ASEAN Unbound: Igniting the Digital Renaissance

Kurniawan Arif Maspul; Muhammad Ardhin

doi:10.47134/jred.v2i3.679

Authors

Kurniawan Arif Maspul Al Madinah International University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6394-3688
Muhammad Ardhin University of the People https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3665-969X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47134/jred.v2i3.679

Keywords:

Digital Transformation, Geospatial Innovation, SME Empowerment, ASEAN Economic Resilience, Ethical Digital Inclusion

Abstract

ASEAN’s digital metamorphosis, driven by 400 million internet users and a $330 billion digital economy (Google et al., 2021), positions geospatial technology and open-source ERP systems as lifelines for survival and growth. These technologies tackle urbanization crises, disaster resilience, and SME empowerment—critical for a region where 68% will live in cities by 2030 (UNESCAP, 2020) and SMEs form 89% of businesses (ADB, 2022). Geospatial tools, like Indonesia’s One Map Policy resolving 80,000 land conflicts, and ERPNext slashing SME costs by 60% (Cavalcanti et al., 2022; OpenGov Asia, 2018), showcase ASEAN’s cost-innovation edge. Yet, fragmented data policies and skill gaps threaten progress. Government initiatives like Thailand 4.0 and Vietnam’s Digital Transformation Program signal a shift toward inclusive tech ecosystems, while firms like Grab export geospatial logistics globally. This study argues ASEAN’s blend of agility, affordability, and ethical innovation offers a blueprint for the Global South—proving technology can democratize power, save lives, and ignite a moral revolution in an era of crisis.

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