While connectivity has long been ASEAN's strategic foundation, the region must now progress towards connected intelligence, where digital connectivity is strengthened by data, analytics, and intelligent systems to enable better decision-making, responsive public services, and stronger regional coordination. The Minister of Transport and Infocommunications stated the matter during the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting ADGMIN and Related Meetings in Ha Noi, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha added that this evolution is reflected in ASEAN's collective priorities, including the ASEAN Digital Masterplan, the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, and that the advancement of digital public infrastructure as a foundation for growth and digital trust. The Meeting was co-chaired by His Excellency Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Science and Technology of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam with Brunei Darussalam's' Minister of Transport and Infocommunications as the 6th ADGMIN's Vice-Chair.
The meeting which carried the theme "Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence", also marked the official launch of the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2030 which will chart ASEAN's strategic direction and guide the region's collective efforts in advancing digital adaptation over the next five years. The meetings further endorsed 17 ASEAN digital projects for implementation. The projects being coordinated by Brunei Darussalam are the ASEAN AI Skilling Framework, ASEAN Digital Trade Infrastructure (Phase 2), Roadmap on ASEAN Cooperation on Online Safety and The ASEAN Digital Awards 2027.
During the ASEAN Digital Awards 2026, WilKGames from Brunei Darussalam received the Silver Award under the Digital Content Category for their digital product, “Tikus Tales," which is a 3D platform game created by an independent game development studio based in Brunei Darussalam that blends Southeast Asian influences with global appeal. The 6th ADGMIN also included engagements with ASEAN's Dialogue and Development Partners, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India and the United States of America.
