BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The region must now progress towards connected intelligence, where digital connectivity is strengthened by data, analytics and intelligent systems to enable better decision-making, responsive public services and stronger regional coordination, said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Mustapha.
The minister said this during the 6th Asean Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) and Related Meetings in Hanoi, Vietnam from Jan 15 to 16.
The minister, who led Brunei Darussalam’s delegation, also noted that this evolution is reflected in Asean’s collective priorities, including the Asean Digital Masterplan, the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement, and that the advancement of digital public infrastructure as a foundation for growth and digital trust.
The 6th ADGMIN and Related Meetings was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh. The 6th ADGMIN Meeting was chaired by Minister of Science and Technology of Vietnam Nguyen Manh Hung with Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary as the 6th ADGMIN’s Vice-Chair.
Themed ‘Adaptive Asean: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence’, the meetings provided a strategic platform for Asean digital ministers to deliberate on strengthening regional digital ecosystems, enhancing digital trust and harnessing emerging technologies to support inclusive and sustainable development across the region.
The meetings also marked the official launch of the Asean Digital Masterplan 2030 (ADM 2030) which will chart Asean’s strategic direction and guide the region’s collective efforts in advancing digital adaptation over the next five years. The ADM 2030 sets an ambitious vision for Asean as an inclusive, trusted, and innovative digital community that empowers citizens and businesses to thrive in the global digital economy.
The ADM 2030 also endeavours to advance continuous digital adaptation, expedite digitalisation in anticipation of future demands, and firmly establish sustainable digital transition through coordinated policy frameworks, technical collaboration and capacity enhancement initiatives.
The meetings endorsed 17 Asean digital projects for implementation under the 2026. The projects being coordinated by Brunei Darussalam include Asean AI Skilling Framework, Asean Digital Trade Infrastructure (Phase 2), Roadmap on Asean Cooperation on Online Safety and The Asean Digital Awards 2027.
The 6th ADGMIN also included engagements with Asean’s Dialogue and Development Partners, namely China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, the United States, as well as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), to deepen cooperation and partnerships in advancing Asean’s digital priorities at both regional and global levels.
During the Asean Digital Awards 2026, WilKGames from Brunei Darussalam received the Silver Award under the Digital Content Category for their digital product, ‘Tikus Tales’, which is a 3D platform game created by an independent game development studio based in Brunei Darussalam that blends South-East Asian influences with global appeal.
The achievement reflects the growing capability and creativity of Brunei Darussalam’s local digital content developers and their increasing recognition at the regional level.
Prior to the 6th ADGMIN Meeting and Related Meetings, senior officials from Asean member states convened at the 6th Asean Digital Senior Officials’ Meetings (ADGSOM) and Related Meetings, from Jan 12 to 14. Brunei Darussalam was represented by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunications) at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) Hairul Mohd Daud Abdul Karim in his capacity as Brunei’s ADGSOM leader.
Chief Executive of the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) Jailani Buntar, along with senior officers from MTIC and AITI were also present. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
