(Hanoi, 19th, Combined News) A delegation led by Myanmar’s Union Minister for Transport and Communications, U Myo Thant U, recently attended the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (6th ADGMIN) and related dialogue partner meetings held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from January 15 to 16.
This year’s meeting, themed “Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectedness to Smart Connectivity,” focused on promoting the development of the digital sector in the ASEAN region. Participants held in-depth discussions on issues such as the safe, ethical, and inclusive application of artificial intelligence (AI), the use of AI systems in traditional connectivity areas, and joint responses to emerging challenges.
At the meeting, U Myo Thant U expressed support for the conference theme, noting that it aligns with ASEAN’s goals of strengthening network connectivity through AI and establishing a trusted and integrated system to safeguard the interests of its people. He stated that member states are striving to establish comprehensive governance frameworks to ensure the safe and ethical use of AI, while developing secure digital infrastructure, promoting trusted cross-border data flows, and building people-centered digital government systems.
He emphasized that, in advancing AI governance in the ASEAN region, differences in the level of digital technology development among member states must be taken into account and that flexibility should be provided for each country to implement relevant policies at the national level. He also reiterated Myanmar's continued cooperation with all ASEAN member states to achieve the digital transformation goals laid out in the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2030.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the cooperation projects that had been implemented by 2025, approved proposed projects and related funding for 2026, and reached consensus on cooperation in areas such as combating online fraud, strengthening cybersecurity, and the systematic development of artificial intelligence.
The 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting concluded successfully on the afternoon of January 16, with the endorsement and launch ceremony for the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2030, and the issuance of the Hanoi Digital Declaration.
In addition, on the evening of January 15, U Myo Thant U attended a state banquet hosted by the Vietnamese government at the Melia Hotel in Hanoi, as well as the “ASEAN Digital Awards 2026” ceremony. The team “Tem Europa” from Mandalay, Myanmar, won third place in the Digital Startup category for their project “Green Globe: Waste Management for a Better World.”
Earlier, on January 14, at the invitation of the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, U Myo Thant U also attended the 2026 China-ASEAN Digital Ecosystem Cooperation and Exchange Event and delivered a keynote speech. He pointed out that as digital transformation deepens, mere connectivity is no longer sufficient; the next phase will require intelligence, adaptability, and innovation. He called on regional countries to strengthen unity and cooperation to jointly create a better future.