The ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI), with Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, have collaborated to help shape the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology, and Innovation (APASTI) for 2026-2035.
A foresight workshop brought together over 80 key experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across ASEAN Member States (AMS) and Timor-Leste to define a strategic roadmap for the region's science, technology, and innovation (STI) landscape.
It was supported by the Australian Government through the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative.
Director of Sectoral Development Directorate, ASEAN Secretariat, Dr Kanchana Wanichkorn, said the workshop's multicriteria decision-making analysis helped rank ASEAN's STI priorities and map them on a long-term roadmap that extends to 2035 and beyond.
"The success of this workshop demonstrates our shared commitment to harnessing science, technology and innovation to address the region's most pressing challenges," Dr Kanchana Wanichkorn said.
"The insights and strategies developed here will play a crucial role in driving ASEAN's sustainable development and global competitiveness."
APASTI will play a critical role in enhancing regional science, technology and priorities.
Development Counsellor for the Australian Mission to ASEAN, Lara Frazen, said: "APASTI 2026-2035 represents a visionary framework that aims to position ASEAN as a leader in global technological and scientific advancements, and foster prosperity, enhance competitiveness, and ensure inclusivity across the region, driving long-term sustainable growth."
CSIRO's Counsellor and Director of Southeast Asia, Amelia Fyfield, said a collaborative approach to shaping the key science and research priorities was essential for the formation of ASEAN's approach to STI.
"We are at a critical time in history where STI can safeguard regional economies and environments," Ms Fyfield said.
"To achieve this, key priorities identified through the workshop included fostering innovative ecosystems, enhancing digital transformation, and building resilience against technological disruptions.
"CSIRO's involvement in APASTI demonstrates our commitment to further science, technology and innovation collaboration for the benefit of our entire region for years to come."
The Foresight Workshop served as a dynamic platform for participants to engage in deep discussions on future trends, emerging technologies, and priority actions.
The workshop featured a comprehensive overview of the current STI capabilities across the region, provided by the ASEAN Foresight Alliance, and facilitated the identification of critical actions to strengthen regional collaboration and innovation.
The final APASTI 2026-2035 document, incorporating these priorities, will be presented to ASEAN ministers for endorsement at the upcoming ministerial meeting in June 2025.
