Internet and education to drive regional integration in Southeast Asia

A new report from the Singapore Economic Development Board examines the potential of economic unification of Southeast Asia, related to the 2015 establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community. The report emphasises the importance of innovation hubs and spending on the Internet of Things to boost productivity and profits. However, due to the ever-deepening digital divide, some countries in the region have been left behind, ‘and the region’s youthful workforce will need to ‘rightskill’ to be able to offer relevant abilities – like finding digital solutions for the region’s supply chain.’ In short, the report claims that investments in infrastructure and innovation, coupled with new regional standards for education will lead to the harmonisation of the great diversity in the region.