Countries across the Asia-Pacific region are striving to achieve better economic and social outcomes through rapid digitalization and financial inclusion initiatives, such as digital money transfers.
Governments are experimenting with digital identity schemes and the digitization of public records, policies aimed at bridging the digital divide by enabling greater public access to online services.
The pandemic has been both an accelerator of digitalization – with countries such as Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and Taiwan showcasing the impact of well-coordinated digital networks – and a decelerator, with many other countries struggling to provide equitable internet access, leaving some communities further marginalized.
As the region emerges from COVID-19, experts consider how policymakers can harness technology for inclusive economic growth:
- Which digital frameworks worked well during the pandemic? Which did not?
- What are the opportunities and risks associated with government-issued digital ID’s?
- How can SMEs in the region benefit from digital transformation? What are the barriers to this?
- How can governments prevent rapid technological change from exacerbating existing inequities?
- What are the risks to consumer privacy from greater state and private sector involvement?
The webinar is part of the series: Asia-Pacific in a Dynamic World, in partnership with American International Group (AIG).
Participants
Opening remarks: Rhodri Williams, Head of International Public Policy, AIG
Chair: Vasuki Shastry, Associate Fellow, Asia-Pacific Programme, Chatham House
Malavika Jayaram, Executive Director, Digital Asia Hub
Michele Lemmens, Head, Business Sustainability & CTO APAC, Tata Consultancy Services
Patrick Teo, Site Lead and Engineering Director, Payments, Google Singapore
