Bursa Malaysia said cybersecurity incidents reported at several brokerage firms were limited to the brokers’ internal systems and did not affect the exchange’s networks or trading platforms. Market operations continued as usual, while affected brokers conduct forensic investigations and review cybersecurity safeguards.

The Philippines is investigating more individuals after three Filipinos were accused of leaking sensitive data to China, including information on resupply missions and internal discussions related to the South China Sea dispute. Officials warn that the suspects may have received significant payments, while China has denied the allegations.

Indonesia has issued new regulations governing the use of artificial intelligence and digital technology in education. Signed by seven cabinet ministers, the policy outlines age-based guidelines, permitted uses, and screen-time limits to ensure responsible technology adoption across schools while supporting digital learning.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology will establish a National Artificial Intelligence Development Fund for 2026–2027 as part of implementing the country’s new AI Law. The plan includes building AI clusters across high-tech parks, innovation centres and digital technology zones, supported by national datasets, AI regulations and a new ethics framework. Authorities also aim to strengthen AI infrastructure, develop human capital and coordinate nationwide AI governance to accelerate innovation while ensuring safety and regulatory oversight.

A leaked trove of 12,000 documents on the dark web alleges that 255 Singapore organisations connected to critical information infrastructure sectors—including telecommunications, energy and finance—were targeted in covert cyber operations. Cybersecurity experts warn that small and medium-sized enterprises in digital supply chains could be the weakest link as state-backed threats grow increasingly sophisticated.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East is raising serious concerns for global supply chains. Thai industry leaders warn that war-risk insurance premiums for shipping could surge by up to 400–500%, increasing freight costs and disrupting key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. As shipping capacity tightens and logistics costs climb, manufacturers and exporters in Thailand and across Asia may face growing pressure on trade and production.

A recent US Supreme Court ruling on tariff authority is reshaping Thailand–US trade dynamics. While the decision clarifies legal limits on emergency tariffs, protectionist measures and trade enforcement remain active. As Thailand’s exports to the US surge, businesses must strengthen supply chain resilience, compliance systems, and global partnerships to navigate a more volatile trade environment.

Thailand recorded its strongest export growth in four years in January 2026, with shipments rising 24.4% year-on-year amid surging global demand for AI-linked electronics and data centre infrastructure. Imports climbed 29.4%, reflecting increased purchases of raw materials and machinery, as Bangkok moves forward with US trade talks while balancing a widening trade surplus with the United States and a deficit with China.

Malaysia has halted approvals for new data centres unrelated to artificial intelligence in a move to manage rising electricity and water demand. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said projects supporting high-technology and AI development will receive priority, as the government drafts a comprehensive AI Governance Bill focused on risk classification, ethical safeguards, intellectual property protection and lifecycle oversight of AI systems.

Indonesia is accelerating its semiconductor ambitions through a strategic agreement between Danantara and Arm Limited to train 15,000 engineers in advanced chip design. Backed by an initial US$150 million investment, the initiative focuses on building national intellectual property across automotive, IoT, data centers, AI, and emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and quantum computing, positioning Indonesia as a high-value player in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a central pillar of Singapore’s economic strategy under Budget 2026, positioning the nation as a regional AI hub amid global trade fragmentation and technological disruption. With the launch of a National AI Council, sector-specific AI missions and expanded workforce upskilling initiatives, the government aims to drive productivity gains, strengthen competitiveness and lift long-term growth toward the upper end of Singapore’s historic 2–3 per cent annual average.

Thailand must transition from being a technology “user” to a “co-creator” to safeguard national security and long-term competitiveness, according to NECTEC Director Dr Chai Wutiwiwatchai. Emphasising digital sovereignty, AI development and home-grown innovation, NECTEC outlined plans to strengthen Thailand’s technological foundations through smart farming systems, AI testing labs, medical AI and sustainable manufacturing initiatives.

Government-backed impact investor VentureTECH has invested RM28 million in Delta Spike Asia and IX Telecom to strengthen Malaysia’s cybersecurity ecosystem and cross-border digital infrastructure. The funding will accelerate platform development, regional expansion and enterprise connectivity, reinforcing national digital resilience and positioning Malaysian-owned technology firms for regional competitiveness.

Singapore mounted its largest cybersecurity response in 2025 after advanced persistent threat group UNC3886 targeted four local telcos, triggering Operation Cyber Guardian. More than 100 cyber defenders from Singtel, M1, StarHub and Simba Telecom, alongside six government agencies including the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and GovTech, coordinated efforts to investigate sophisticated malware and a zero-day exploit. While the attackers gained unauthorised access to internal systems, authorities said there was no evidence of data exfiltration or service disruption. The multi-agency operation highlights Singapore’s national-level approach to defending critical telecommunications infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

Thailand has emerged as ASEAN’s leader in artificial intelligence adoption, with more than 90% of students and over 81% of teachers regularly using generative AI tools, according to new research by the ASEAN Foundation and Google.org. While adoption rates are among the highest in the region, experts warn of a widening “readiness gap,” as educators and institutions struggle to establish the governance frameworks and ethical standards needed to manage the technology responsibly. The findings come as Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to grow from $300 billion to $1 trillion by 2030, raising urgent questions about cybersecurity, misinformation, and long-term institutional preparedness.

Malaysia’s National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) is investigating alleged cyber-espionage activity targeting several government ministries and departments after receiving intelligence from Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42. The agency said it has been monitoring the situation since September 2025 and has implemented precautionary and investigative measures in coordination with relevant entities. While a report by Unit 42 alleged that a state-aligned group known as TGR-STA-1030 compromised government systems and conducted reconnaissance across 155 countries, Nacsa stated that no adverse impact has been identified so far and investigations remain ongoing.

By 2026, artificial intelligence is no longer an experimental tool but a core driver of competitive advantage. As Thailand’s economy undergoes rapid digital transformation, businesses must move beyond generative AI towards agentic AI, invest in workforce reskilling, and build cross-border partnerships to compete globally. Those that fail to adapt risk being left behind in an increasingly AI-powered market.

Inovasi di ASEAN semakin ditandai oleh pragmatisme, bukan ideologi. Laporan AIBP 2025–2026 menunjukkan bahwa di tengah rivalitas geopolitik teknologi global, kawasan ini memilih pendekatan netral dan berfokus pada solusi yang fit-for-purpose, berbasis biaya, konteks, dan hasil nyata. Kerangka VALUE menjadi panduan perusahaan dalam menyeimbangkan efisiensi, ROI, lokalisasi, kolaborasi, dan pertumbuhan berkelanjutan. Ke depan, perusahaan yang mengutamakan eksekusi sebelum skala akan menjadi penentu arah digitalisasi ASEAN.

Investasi AI di ASEAN mulai bergeser dari tahap eksperimen ke produksi skala penuh. Laporan AIBP 2025–2026 mencatat 81,3% perusahaan membutuhkan investasi AI moderat hingga ekstensif untuk tetap kompetitif dalam tiga tahun ke depan. Namun, kualitas data, keamanan, dan kesenjangan talenta masih menjadi hambatan utama. Dengan pendekatan lebih pragmatis dan fokus pada ROI, AI kini menjadi tolok ukur fundamental daya saing perusahaan di kawasan.

Teknologi kini menjadi fondasi utama agenda ESG di Indonesia dan ASEAN. Laporan AIBP 2025–2026 menunjukkan 87% perusahaan menganggap teknologi esensial untuk mengatasi tantangan ESG, dengan fokus pada kredibilitas, keterlacakan data, dan auditabilitas. Seiring 69% perusahaan berencana mengadopsi AI, ESG bergerak dari sekadar pelaporan menuju pembuktian berbasis data, menjadikan kredibilitas sebagai mata uang baru keberlanjutan.