SUMMARY

SUMMARY

In this session, the opening keynote highlighted the significance of supply chains as the foundation of economic relations, the role and challenges of digital technology, and the importance of international cooperation.
During the panel discussion, the supply chain was identified as vulnerable to three destabilizing factors, known as the “Three Ds” (regional instability, deglobalization, and environmental degradation) in the ASEAN context. Emphasis was placed on the importance of rebuilding supply chains, considering the impacts of factors like the U.S.-China rivalry, political changes, and environmental shifts. The discussion also drew attention to the digital divide, particularly focusing on the need for awareness campaigns to address the carbon footprint (Scope 3) disparity between SMEs and larger enterprises.
Furthermore, while promoting standardization for quality assurance, concerns were raised about the potential inhibitory role of regulations, highlighting the necessity of simplifying and harmonizing regulations. The lack of clear solutions regarding data sovereignty, digitalization, and the need for dialogue were underscored as significant obstacles. The panelists engaged in a comprehensive discourse on the challenges and opportunities in advancing supply chain sophistication.