2025-2026 EDITION
Educating for a Digital Future
Innovation doesn’ t happen in isolation, it needs talent. For ASEAN to truly thrive, it must build a digitally fluent workforce.
“ Data literacy means more than just crunching numbers,” Professor Barrios explains.“ Students need exposure to the full pipeline, from data capture and cleaning to interpretation and communication.” Universities must keep pace with evolving technologies to ensure graduates are not only employable, but equipped to lead responsibly in a digital-first economy.
Monash Malaysia is already making strides. Through the Centre for Commercial Law and Regulatory Studies – Malaysia Hub( CLARS-MH), the university is shaping thought leadership on digital governance, regulatory reform, and smart contracts. Dr Karim notes that CLARS isn’ t just an academic think tank, it’ s a platform for realworld impact
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“ We’ re building capacity, training policymakers, and engaging with governments on pressing issues like cyber fraud, privacy, and AI regulation.”
DR KARIM
CLARS-MH is also spearheading research tied to digital contracts and energy justice, topics increasingly linked to digital transformation.
Malaysia’ s ASEAN Chairmanship: A Moment to Lead
As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chair in 2025, it provides an opportunity to set the digital agenda for the region in the next few years. Dr Karim believes this is a pivotal moment.
“ Cyber fraud, especially from transnational scam networks, is a growing threat,” he warns. Malaysia must prioritise cross-border enforcement, tighter fintech rules, and stronger cybersecurity protections, including the longanticipated Cybersecurity Bill.
Beyond security, Malaysia can champion interoperability. By encouraging mutual recognition of data privacy standards and expanding the ASEAN Agreement on E-Commerce, the region can remove friction from crossborder digital trade.
Toward a Trusted and Inclusive Digital Economy
If ASEAN wants to be more than a fast-moving digital market, if it aspires to be a resilient and trusted digital ecosystem, it must act collaboratively. Regulation must evolve alongside innovation, and talent must be cultivated with intention and foresight.
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Dr Ridoan Karim
As Professor Barrios reminds us, the tools are already here.“ Data-driven tools like analytics and econometrics are already within reach. The challenge now is using them wisely and with purpose.”