World

ASEAN strengthens sci-tech cooperation for sustainable growth

Participants reviewed progress on key initiatives under the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI)'s Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for 2025 and 2026.

ASEAN delegates pose for a group photo at the 20th Meeting of the Board of Advisers to the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (BAC-20) in Vientiane on June 22. (Photo: VNA)
ASEAN delegates pose for a group photo at the 20th Meeting of the Board of Advisers to the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (BAC-20) in Vientiane on June 22. (Photo: VNA)

​Vientiane (VNA) – The 20th meeting of the Board of Advisers to the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (BAC-20) took place in Vientiane on June 22, highlighting regional efforts to harness science, technology and innovation to support sustainable economic growth.

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Khairul Rizal, Director of Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency and Chair of the BAC, and Kiengkay Ounmany, Deputy Director of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation Regional Centre for Community Education Development under Laos’ Ministry of Education and Sports. Representatives from ASEAN member states and relevant stakeholders also attended.

Participants reviewed progress on key initiatives under the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI)'s Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for 2025 and 2026. Discussions covered achievements of Phase II of the ASEAN Tech Startup Ignite project, presented by Malaysia, as well as progress on a draft ASEAN declaration on cooperation in innovation, technology and space science.

Delegates also examined preparations for the first phase of the regional action plan on artificial intelligence in health care, scheduled for 2026 and co-led by Laos and the Philippines.

The meeting endorsed proposals for major deliverables in 2027 under the ASEAN – EU Elevate Initiative to strengthen the capacity of the ASEAN Technology Transfer Office. The initiative is part of broader cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union.

The ASEAN Secretariat updated participants on the financial status of the ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Fund (ASTIF) and announced plans to receive project proposals under the ASTIF Call 2026, which will provide new opportunities for researchers across the region to submit collaborative technology projects.

Participants also reviewed progress in developing a monitoring and evaluation dashboard for the implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026–2035, while examining the terms of reference of organisations operating under COSTI to ensure alignment with future priorities.

The success of BAC-20 underscored the commitment of Laos and other ASEAN member states to deepening cooperation in science, technology, and innovation as a driver of sustainable and resilient economic growth in the region. Vietnam proposed hosting the next meeting, BAC-21./.

VNA
#ASEAN #sci-tech cooperation #science #technology #innovation #BAC-20 ASEAN
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Delegates at ASEAN regional Forum Senior Officials' Meeting in the Philippines on June 9 (Photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

ASEAN must remain central to regional dialogue, cooperation, trust-building: Vietnamese diplomat

Vietnam will continue working with ASEAN member states and China to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and accelerate negotiations toward an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) consistent with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), said Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang.

See more

Malaysia adjusts diesel subsidy from July 1

Malaysia adjusts diesel subsidy from July 1

Around 700,000 private diesel vehicle owners will receive a monthly fuel quota of up to 200 litres shared between diesel and RON95. Eligible diesel pickup truck and SUV owners can apply for an extra 100 litres, increasing their monthly quota to 300 litres.

Migrant workers at a shrimp processing factory in Mahachai, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Thai authorities crack down on nominee firms, illegal foreign workers

Thai authorities are intensifying inspections of businesses suspected of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders for foreign investors and employing foreign workers illegally in Bangkok, as part of efforts to strengthen investment oversight and ensure fair competition.

Thailand expands probe into illegal crypto mining operations

Thailand expands probe into illegal crypto mining operations

In 2025, the DSI’s Technology and Cyber Crime Bureau dismantled three major networks accused of illegally using electricity for digital currency mining. Authorities seized more than 6,390 cryptocurrency mining machines and found total damage to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of more than 953 million THB.

​

Laos targets completion of commune-level administrative system by 2027

Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith said newly established communes must quickly become fully operational, serving as the primary level for delivering public services, addressing citizens’ concerns and implementing Party policies at the grassroots level.

WB plans over 3 bln USD in financing for Philippines

Thailand attracts over 4.7 billion USD in FDI in first five months of 2026

The top five foreign investors in Thailand during the reviewed period were the US, mainland China, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong (China). Investment activities are concentrated in sectors such as engineering, industrial manufacturing, software development, data centres, logistics, electronic components, electric vehicles, and high-tech services.

A petrol station in Thailand (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Thailand to host world’s major energy exhibition and conference

According to the Ministry of Energy, Gastech 2026 is one of the world’s largest and most influential energy forums, focusing on natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), low-carbon technologies, power generation systems, and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the energy sector.

Thailand forecasts sharp decline in longan, lychee output due to El Niño

Thailand forecasts sharp decline in longan, lychee output due to El Niño

Thailand’s longan production is forecast at around 1.4 million tonnes in 2026, down nearly 9% from the previous year. The harvested area is expected to reach about 1.61 million rai (over 257,000 hectares), a decline of 1.27%, while average yields are projected to fall by 7.57% to 867 kg per rai.

Malaysia climbs eight places in 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking

Malaysia climbs eight places in 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking

The IMD said improvements across all four competitiveness pillars contributed to Malaysia's stronger standing. The country ranked fourth globally in economic performance, while government efficiency rose 11 places to 14th, business efficiency advanced 16 places to 16th, and infrastructure improved two places to 33rd.

Thailand improves competitiveness ranking but faces pressure for reform

Thailand improves competitiveness ranking but faces pressure for reform

Thailand's business efficiency improved from 24th to 21st place, supported by gains in the labour market, finance, productivity and corporate governance. However, the TMA warned that labour productivity remains one of the biggest risks to the country's long-term competitiveness.