ASEAN's Resilience in the Intelligent Age: Leading Global Growth and Innovation
Three years ago, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was highlighted for its potential in achieving post-pandemic inclusive growth and prosperity. Today, despite significant shifts in the global landscape—marked by geopolitical tensions, climate change, a widening digital divide, and rapidly advancing artificial intelligence (AI)—ASEAN's resilience and promise remain steadfast.
ASEAN has consistently ranked among the top foreign direct investment (FDI) recipients for three consecutive years, with investment reaching a record $230 billion in 2023, defying a global decline. This surge underscores the confidence of global investors in ASEAN's economic stability and growth potential.
Trade within ASEAN is projected to grow by $1.2 trillion over the next decade, with exports expected to surge by nearly 90 percent, compared to a global trade growth rate of less than 30 percent. Macroeconomic trends reveal that ASEAN's GDP rose from $2.5 trillion in 2015 to $3.8 trillion in 2023, while regional trade increased from $2.3 trillion to $3.5 trillion during the same period. These gains have significantly elevated per capita income across the region.
Poised to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030, ASEAN is leveraging opportunities in the Intelligent Age. Defined by advancements in AI, quantum computing, and blockchain, this era presents a chance for ASEAN to transcend traditional growth models and foster inclusive prosperity. However, success in this new age demands integrating digital, environmental, social, and geopolitical intelligence.
Given its trajectory, ASEAN is uniquely positioned to lead and serve as a model for navigating the transformations of the Intelligent Age. The region's commitment to embracing technological innovation while addressing environmental and social challenges sets it apart as a forward-thinking collective on the global stage.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
