Challenging Asean digital sovereignty

Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are busy finalising a draft of a Digital Economic Framework Agreement (Defa) - this digital framework is hoped to boost regional bloc intra-trade, attract foreign investment, and transform the grouping into a global digital hub. As the current chair, Malaysia is eager to see the world's first such agreement concluded under its leadership.

- Kavi Chongkittavorn

Yet, the truth is that member states still need more time to move beyond "substantive progress" and achieve genuine consensus.

As Asean deliberates Defa, digital challenges are already spilling into the political arena, with potential implications for national sovereignty.

Events in Nepal last week offered a stark reminder of the power of social media. When the government attempted to ban social media platforms, Gen Z's resistance transpired into disastrous wrath and mobilisation against corruption and nepotism. Within days, power wielders were purged, new leaders emerged, and a new election was announced.

The case in Nepal serves as a reminder that political direction and outcomes are increasingly shaped by algorithms and platforms headquartered thousands of miles away on different continents. Democratic institutions and parliaments are too slow to respond. And when they finally do, their actions often come too late - or are too weakened by problems such as corruption.

The frustrations voiced by Nepali youth echo those felt elsewhere: lack of opportunity, social injustice, and endemic corruption draining public wealth. Inspired by Bangladesh's student movement last year - which turned violent and ultimately toppled Sheikh Hasina's autocratic government - Nepali youth took to the streets.

Indonesia faces a similar dilemma, with growing resentment over privileges enjoyed by politicians while ordinary citizens have to struggle against the high cost of living. In the Philippines and Thailand, protests are a permanent feature of political life, fueled by grievances over livelihoods, governance, and inequality.