Regional forum on investment in the digital economy: Developments in Asia-Pacific

Key Issues

The UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP), National University of Singapore, are pleased to host the Regional Forum on Investment in the Digital Economy: Developments in Asia-Pacific on Wednesday, 2 April 2025, at the LKYSPP campus in Singapore. This high-level forum will convene key stakeholders from across the region to explore the evolving landscape of digital investment and its implications for sustainable growth and regional collaboration.

Background

The digital economy has become a critical driver of economic transformation, yet significant disparities in digital infrastructure, investment flows, and policy frameworks persist across the Asia-Pacific region. While some economies are leading in technological innovation and digital services, others struggle to attract the necessary investment to bridge gaps in connectivity and digital inclusion. International investment in digital technologies is a key enabler of economic resilience, industrial modernization, and social development, yet mobilizing such investments effectively remains a challenge.

Objective

The forum aims to foster collaborative dialogue on the challenges and opportunities of digital investment in Asia-Pacific, with a particular focus on ASEAN. Discussions will highlight the strategic role of international investment in digital infrastructure, connectivity, and innovation, and how these investments can drive sustainable and inclusive digital development. Participants will share policy insights, industry perspectives, and research findings, contributing to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025 (WIR 2025). The event will feature expert panels and interactive discussions designed to inform policy recommendations that support investment-driven digital transformation.

Co-organizer(s):

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore

Language(s)

English