The ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI) has partnered with Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), to contribute to the formulation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology, and Innovation (APASTI) for 2026-2035. This collaboration is designed to shape the region’s strategic direction for science, technology, and innovation (STI) over the coming decade.
To achieve this, a foresight workshop was held, bringing together more than 80 prominent experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across ASEAN Member States (AMS) and Timor-Leste. These key participants convened to chart a comprehensive roadmap for the future of STI within the region. The event was supported by the Australian Government through its Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative, which aims to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and Australia on critical issues.
Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn, Director of the Sectoral Development Directorate at the ASEAN Secretariat, highlighted the importance of the workshop’s multi-criteria decision-making analysis. This approach allowed participants to prioritize ASEAN’s STI objectives, positioning them on a long-term roadmap extending beyond 2035. “The success of this workshop reflects our collective determination to harness the power of science, technology, and innovation to address the region’s most urgent challenges,” Dr. Wanichkorn noted. She emphasized that the insights and strategies developed would be vital for advancing ASEAN’s sustainable development and enhancing its global competitiveness.
The forthcoming APASTI plan is set to play a pivotal role in elevating regional priorities related to science, technology, and innovation. By aligning these priorities with ASEAN’s broader development goals, the plan seeks to boost collaboration across the region and strengthen its role on the global stage.
Lara Frazen, Development Counsellor for the Australian Mission to ASEAN, expressed her support for APASTI’s long-term vision, stating: “The APASTI 2026-2035 framework aims to position ASEAN as a frontrunner in global technological and scientific advancements. It will not only drive prosperity and competitiveness within the region but will also ensure inclusivity and long-term sustainability.” Frazen underscored that Australia remains committed to working alongside ASEAN to achieve these shared goals, viewing the partnership as a vital component of regional growth and development.
CSIRO’s Counsellor and Director for Southeast Asia, Amelia Fyfield, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping ASEAN’s science and research priorities. According to Ms. Fyfield, the ongoing partnership between CSIRO and ASEAN is essential for building a robust STI ecosystem that can support both regional economies and environmental resilience. “We are at a pivotal moment in history, where science, technology, and innovation have the potential to safeguard our economies and environments,” she said. Fyfield further explained that key priorities identified during the workshop included fostering innovation ecosystems, enhancing digital transformation, and building resilience against technological disruptions.
The foresight workshop also served as a platform for in-depth discussions on emerging trends, new technologies, and future-oriented actions. The event was structured around a detailed assessment of ASEAN’s current STI capabilities, provided by the ASEAN Foresight Alliance. This comprehensive overview allowed participants to identify key areas for improvement and set priorities for future collaboration and innovation across the region.
By identifying these priorities and engaging in forward-looking discussions, the workshop laid the groundwork for a more resilient and innovative ASEAN STI landscape. The collaborative approach fostered by COSTI, CSIRO, and other stakeholders was instrumental in this process, ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the region’s diverse economies were reflected in the strategic roadmap.
The final version of the APASTI 2026-2035 document, incorporating the key priorities identified during the workshop, will be submitted for review by ASEAN ministers in June 2025. Once endorsed, it will serve as the guiding framework for the region’s science, technology, and innovation efforts over the next decade and beyond.
As ASEAN moves forward with implementing its APASTI roadmap, the region is poised to play a leading role in shaping global scientific and technological advancements. The collaboration with partners like Australia and the involvement of various stakeholders ensure that ASEAN is well-positioned to meet future challenges, foster inclusive growth, and build sustainable, competitive economies that can thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape.
The ASEAN foresight workshop has paved the way for a promising future, where science, technology, and innovation will be at the heart of regional development. With the APASTI 2026-2035 framework in place, ASEAN is set to strengthen its STI capabilities, enhance regional cooperation, and drive forward its vision of sustainable development and global competitiveness.
