Themed “Shaping the Future of Southeast Asia’s Digital Economy”, the competition is among the Institute’s latest initiatives to make leaders of tomorrow think critically about the future of the digital landscape they will shape as digitalisation rapidly transforms Southeast Asia (SEA). The 2022 essay competition was one of TFGI’s latest initiatives to foster critical thoughts among future leaders. Participants in the essay competition were 18-35 years old from 6 SEA countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Overall 140 entries were received, and top three entries were selected from each of the Southeast Asian partner universities. To view the full list of winners, please see the table below.

Some examples of the diverse topics submitted this year are cybersecurity, green digital finance and sustainable digitalization. TFGI is also set to publish these winning essays titled “Shaping the Future of the DIgital Economy”, which will be available for online access in July 2023.

Speakers and panelists:

• Dr. Ming Tan, Founding Executive Director, TFGI
• Dr. Roberto Martin N. Galang, Dean of the John Gokongwei School of Management, Ateneo De Manila University
• Mr. Matin Mohdari, Strategy Director, TFGI
• Ms. Lim Ee Ling, Executive Director of Global Programmes, 500 Global
• Mr. Tharmelinggem Pillai, Advocacy Director and Co-Founder, Undi18
• Mr. Thanakorn Phromyos, CEO and Co-Founder, YoungHappy Co.Ltd

Key highlights of the event:

• Southeast Asia should strive to leverage digitalisation for inclusive growth. In the post-pandemic era, digitalisation has turned into a powerful force for economic growth as almost any transactions or purchases can be done online. From new technology applications in e-commerce, transportation, food delivery to financial services, the pandemic has increased our dependence on technology. Yet, despite such prevalence of digital applications, not everyone has equal digital access. Those who live in isolated communities have difficulties finding stable Internet connections, and those from low-income households may not have necessary facilities like computers or smartphones. To achieve sustainable digital growth, technology innovators need to be mindful of how technology should be used for a force of inclusion rather than exclusion.
• Technologies should be designed with user-centricity as the focus to maximize usability and adoption. Age and culture play an important factor in how we utilise technology. The elderly for example are used to pressing buttons on cell phones instead of touching the screen, hence it is important to consider such preferences in the design of smartphones. While it may be trendy to chase after the latest technological trends, it is crucial that we take a step back to tackle the underlying issues that people face. In technological design, humans should be at the center, not the sideway, of the process.
• The approach to bridging digital adoption gaps within society requires understanding and humility. In ASEAN countries, youths account for 34% of the population. While typically more tech-savvy, youths should not ignore the role of older generations in this journey of digital transformation as they can have valuable experience and lessons to pass on. Instead youths should put on the cap of a humble learner and acknowledge the learnings that the older generation can provide. By listening, we can strive towards including intergenerational voices to achieve a balance between new and old, breakthrough and standard, bridging the gap between generations.

Catch up on the event below: