APNIC Foundation to convene EmpowerTech Summit 2026 to shape a regional blueprint for inclusive digital development in Southeast Asia

The APNIC Foundation will host the EmpowerTech Summit 2026 on 18 May 2026 at the InterContinental Bangkok, bringing together senior policymakers,  cybersecurity authorities, technology pioneers, intergovernmental organisations, and digital  development leaders to shape Southeast Asia’s digital future.

The regional summit will serve as a high-level platform examining how Southeast Asia can accelerate  inclusive digital growth by aligning policy frameworks with operational and technical realities on the  ground. The event will focus on resilient connectivity, cybersecurity readiness, digital workforce  development, and equitable access to technology across the region. 

Hosted by the APNIC Foundation, the Summit reflects the organisation’s continuing mission to  strengthen digital development and Internet infrastructure across the Asia Pacific region. Among the distinguished speakers participating in the Summit are: 

• Air Vice Marshal Amorn Chomchoey, Secretary General, National Cyber Security Agency  (NCSA), Thailand 
• Dr Preesan Rakwatin, Executive Vice President, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA),  Thailand 
• Tae Hyung Kim, Chief, ICT and Development Section, ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division,  ESCAP 
• Dr Masanori Kondo, Secretary General, Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) ∙ Professor Jun Murai, internationally recognised Internet pioneer and founder of the WIDE  Project, widely regarded as the “Father of the Internet” in Japan 
• YBhg. Dato’ Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi, Chairman of CAAM; Civil Aviation Authority of  Malaysia, Board Chair of the Board of Directors of the APNIC Foundation and Senior Advisor  at ASEAN Advisory, a boutique advisory firm under ZICO Group.  

According to the 10th edition of the annual e-Conomy SEA report 2 by Google, Temasek, and Bain  & Company, Southeast Asia’s digital economy is on track to surpass US $300 billion in GMV, with  growth of around 15% YoY, driven largely by e-commerce and rapid digital adoption. However,  despite strong progress, more than one-third of the region’s population still lacks meaningful  connectivity, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative regional action, as per International  Telecommunication Union (ITU) and DataReportal reports from 2025.  

Rajnesh Singh, CEO of the APNIC Foundation, said the region has now reached a critical turning point  in digital development.

“Southeast Asia’s digital future cannot be built through infrastructure alone. Sustainable progress  requires governments, industry, technical communities and civil society to work together in ways  that connect policy intent with operational realities.” said Rajnesh Singh, CEO of the APNIC  Foundation. The EmpowerTech Summit 2026 is designed to create that dialogue — transforming  regional cooperation into practical action that supports inclusive and resilient digital growth across  Southeast Asia.”

The Summit will also examine the priorities shaping Southeast Asia ’s next phase of digital  development, including cybersecurity readiness, digital workforce development, and the opportunities  created by regional digital integration efforts such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework  Agreement (DEFA). 

The Summit is expected to bring together participants from governments, regulatory bodies,  intergovernmental organisations, telecommunications operators, technology companies, academia,  civil society organisations, community-based organisations and regional development institutions  from across Southeast Asia. 

The Summit will conclude with a consolidated set of regional priorities and collaborative  recommendations aimed at supporting equitable and sustainable digital transformation throughout  Southeast Asia.