Shape a regional blueprint for inclusive digital development in Southeast Asia
Connect policy ambition, technical insight and community evidence for Southeast Asia’s digital future
The APNIC Foundation will host the EmpowerTech Summit 2026 on 18 May 2026 at the InterContinental Bangkok, bringing together senior policymakers, cybersecurity authorities, technology pioneers, intergovernmental organisations, and digital development leaders to shape Southeast Asia’s digital future.
The regional summit will serve as a high-level platform examining how Southeast Asia can accelerate inclusive digital growth by aligning policy frameworks with operational and technical realities on the ground. The event will focus on resilient connectivity, cybersecurity readiness, digital workforce development, and equitable access to technology across the region.
Hosted by the APNIC Foundation, the Summit reflects the organisation’s continuing mission to strengthen digital development and Internet infrastructure across the Asia Pacific region.
Among the distinguished speakers participating in the Summit are:
- Air Vice Marshal Amorn Chomchoey, Secretary General, National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), Thailand
- Dr Preesan Rakwatin, Executive Vice President, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), Thailand
- Tae Hyung Kim, Chief, ICT and Development Section, ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division, ESCAP
- Dr Masanori Kondo, Secretary General, Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT)
- Professor Jun Murai, internationally recognised Internet pioneer and founder of the WIDE Project, widely regarded as the “Father of the Internet” in Japan
- Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi, Chairman of CAAM;Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, Board Chair of the Board of Directors of the APNIC Foundation and Senior Advisor at ASEAN Advisory, a boutique advisory firm under ZICO Group.
According to the 10th edition of the annual e-Conomy SEA report 2 by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, Southeast Asia’s digital economy is on track to surpass US $300 billion in GMV, with growth of around 15% YoY, driven largely by e-commerce and rapid digital adoption. However, despite strong progress, more than one-third of the region’s population still lacks meaningful connectivity, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative regional action, as per International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and DataReportal reports from 2025,.
Rajnesh Singh, CEO of the APNIC Foundation, said the region has now reached a critical turning point in digital development.
“Southeast Asia’s digital future cannot be built through infrastructure alone. Sustainable progress requires governments, industry, technical communities and civil society to work together in ways that connect policy intent with operational realities.” said Rajnesh Singh, CEO of the APNIC Foundation. The EmpowerTech Summit 2026 is designed to create that dialogue — transforming regional cooperation into practical action that supports inclusive and resilient digital growth across Southeast Asia.”
The Summit will also examine the priorities shaping Southeast Asia’s next phase of digital development, including cybersecurity readiness, digital workforce development, and the opportunities created by regional digital integration efforts such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
The Summit is expected to bring together participants from governments, regulatory bodies, intergovernmental organisations, telecommunications operators, technology companies, academia, civil society organisations, community-based organisations and regional development institutions from across Southeast Asia.
The Summit will conclude with a consolidated set of regional priorities and collaborative recommendations aimed at supporting equitable and sustainable digital transformation throughout Southeast Asia.