What should ASEAN focus on amid global uncertainty? PM Wong suggests 3 areas

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong urged ASEAN to deepen digital cooperation, strengthen energy security and widen its external networks as the region faces greater global uncertainty. Speaking at the bloc’s 49th summit in Manila, he said unity and practical cooperation would help member states navigate future disruption.

Wong pointed to the signing of the Digital Economy Framework Agreement as progress, while calling for more seamless cross-border payments, wider access to artificial intelligence and stronger coordination against cyber threats and online scams. He also urged members to ratify the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, citing recent disruption in the Middle East and rising energy needs; the summit followed Timor-Leste’s entry as ASEAN’s 11th member last October.