President of Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masatsugu Asakawa, expressed its concern on digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia. Asakawa hopes more countries will take into account the importance of digital infrastructure investment for the country’s growth.
More allocations to digital infrastructure investment in Southeast Asia needed
CNN Philippine reported upon the Southeast Asia Development Symposium, the president of ADB, Masatsugu Asakawa, mentioned that there is an urgency to close the gap between the digital divide. Expansion in existing investments in digital infrastructure is as much important for better mobile broadband infrastructure and ensuring the Internet accessibility to citizens of different wealth level. Asakawa further added that improvement in digital infrastructure will provide better access to basic necessities such as health, education, and others.
Asakawa hopes the countries would allocate more money towards digital infrastructure investment. Especially with Southeast Asian countries slowly picking up its economy from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Better digital infrastructure for improved wellbeing
COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant contractions in several countries. Asakawa elaborated that there are several key policy areas that may help countries, advance through sustainable growth. Some of the points mentioned, quoted from CNN Philippines, are addressing regional disparities and ensuring equal technology accessibility. However, the last point comes with a sidenote to provide fitting cybersecurity. Along with it, Asakawa also pointed out the importance of investing in sustainable businesses to promote green and resilient recovery.
Other points mentioned in the symposium is regional cooperation. The achievement of the goal is feasible through better digital integration, from connectivity, e-custom systems, and electronic cargo tracking system. This plan can be used to boost domestic resources and could contribute a lot to public services’ finance and small businesses establishment. Such groups will benefit a lot not only from technology, but financial, academic, and business exosystem.
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