Participants of the 85th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-85) in Siem Reap province on June 4. Supplied
The 85th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-85) commenced on June 4 in Siem Reap province, aiming to foster regional cooperation and advancement in science and technology.
Following a presentation on past accomplishments by Brunei Darussalam, the outgoing COSTI chair, the meeting transitioned to a discussion on future strategic goals. Cambodia, assuming the chairmanship for 2024, then presented a vision for continued collaboration and innovation system building for the region.
Hul Seingheng, undersecretary of state of the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation and chair of ASEAN COSTI, said in his opening remarks, “This meeting highlights the commitment of ASEAN member states to collaboration and inclusivity in advancing science, technology and innovation [STI] across the region. In a time of rapid technological changes, these collaborative efforts are key to realising ASEAN's vision of a peaceful, inclusive and innovative community.”
Members were briefed on the outcomes of recent high-level meetings, providing context and alignment for COSTI's strategic direction. These highlights informed the subsequent deliberations on follow-up actions from previous decisions, the status of the STI Fund, STI scholarship offerings and other ongoing initiatives.
The meeting reviewed the Board of Advisory Council’s report, the ASEAN Plan of Action on STI (APASTI) for 2016-2025 and discussed critical endorsements and notations to guide COSTI's strategic initiatives. The session set the stage for future planning, including the development of the APASTI 2026-2035.
During the meeting, members discussed the implementation of the 2023 Annual Priorities, such as the ASEAN Technology Management Hub and the ASEAN Network on Bio-Circular-Green Economy (ASEAN BCG Network). Plans for the 2024 annual priorities were also discussed to ensure continuity and the expansion of key projects.
Additionally, a proposed priority for 2024 involved establishing an ASEAN Online Education Platform for Industry 4.0, highlighting the region's commitment to digital transformation and workforce development.
In preparation for the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on STI (AMMSTI-20), the finalisation of the agenda and the joint statement were discussed, ensuring a coherent and unified presentation of ASEAN's STI priorities to the broader public and international stakeholders.
The COSTI-85 meeting demonstrated a renewed commitment of ASEAN member states to advancing ASEAN's STI agenda, setting the stage for sustainable and inclusive regional collaboration and progress.
