Honourable ASEAN Ministers and HoDs (Heads of Delegates), ASEAN Secretary-General, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Good morning on this opening of the 2nd ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting. It is a great honour and pleasure for Myanmar to host and chair this year’s ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings with Dialogue Partners.

2. Though we very much like to welcome you all in person to Nay Pyi Taw, the continuing COVID-19 Pandemic outbreak in this region and the rest of the world prohibited the pleasure.

3. On the other hand, being able to organize the 2nd ADGMIN in a virtual format in itself, is a clear demonstration of the increasing value of highspeed Internet and digital technologies to our nations and our economies.

4. Being the sectoral body responsible for overseeing the digital cooperation and ICT infrastructure development in the region, ADGMIN plays a leading role in the economic recovery and growth of ASEAN from the pandemic. And I am very glad to see digital ministers from ASEAN ready to discuss and deliberate to provide guidance to ASEAN until the next ADGMIN meeting.

5. We all know that digital technologies offer immense opportunities to foster inclusive and equitable economic growth and sustainable developments. The benefits digital transformation will bring to our economies and to individuals’ lives are still unfathomable for us.

6. On the other hand, we will face lots of difficulties and challenges if we lag in digital transformation. In this connected world, digital development disparity will have impacts throughout ASEAN. That is why ASEAN Leaders have committed in “ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation in ASEAN” to work together to enable inclusive digital transformation in the region.

7. A study by World Economic Forum last year found that organizations that are more digitalized are more resilient from socio-economic impacts during the pandemic. We all know that the pandemic has brought about significant societal changes around the world. The restrictions imposed on societies by the Pandemic have forced businesses to turn to digital. This has also automatically accelerated digital transformation activities in individual countries.

8. Digital transformation has also given opportunities for countries to better handle the Pandemic. Therefore, it has helped us mitigate the socio-economic impacts felt on us. And it will also have the potential to help ASEAN recover and re-grow economically. That is we have chosen the theme Digital Transformation – the Engine for ASEAN Economic Recovery from COVID-19 for this year’s ADGMIN meeting.

9. Regarding ASEAN’s digital transformation, digital infrastructure development, and digital cooperation, I am pleased to note that ADGMIN has adopted and is implementing the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 since last year. The ADM 2025 is to provide guidance for the development of ASEAN digital and ICT sectors for the next five years. And I am confident that ADGMIN will be able to lead the regional digitalization effort. ADGMIN has clear support from ASEAN Leaders in this endeavour.

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

10. We are all well aware of the benefits of Digital Transformation, but it is also important to take into account the implications and disruptions it could bring to our region and our lives. ADGMIN should make necessary preparations to prevent the negative effects of this phenomenal change.

11. First, in terms of preparation, we must reduce the connectivity gap and digitalization gaps among member states as well as different regions in our countries. Digital development gaps will be more harmful to socio-economic development in the region than other development gaps.

12. Next, member states should consider enhancing the existing legal frameworks on personal data protection and customer protection. In doing so, we must take into account the borderless nature of digital technologies and digital transactions.

13.Cyber-security is one of the critical components in digital transformation, and member states should strengthen the existing cyber-security efforts. In this regard, I would like to commend ADGMIN for the good work and close cooperation in the past and recommend the meeting to continue building up on the achievements.

14. Next, regarding information, member states should enhance their legal frameworks to better deal with difficulties and restrictions concerning cross border activities arising out of cross border transactions using digital technologies and digital transformation. Therefore, I would like to reiterate the importance for ASEAN governments to protect their citizens from cyber incidents including cyber frauds and cyberbullying.

15. Next, I would strongly encourage ADGMIN to make sure that digital platforms including social media platforms and e-commerce platforms take more responsibility for various activities on their platforms. Dealing with inappropriate usage of the Internet such as circulating fake news, misinformation and rumours, creating hate speech, inciting violence, and cyberbullying over such platforms are also becoming global issues. I would like to encourage ADGMIN to develop a common framework to deal with those broad issues.

Excellencies, and distinguished delegates,

16. The government of Myanmar has accepted the digital economy as one of the key areas for social and economic development for the country. And we are laying down proper foundations for digital transformation and in doing so, taking a public-private partnership approach. And we look forward to working more closely with ASEAN.

17. Since it joined ASEAN Community in 1997, Myanmar has been an active member in the endeavour to the achievement of ASEAN Economic Council’s goal of a resilient, inclusive, people-oriented and people-centred ASEAN. While respecting the fundamental principles of ASEAN. The global economic crisis as the result of the pandemic is indicating the urgency with which ASEAN member states should work together to this goal. I would like to reiterate that Myanmar is committed to working together with other ASEAN members for the realization of the ASEAN goals.

18.It is good that we have dialogue partners with advanced technologies and with good experience. We can get a lot of experience and knowledge from them, especially in the digital transformation efforts. However, it is important for ASEAN not to satisfy with just receiving but should also endeavour to keep the driver’s seat for our region. We should never lose sight of our goals and our objectives.

19. ADGMIN has a busy schedule for these two days as there will be much to discuss and deliberate to make Digital transformation – the engine for ASEAN economic recovery from Covid-19. And I would like to encourage all the Ministers and delegates to continue with your good work.

20. To this, I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Myanmar, as well as those who have provided all necessary support for the successfully organization of this meeting. I also would like to express my appreciation to all ADGMIN and responsible officials as well as ASEAN Secretary-General and ASEAN secretariat for all your achievements and your cooperation.

I want to conclude by wishing everyone to have a fruitful discussion and the 2nd ADGMIN and the related meetings all the success.

Thank you.

MNA

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