The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) has released a research report outlining a strategic roadmap for ASEAN to harness the convergence of 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) for economic growth and digital leadership by 2030.
The study, Leveraging 5G to Accelerate AI-Driven Transformation in ASEAN, projects that 5G could contribute USD130 billion to the Asia Pacific economy by 2030, but highlights uneven adoption across the region — from 48.3 per cent penetration in Singapore to below one per cent in some member states. Without coordinated action, the report warns, ASEAN risks widening its digital divide.
The report identifies ten critical imperatives, including coordinated digital leadership, treating 5G as a strategic AI enabler, and addressing skills gaps that hinder enterprise adoption. It recommends five strategic priorities: national 5G–AI roadmaps, empowered coordination agencies, forward-looking spectrum policies, public–private collaboration for AI ecosystems, and robust monitoring frameworks.
Case studies cited include Singapore’s 5G-powered smart ports, Thailand’s AI-enabled disaster management systems, and Malaysia’s wholesale network model achieving 82% population coverage. The report also positions private 5G networks as essential for Industry 4.0 and stresses that current 5G deployment will lay the groundwork for 6G evolution.
