Regional leaders unite in Thailand to shape Southeast Asia’s future in digital resilience, cybersecurity, and inclusive growth.
Thailand positioned itself at the centre of Southeast Asia’s digital transformation conversation as the EmpowerTech Summit 2026 gathered regional policymakers, cybersecurity authorities, regulators, industry leaders, technical experts, development partners, and community organisations in Bangkok.
Held on 18 May 2026 at the InterContinental Bangkok and hosted by the APNIC Foundation, the summit explored the critical priorities shaping the region’s next phase of digital development — from resilient connectivity and cybersecurity readiness to workforce capability and inclusive digital access.
Designed as a high-level regional platform, EmpowerTech Summit 2026 aimed to bridge the gap between digital policy ambition and real-world implementation. The event created a collaborative space where governments, technical communities, private sector leaders, and civil society could align on practical strategies for Southeast Asia’s evolving digital economy.
A major focus throughout the summit was how ASEAN nations can strengthen cooperation to support secure, scalable, and inclusive digital infrastructure. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of interoperability, trusted digital ecosystems, cybersecurity preparedness, and regional coordination as digital adoption accelerates across Southeast Asia.
Rajnesh Singh, CEO of the APNIC Foundation, led “The Evidence” session — an interactive dialogue examining the realities behind the region’s digital growth. The session explored ongoing connectivity gaps, workforce limitations, and the challenges faced by underserved communities that still lack meaningful internet access.
“Southeast Asia has reached a critical turning point in digital development,” Singh said. “The region’s digital future will depend on how well governments, industry, technical communities and civil society connect policy intent with operational realities on the ground.”
The summit also featured insights from YBhg. Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi, Board Chairman of the APNIC Foundation and Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), who emphasised the need for stronger regional collaboration to advance Southeast Asia’s digital readiness.
He noted that while the region has made significant progress in digital adoption, the next phase of transformation will require deeper cooperation in cybersecurity, connectivity, innovation policy, and digital workforce development.
Cybersecurity resilience was another key agenda item at the summit. Air Vice Marshal Amorn Chomchoey, Secretary General of Thailand’s National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), highlighted the importance of strengthening cybersecurity preparedness to support Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystems.
The EmpowerTech Summit 2026 featured keynote speeches, policy dialogues, and cross-sector exchanges that reinforced the importance of collective action in shaping a connected, secure, and resilient digital future for the region.
By bringing together public and private sector stakeholders under one platform, Bangkok once again demonstrated its growing role as a regional hub for digital innovation, policy collaboration, and technology leadership in Southeast Asia.