ASEAN 4.0: What Does It Mean For Regional Economic Integration?

• Oct 19, 2018

The Fourth Industrial Revolution refers to a set of highly disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain and 3D printing, that are transforming social, economic and political systems and placing pressure on leaders and policy-makers to respond.

The paper discusses the huge benefits these technologies will bring, such as empowering SMEs and creating new ways to connect citizens to healthcare. Equally, it will bring tremendous challenges, such as deep disruption to jobs as AI and advanced robotics undermine both manufacturing and services jobs.

The region will need a new approach to policy and governance to help it navigate these technologies, which do not recognize national borders.

This research report was suggested by the World Economic Forum’s ASEAN Regional Strategy Group. The report was written and researched jointly by the World Economic Forum and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The ASEAN peace dividend, combined with trade and other reforms within the bloc, has stimulated strong economic growth.

In the past decade, regional GDP has doubled from $1.3 trillion (2007) to $2.6 trillion (2016). The incidence of poverty has fallen dramatically and prosperity looks set to keep rising: the population with an income of more than $5,000 a year is estimated to grow from 300 million in 2015 to 400 million in 2020, making ASEAN one of the world’s most important emerging consumer markets.

ASEAN faces considerable challenges

The success of ASEAN has allowed the organization to evolve and expand its mandate beyond regional security. In 2015, ASEAN established the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which ushered in a bold agenda for enhanced economic integration.

Source: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/70455-asean-4-0-what-does-it-mean-for-regional-economic-integration.html