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Tracy
Oct 14 2026
27The ASOCIO Digital & AI Summit 2026 brought together technology leaders, policymakers, business executives, cybersecurity experts, startups and media representatives in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 5 to 7 October, highlighting the growing importance of responsible artificial intelligence (AI), digital trust and regional collaboration across Asia-Oceania.
Hosted by the Indonesian ICT Business Association (APTIKNAS) in collaboration with the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO), the summit was held at Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue under the theme “Co-Creating the Future of Intelligence.” The programme featured discussions on digital transformation, cybersecurity, AI governance, digital finance and the development of regional AI capabilities.
Trust and governance at the centre of AI adoption
A key message throughout the summit was that successful AI adoption requires more than technological advancement. Organisations must establish clear governance frameworks, strengthen data protection, manage cybersecurity risks and maintain human accountability in high-stakes decision-making.
During the ASOCIO Chairman’s Lounge discussion, “Two Sides Tomorrow,” speakers explored the opportunities and risks associated with AI integration. The discussion emphasised the importance of aligning AI initiatives with organisational objectives, implementing effective data access controls and ensuring that human oversight remains central to critical decisions.
The summit also highlighted the challenges organisations face in translating AI pilot projects into measurable business value. Speakers stressed the need for clearly defined objectives, effective implementation strategies, strong communication and measurable outcomes to ensure that AI investments deliver practical benefits.
Strengthening regional cybersecurity and resilience
Cybersecurity emerged as another major theme, with discussions focusing on regional cooperation, organisational preparedness and the need to strengthen cyber resilience across borders.
In his keynote address on building regional cyber resilience across ASEAN and Japan, Dr. Rudi Lumanto, Chairman of the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Community Alliance (AJCCA), highlighted three key priorities: collaboration, capacity and connectivity.
These priorities underline the importance of sharing cybersecurity knowledge and intelligence, developing skilled professionals and strengthening information-sharing networks between countries and organisations.
The summit also marked the launch of the ASOCIO Cybersecurity Policy Report, highlighting the importance of stronger cybersecurity awareness, cooperation and policy development across the region.
Discussions on digital finance and cross-border trust further emphasised the role of reliable digital identity systems, authentication and data protection in supporting secure international transactions and connected digital economies.
AI as an opportunity for the Global South
The summit placed particular emphasis on the potential of AI to expand opportunities for emerging economies.
In his keynote address, “AI as the Great Equalizer: Reimagining Growth, Opportunity and Innovation for the Global South,” Rajesh Nambiar, President of NASSCOM, highlighted the importance of ensuring that AI's benefits extend beyond the world's most technologically advanced economies.
Realising this potential will require investment in skills development, digital infrastructure, broader access to technology and responsible AI adoption. The discussions also highlighted the opportunity for countries in the Global South to develop AI solutions tailored to their own markets and local challenges.
Moving from AI experimentation to practical applications
The ASOCIO AI Summit on 7 October explored how organisations and countries can move beyond AI experimentation towards scalable, practical applications.
Sessions examined the development of national AI strategies, responsible AI ecosystems, AI governance, industrial-scale implementation and the integration of AI into everyday business operations.
Discussions also addressed the changing technology landscape, including the movement of AI capabilities from cloud-based systems to devices and the growing potential for AI-driven automation across industries.
The programme included regional dialogue on building an Asia-Oceania AI ecosystem, alongside sessions on AI governance, cloud intelligence, enterprise automation and AI adoption in business.
Recognising innovation across industries
The ASOCIO Awards 2026 and ASOCIO Digital AI Awards 2026 recognised achievements across digital government, talent development, environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, global business services and AI applications.
The AI award categories covered cybersecurity, public good, education, healthcare, smart agriculture, financial services, workforce development and manufacturing and supply chains.
The awards highlighted the expanding role of AI beyond the technology sector, demonstrating its relevance to public services, agriculture, education, healthcare and industrial development.
The summit also featured a Pitch Networking and Innovator Showcase on 7 October, where awardees and innovators presented their projects in three-minute pitches, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and potential business connections.
Collaboration to shape the region's digital future
The ASOCIO Digital & AI Summit 2026 underscored the need for governments, industry associations, businesses and technology communities to work together as AI adoption accelerates across Asia-Oceania.
The discussions demonstrated that the region's digital future will depend not only on technological innovation but also on effective governance, cybersecurity preparedness, skilled professionals and public trust.
As countries continue to develop their AI capabilities, regional cooperation and locally relevant innovation will remain important to ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible, secure and sustainable.
The summit concluded with closing remarks and the handover to the next host country, reinforcing ASOCIO's continuing focus on regional collaboration and the development of the digital economy.
