The statement emphasized the importance of cooperating on digital and emerging technologies to foster economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the region. The leaders agreed to support initiatives that promote responsible AI development, deployment, and use, and to enhance cooperation in capacity-building, information-sharing, and research collaboration. They also committed to advancing digital trade, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection, recognizing the importance of a secure and resilient cyber environment for economic growth and national security.
In addition to their focus on digital technologies, the leaders discussed the importance of energy connectivity within Southeast Asia. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the findings of a joint study on energy connectivity between Singapore and the United States, which will guide the creation of a proposed regional power grid. He emphasized the need for both sides to work together to build a more sustainable future and called for the US to help develop ASEAN’s renewable energy infrastructure. The study, which started in April last year, has made good progress in studying the renewable energy landscape, existing grid infrastructure of Southeast Asian countries, and the socioeconomic impacts of regional connectivity.
Mr. Wong expressed his gratitude for the US’s steadfast partnership with ASEAN, acknowledging their support for peace and prosperity in the region for nearly 80 years. He noted the US’s role as a staunch supporter of an open, inclusive, rules-based order and highlighted Singapore’s support for the strong US presence in the region through investment and job creation. He called on all parties to redouble their efforts to strengthen this important partnership and emphasized the value of continued collaboration in promoting regional stability and economic growth.
The leaders also addressed the importance of promoting safe, secure, and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) to support economic growth and innovation in the region. They agreed to support initiatives that promote responsible AI development, deployment, and use, and to enhance cooperation in capacity-building, information-sharing, and research collaboration in the digital and emerging technology space. The statement highlighted the leaders’ commitment to advancing digital trade, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection, recognizing the critical role of a secure cyber environment in supporting economic growth and national security.
Overall, the ASEAN and US leaders emphasized the importance of cooperating on digital and energy connectivity within Southeast Asia to foster economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness in the region. They highlighted the value of continued collaboration in promoting regional stability, economic growth, and the development of sustainable energy infrastructure. The joint study on energy connectivity between Singapore and the United States will guide the creation of a proposed regional power grid and provide directions on legal, governance, and financing frameworks for the ASEAN Power Grid. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing digital trade, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection to support economic growth and national security in the region.
