# ASEAN Digital Economy Agreement Leadership (ASEAN DEAL) Project Supporting ASEAN's transformation towards an inclusive and sustainable digital economy ## Our Impact The ASEAN Digital Economy Agreement Leadership (ASEAN DEAL) project seeks to provide balanced resources to parties interested in digital economy agreements in general and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in particular. [Learn more](https://www.asean-deal.org/about) ## Facilitating ASEAN's digital transformation The Centre for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics of the World Economic Forum, with support from the ASEAN Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) and in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN Member States, supports ASEAN’s transformation into an inclusive and sustainable digital economy through the following activities: ## Business Dialogue on ASEAN’s Digital Economy 2025 The World Economic Forum's Centre for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics hosted the Business Dialogue on ASEAN’s Digital Economy 2025 with Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, on the sidelines of the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting on 26 September 2025. ## Catalog *Browse catalog items* ## Insights ## Featured Content ### How ASEAN has turned resilience into a strategy and cooperation into a strength ASEAN’s resilience amid conflict-driven economic shocks will depend on deeper integration, wider cooperation, and future growth powered by energy transformation and technology. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/05/resilience-cooperation-asean-economic/) ### Southeast Asia may be a distinct region but its risks affect each country differently ASEAN faces uneven economic, geopolitical and technological pressures, making it essential to balance resilience and strategic autonomy while ensuring smaller firms and vulnerable workers are not left behind. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/04/southeast-asia-risks-affect-each-country-differently/) ### ASEAN is a future driver of global growth. Here's how to unleash it [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/12/asean-global-growth-digital-economy-wef/) ### What ASEAN’s small businesses really need for a truly inclusive digital economy [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/what-asean-small-businesses-really-need-for-inclusive-digital-economy/) ### ASEAN takes major step toward landmark digital economy pact Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/asean-defa-digital-economy-pact-negotiations/) ### How ASEAN can thrive through innovation and more collaboration Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/07/how-asean-can-thrive-through-innovation-and-more-collaboration/) ### Implementation options for ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement With the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) under negotiation, the time is now to start thinking proactively about implementation. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/04/implementation-lessons-for-asean-s-digital-economy-framework/) ### 6 questions for ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn: ‘Diversity is our strength’ At the Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn detailed the opportunities and challenges facing the region. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/questions-asean-secretary-general-kao-diversity-southeast-asia/) ### Why AI is Southeast Asia's new engine for profitable growth AI is emerging as a key factor in Southeast Asia's growing digital economy. Tech savvy youth and regional investment into research and development has the potential to put Southeast Asia at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/11/ai-report-southeast-asia-economic-growth/) ### Digital Economy Agreements: A Closer Look at the New Phenomenon in Digital Trade Rulemaking Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit. [Read more](https://weforum.box.com/s/u5wgwgo115j4z32y15vncxch9h46k9x2) ### Why ASEAN's New Digital Economy Framework Agreement is a Game-changer The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is a new strategic roadmap for the region to address the complexities and opportunities of the digital economy. As the world's first region-wide digital economy agreement, DEFA will harmonize digital trade rules and unlock the potential of ASEAN's digital economy, serving as an engine for dynamic growth. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/05/asean-digital-economy-framework-agreement-a-gamechanger/)