As the world increasingly moves towards digitalisation, the topic of building a digitally inclusive nation has never been more timely or crucial. While 71% of the population in East Asia and the Pacific is connected to mobile internet, there remains a significant gap: 40 million people live in areas without mobile broadband and 670 million have coverage but do not use the service. This means nearly one-third of people in East Asia and the Pacific are excluded from the benefits of digital technology.

With the growth rate of mobile internet adoption slowing since 2022 and technology becoming integral to our daily activities, the issue of the digital divide becomes even more concerning. From accessing essential services to participating in the economy, those without internet access are increasingly cut off from the world. Ensuring that all individuals and sectors of society have equal access and opportunities to benefit from digital advancements is not only a matter of equity but also a key driver for the growth of ASEAN’s digital economy. The gap between those who can access and fully engage with digital tools and those who cannot must not continue to widen.

In light of these challenges, distinguished experts shared their insights on how we can address the digital divide and work towards a more inclusive digital nation.

Moderator and Panellists

• Syed Khairulazrin, Director of Policy, GSMA Asia-Pacific
• Johan Martin Seland, Head of Sustainability, Telenor Asia
• Ming Tan, Founding Executive Director, Tech For Good Institute

Key Takeaways:

1. Digital inclusion as more than just access to technology and key to societal participation

In the pursuit of a digitally inclusive society, providing quality and affordable access to technology for all citizens is fundamental. However, this is merely the starting point. Digital inclusion is a cornerstone of modern societal participation, crucial for both individual and collective advancement. True digital inclusion facilitates numerous modes of meaningful participation. This includes fostering a more engaged citizenry through access to information, government services, and the tools to become better served and informed consumers that can participate in the economy, civic processes, and public discourse. This is especially so in today’s interconnected world as digital identities are increasingly becoming integral to who we are. In a study conducted by Telenor, they found that 67% of 8,000 respondents from Southeast Asia and South Asia indicated that they would like to use the skills they have learned via their mobile device to increase their income. Without these digital footprints, individuals may find themselves unable to fully access the opportunities that connectivity offers. Moreover, digital inclusion fosters sustainable and adaptive livelihoods within the digital economy. This is particularly crucial for Southeast Asia’s 71 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which represent 97% of businesses in the region. Through digitalisation and enhanced connectivity, these entities can expand their reach while reducing operational costs enabling them to compete more effectively in an increasingly global marketplace. In essence, digital inclusion transcends mere access to technology to enable meaningful participation in all aspects of our increasingly digital society.

2. Creating a digitally inclusive nation necessitates a comprehensive and whole-of-society approach that addresses multiple dimensions simultaneously.

With many layers of barriers hindering true digital inclusion, collective action from all stakeholders is essential to create a digitally inclusive nation. The foundation of digital inclusion is coverage and affordability. Connectivity forms the bedrock, with governments ensuring quality and affordable access for all citizens while tackling deep socio-economic barriers that may impede equal technology adoption. Building upon this foundation, upskilling initiatives must be designed to meet people where they are, ensuring citizens are comfortable with and can actively engage in digital opportunities. To achieve impactful scalability of these capacity-building programmes, partnerships between public and private sectors are vital. Furthermore, the often-overlooked layer of accessibility must be considered to ensure that people who access the internet differently can still do so effectively. In this regard, Singapore’s move to align high-traffic government websites with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 is commendable. This initiative demonstrates how public services and large companies can lead the way in ensuring their digital offerings are accessible to all users. Additionally, language diversity, particularly in Southeast Asia, is an important aspect of accessibility. In light of this, understanding new modes of usage by populations that leapfrog technology is crucial. It is through this comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that true digital inclusion can be achieved.

3. Digital literacy and fostering trust in our digital society is a moving target and an ever-evolving challenge.

The alarming 1530% increase in deep fakes and scams between 2022 and 2023, as reported by Sumsub, serves as a stark reminder of the dynamic nature of digital threats. The ever evolving landscape of technology underscores that digital literacy should not be a one-time achievement, but an ongoing process of education and awareness. As technologies advance, so too must our strategies for building digital resilience. Trust is the bedrock of a functioning digital society, and without it, we risk eroding the significant gains made in digital inclusion and adoption. It’s imperative that we view digital literacy as a continuous journey, one that requires consistent effort, updated curricula, and adaptive policies. By fostering a culture of digital awareness and critical thinking, we can build a more resilient, trustworthy digital ecosystem that benefits all members of society.  Ultimately, a concerted approach and continuous effort to enhance digital literacy and trust will enable us to harness the full potential of technology while mitigating its risks.