Co-Chairs Press Conference

TL;DR

Co-chairs of the World Economic Forum on ASEAN 2018 discuss priorities such as social inclusion, digital economy, and entrepreneurship in the region.

Transcript

well very good morning to all of you and welcome to this press conference with the co-chairs of the World Economic Forum on ASEAN 2018 which this year is being held under the theme as yen 4.0 entrepreneurship and the fourth Industrial Revolution the purpose of this press conference is to give you an opportunity to hear first-hand from our six co-ch... Read More

Key Insights

• 🐵 Social inclusion and gender equality are key priorities for Plan International, as young female entrepreneurs face challenges in accessing financing and opportunities in the digital economy.
• 🎁 Technology management, cybersecurity, and talent movement are critical for Vietnam to participate effectively in the fourth Industrial Revolution and benefit from the opportunities it presents.
• ✌️ The Korean Peninsula's peace process and collaboration between South and North Korea are crucial for peace and prosperity in East Asia, alongside embracing the fourth Industrial Revolution.
• 🪡 CIMB Group highlights the need for ASEAN to prioritize gender equality and address the challenges and risks associated with the fourth Industrial Revolution.
• 🔬 Digital productivity, a reinvented labor force, and increased infrastructure investment are essential for ASEAN to succeed in the fourth Industrial Revolution, as highlighted by McKinsey & Company.
• 💪 Indonesia emphasizes the importance of policies that prepare the workforce for Industrial 4.0, including education reforms, flexible labor markets, and strong social safety nets.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can ASEAN countries address the challenges of integrating civil society and non-state actors into the region's development?

While empowering bureaucracy and political forces is important for integration, it is equally crucial to collaborate with civil society and the private sector. By engaging these actors, ASEAN can develop policies and frameworks that benefit all stakeholders and drive inclusive growth.

Q: How can countries like Vietnam catch up in the fourth Industrial Revolution?

Developing countries have an advantage in embracing the fourth Industrial Revolution, as they have fewer burdens from previous revolutions and can adapt to new technologies more easily. Vietnam can leverage this opportunity by developing policies that foster innovation, flexible labor markets, and strong social safety nets.

Q: What can ASEAN countries do to protect their domestic markets amidst global economic uncertainty?

ASEAN countries should focus on reducing external vulnerabilities, such as foreign debt and fiscal deficits, to prepare for changing global economic conditions. Additionally, investing in domestic industries and enhancing regional integration can provide a buffer against external shocks and strengthen the resilience of member economies.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Plan International highlights the lack of financing for young female entrepreneurs and the widening gender gap in the digital economy.

• The Minister for Information and Communications Technologies in Vietnam suggests initiatives to promote ASEAN integration in technology management and cybersecurity.

• The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea emphasizes the importance of peace on the Korean Peninsula and collaboration for growth in the fourth Industrial Revolution.

• CIMB Group's chairman calls for ASEAN to address the challenges of the fourth Industrial Revolution and promote gender equality.

• McKinsey & Company's global managing partner emphasizes the need for digital productivity, a reinvented labor force, and increased infrastructure investment in ASEAN.

• The Finance Minister of Indonesia highlights the need for policies to prepare the workforce for Industrial 4.0, including education, labor market changes, and social safety nets.