Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Releases Strategic Roadmap for ASEAN's 5G-AI Transformation
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 22 July 2025 - The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) today released a comprehensive research report outlining how ASEAN can harness 5G and artificial intelligence convergence for transformative economic growth. The study, "Leveraging 5G to Accelerate AI-Driven Transformation in ASEAN: Imperatives, Policy Insights, and Recommendations," provides policymakers with actionable strategies to unlock the region's digital potential.
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
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Professor Vu Minh Khuong
Prof Vu Minh Khuong is a Practice Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. His research and teaching concentrate on economic development and policy analysis. He has published three books and over 50 papers in prestigious academic journals, including Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Information Economics and Policy, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Telematics and Informatics, Telecommunication Policy, Journal of Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Energy Policy. He is among the top 2% of most-cited scholars worldwide. Prof Vu earned his PhD from Harvard University. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Telecommunications Policy and the Journal of East Asian Policy.
About the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) is an autonomous, professional graduate school of the National University of Singapore. Its mission is to be a leading global public policy school, with its faculty and alumni shaping thought leadership, improving standards of governance, and transforming lives for a more sustainable world. In addition to its Masters and PhD programmes, LKYSPP offers high quality Executive Programmes for civil servants, corporate executives, and non-profit professionals to equip them with insights and skills to transform their organisations and the world.
Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
2 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Royex Technologies: AI spiraling business growth
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how businesses operate today, according to Rajib Roy, Founder and CEO of Royex Technologies, a leading AI and digital transformation company headquartered in Dubai. 'From real-time decision-making to predictive analytics, AI empowers companies to move faster, operate smarter, and serve customers more efficiently,' said Roy, author of four AI and technology focused books. Reactive management to proactive strategy 'It's transforming manual tasks into intelligent workflows, enabling businesses to scale without proportional increases in cost or workforce. More importantly, it's helping leaders shift from reactive management to proactive strategy, based on data-driven insights. The real transformation lies in how AI allows companies to focus more on innovation and customer experience—two key drivers of long-term success,' explained Roy. Significant drop in operational cost of business Sharing an example of how AI transformation is scaling business operations, Roy said one of Royex Technologies' product EYAANA – an AI-first communication platform has made a positive impact on multiple industries. In particular, it has made massive strides with a real estate company where EYAANA has automated over 80% of lead interactions for the business across phone, WhatsApp, and web chat. 'This has resulted in a massive response time drop from hours to seconds. Beside, conversion rates improved by 27%, and the sales team could focus on closing deals rather than chasing leads. All this has led to a significant reduction in operational costs, for the real estate company as AI has replaced two full-time resources.' Maximising human resources In the hospitality sector, Royex Technologies partnered with a hotel group that previously had a team of 16 people managing customer support across WhatsApp, web chat, and social media. After integrating EYAANA's AI agents across all platforms, they were able to reallocate 12 staff members to other departments, retaining just two people for overseeing customer service operations. What previously required 16 human agents is now managed with an AI-augmented team of two people resulting in a cost saving of nearly 75% in that department, while maintaining 24/7 responsiveness and improved customer satisfaction. Beside the reallocation of the staff to other departments also meant their productivity was put to full use elsewhere. Giving clarity to businesses to move faster Strategically, AI creates value in multiple areas. It helps businesses better understand customer behavior and forecast future trends, enabling more personalized and targeted offerings. Roy said: 'Pricing and marketing strategies can be optimized using real-time data, while AI-powered tools support improved risk management and fraud detection. In supply chain operations, AI enhances planning, demand forecasting, and logistics efficiency. Additionally, by automating repetitive tasks and augmenting human capabilities, AI significantly improves employee productivity. In essence, AI acts as a decision-making accelerator, giving businesses the clarity and confidence to move faster and adapt smarter in a competitive environment.'
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
South Africans embrace tech with optimism and purpose
South Africans are not just keeping pace with global tech trends, they're embracing them with confidence. According to the latest YouGov Profiles data, analysed by consumer insights agency KLA, South Africans have shown consistently positive attitudes toward emerging technology between 2021 and 2025. The findings reveal a nation that sees technology not as a threat, but as a tool for progress. The survey explored shifts in sentiment over a four-year period and compared local attitudes to those in other developed and developing countries. From 5G to AI and immersive technologies like Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), South Africans are showing high levels of optimism, utility, and curiosity, offering a unique opportunity for tech brands and service providers. The data shows that 86% of South Africans in 2025 agree that 5G improves their digital experience, and 78% believe that having 5G benefits their life in many ways. Rather than being seen as just a faster network, 5G is now viewed as an enabler of better digital experiences. AI is also gaining traction, with 68% of respondents stating they think AI is just the next step in evolution, up from 62% in 2021. Similarly, 64% of people agree that AR/VR helps users experience new things, compared to 59% in 2021. The message is clear, South Africans are open to innovation, particularly when it's designed to enhance everyday life. What's interesting to note, is the consistency of these insights. While global narratives around AI and privacy have shifted, South African sentiment has remained relatively steady, or improved, across all key metrics. The trust is not just intact, it's growing. According to KLA, this steady progression suggests that South Africans' trust in technology hasn't just endured, it's deepened. This provides a strong foundation for innovation that's practical, inclusive, and locally relevant. When compared to global counterparts, South Africa's tech optimism stands out in several ways. The country's mobile-first mindset remains strong, especially when contrasted with more diversified usage patterns in developed markets. There's also a notable level of trust in AI, particularly compared to more sceptical attitudes seen in countries like Germany, France, and the UK. Meanwhile, South African consumers show strong enthusiasm for AR/VR technologies, despite lower device ownership than in Western markets. It's a sign of interest that outpaces infrastructure, a signal for brands to move fast but meaningfully. For fintech startups, telco providers, app developers, and smart device manufacturers, the South African market is primed and ready, but it demands more than just flashy innovation. South African consumers want tech that works, simplifies life, and is easy to use. Every product should be optimised for mobile connectivity and designed with usability in mind. Communication also matters - people want to understand how these technologies work and why they matter. And above all, consumers are looking for real impact: they want tech that improves education, creates access, and reduces inequality. Between 2021 and 2025, South Africa has moved from early adoption to full integration when it comes to digital tools. We are a country that not only uses technology, but believe in its potential to create a better future. For brands, the opportunity lies in delivering solutions that are smart, transparent, and people-first. Data is sourced from YouGov Profiles, a segmentation and media planning tool. South African data was collected from nationally representative samples of South African adults aged 18+ with internet access. Sample sizes: 2025 n=1,936; 2021 n=6,039.
Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai RTA completes free Wi-Fi rollout on 259 intercity buses
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the installation of free Wi-Fi across its entire fleet of 259 intercity buses. The rollout, conducted in partnership with telecommunications company e&, now provides passengers with internet access on routes connecting Dubai to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Fujairah. The service allows passengers to connect smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the internet throughout their journey, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement. Commuters can now maintain work connections, handle personal matters, and browse online whilst travelling between emirates. The Wi-Fi initiative represents part of RTA's wider digital transformation programme across its transport services. The authority aims to serve all community segments through these technological upgrades. The rollout supports the UAE Digital Government Strategy and demonstrates RTA's focus on improving daily transport experiences. The service enhancement contributes to Dubai's goal of becoming the world's smartest and happiest city by making bus travel more productive and enjoyable for passengers. RTA and e& will monitor the Wi-Fi service through ongoing assessments. The evaluation process will determine potential expansions and feature improvements to maintain high-quality connectivity standards. The telecommunications partnership may extend the Wi-Fi service to Dubai's marine transport network in future phases. This expansion would provide connectivity across multiple transport modes for the emirate's passengers.
