piece of work, and lookforward to exploring the potential for alignment between ASEAN and Australia’s4IR visions, policies, and initiatives.’’

At the workshops, officials andstakeholders discussed the latest draft of ASEAN’s 4IR Consolidated Strategy,including its visions, strategic framework, and priorities. Key to thedevelopment of the Consolidated Strategy is to ensure concrete,forward-looking, actionables are identified and implemented as the follow-up,focusing on providing for an enabling regulatory environment, boostingcompetitiveness, and promoting inclusion through skills and capacity development.

This workshop is part ofASEAN’s consultation process organised towards the development of theConsolidated Strategy on the 4IR. Identified as one of cross-pillardeliverables of Brunei’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year, the ConsolidatedStrategy is expected to contribute to the region’s recovery efforts and itsoverall long-term resilience./.