ASEAN Poised To Lead Global Creative Economy – Wilson Ugak

JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- ASEAN is on track to drive a US$1 trillion (RM4.32 trillion) digital economy by 2030, backed by its youth, talent and market demand, said Deputy Digital Minister, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.

In his keynote address at the ASEAN Digital Content Summit (ADCS) 2025, Wilson Ugak said the region’s strength lies not only in its demographic size but also in its digital readiness and creative potential.

He noted that ASEAN is home to 680 million people, making it the world’s third-largest internet user base, with more than half of its population under the age of 35.

“These figures tell a clear story: ASEAN doesn’t just have the numbers – we have the youth, talent, and market demand to lead the global creative economy,” he said.

Wilson Ugak noted that ASEAN’s young, creative, and digital-native generation has grown up in a world powered by technology and stands at the forefront of a booming digital economy projected to soar to US$1 trillion (RM4.32 trillion) by 2030, up from US$300 billion (RM1.27 trillion) today.

“In gaming alone, Southeast Asia generated US$6 billion in revenue in 2024, cementing our position as the fastest-growing gaming market globally,” he said, adding that the US$400 billion global animation industry is increasingly recognising ASEAN creators.

However, Wilson Ugak cautioned that talent and numbers alone were not enough, stressing the need for cross-border collaboration to maximise ASEAN’s impact on the world stage.

“With great opportunity comes a challenge. Creativity in isolation can only take us so far. In today’s interconnected world, collaboration is the currency of success. To compete globally, ASEAN must unite – sharing talent, resources, and platforms to amplify our collective impact,” he said.

On the summit itself, he said ADCS 2025 is more than just an event but a platform to spark ideas, forge partnerships and shape the future of ASEAN’s creative economy.

“In today’s world, content is far more than entertainment – it is a powerful force that drives commerce, education, diplomacy, and culture.

“It shapes narratives, connects communities, and fuels economies. And in this global landscape, ASEAN stands out as a powerhouse of opportunity,” he said.

ADCS 2025 brings together over 3,000 industry professionals from Asia, the United States and Europe, further strengthening ASEAN’s digital ecosystem and positioning the region as a global creative powerhouse.

The three-day summit, officiated by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, features more than 10 country pavilions, including those from Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Cambodia, and Vietnam, as well as 50 visionary speakers and over 100 innovative exhibitors.

Key highlights include the ASEAN Roundtable on Digital Content Collaboration, Kre8tif! Business Xchange, renowned Japanese animator Koji Morimoto as a featured speaker, and several public-facing creative showcases.

-- BERNAMA