Bridging the Digital Divide in ASEAN: Insights from Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia

<ns3:p>This study examines the state of digital convergence in ASEAN's low-Human Development Index (HDI) countries—Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos—using fixed broadband subscriptions and internet usage as proxies for digitalization. Employing sigma and beta convergence analyses, the findings reveal persistent disparities in digital infrastructurFe and adoption, indicating a lack of convergence. While countries like Indonesia and Vietnam demonstrate notable progress, lower-HDI nations such as Cambodia and Laos continue to face significant structural and policy barriers, limiting equitable access to digital resources. The study advocates for targeted investments in broadband infrastructure for low-HDI countries and proposes the establishment of a regional ASEAN Digital Cohesion Fund to foster digital equity. It underscores the importance of coordinated national, regional, and international strategies to promote digital inclusivity, aligning with ASEAN's vision for a resilient and inclusive digital economy.</ns3:p>