Prof.
Vu
Minh
Khuong,
Practice
Professor
at
the
Lee
Kuan
Yew
School
of
Public
Policy,
National
University
of
Singapore,
at
the
report
launch
event
ASEAN
faces
a
critical
window
of
opportunity.
The
research
shows
5G
alone
is
projected
to
contribute
US$130
billion
to
Asia
Pacific’s
economy
by
2030.
However,
adoption
remains
uneven
across
the
region
—
ranging
from
48.3%
penetration
in
Singapore
to
less
than
1%
in
several
ASEAN
member
states.
Without
coordinated
action,
these
disparities
risk
deepening
digital
divides
and
weakening
regional
competitiveness.
ASEAN
may
be
left
behind
as
other
regions
accelerate
their
digital
transformation.
“The convergence of 5G and AI represents the infrastructure of innovation, powering smart manufacturing, precision agriculture, and autonomous mobility. But ASEAN cannot afford to wait. The window for establishing regional leadership in intelligent connectivity is rapidly closing,” said Professor Vu Minh Khuong from LKYSPP. “Our report provides ASEAN policymakers with a blueprint to navigate the complex intersection of 5G and AI integration, and now policymakers must act decisively. Coordinated strategies that can accelerate regional leadership in intelligent connectivity must be established to help the region move beyond incremental improvements toward transformative digital leadership.”
The LKYSPP study, drawing from extensive stakeholder interviews and survey responses from over 400 professionals across eight ASEAN countries, identifies ten critical imperatives for accelerating 5G-AI transformation, beginning with establishing coordinated digital leadership to address fragmentation that is currently slowing regional progress. ASEAN governments should treat 5G as a strategic AI enabler — not merely a telecom upgrade — while addressing the widening skills gaps that are impeding enterprise adoption across the region.
To secure ASEAN’s digital future, the report recommends implementing five strategic priorities:
- Establishing national 5G-AI development strategies with clear 2025-2030 roadmaps;
- Creating empowered coordination agencies in ASEAN member countries;
- Deploying forward-looking spectrum policies that promote accessibility and innovation;
- Fostering vibrant AI-driven ecosystems through public-private collaboration; and
- Implementing robust monitoring frameworks to track progress and enable course corrections.
The LKYSPP report emphasises that enterprise adoption should be prioritised as the primary driver of 5G’s economic impact. Looking across the region, there is much potential and notable examples of success: Singapore’s 5G-powered smart ports have achieved 50% latency reduction, Thailand has deployed AI-enhanced disaster management systems, and Malaysia’s wholesale network model has reached 82% population coverage. These examples illustrate the potential for transformative impacts when coordinated strategies are effectively implemented.
According to the LKYSPP research report, private 5G networks are essential for Industry 4.0 transformation, while Fixed Wireless Access offers a compelling solution for bridging connectivity gaps in underserved areas. The report also positions current 5G deployment as critical infrastructure for 6G evolution expected by 2030, making today’s strategic decisions particularly important for future competitiveness.
Looking ahead, the study envisions ASEAN leading a 5G-AI powered future where enterprises scale globally through intelligent manufacturing, farmers optimise yields using AI-driven analytics, and students in remote areas access immersive education platforms. Realizing this vision requires bold coordinated action, strategic coordination and planning, and sustained commitment to digital transformation.
The comprehensive 148-page report and executive summary are now available for download. The findings serve as both a strategic guide for policymakers and a call to action for regional institutions to seize the 5G-AI moment and shape a digitally empowered future for ASEAN’s 700 million citizens.
Hashtag: #LeeKuanYewSchoolofPublicPolicy #LKYSPP
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