As Asia Pacific (APAC) nations continue their journey towards becoming fully-fledged digital nations, digitalisation has become a cornerstone of national development, integrating digital technologies and services across all sectors of the economy. This progress is the foundation for the GSMA Asia Pacific Policy Leaders Forum (PLF), which serves as a platform for policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to share best practices and transform these visions into tangible actions.
The PLF is a curated space during M360 APAC set up exclusively for industry leaders and policymakers to collaborate on strategies to harness digital technology for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth. This year’s edition will explore policy issues that require active collaboration from policymakers, regulators, and the private sector to shape vibrant and sustainable digital nations in APAC.
Policies for equitable and sustainable digital connectivity
Digital connectivity is one of the most transformative and impactful technologies and is the foundation of economic growth and social development. In the Asia Pacific region, demand for high-speed, high-quality mobile connectivity continues to grow. 5G will account for more than two in five mobile connections by 2030, with adoption in advanced markets exceeding 90%. Mobile data traffic will rise fourfold by 2030, and operators must continually expand network capacity to meet this demand.
Yet mobile network operators (MNOs) today face multiple challenges. MNOs must invest more and faster to improve coverage and quality of service. Data consumption is rising dramatically, driven by the proliferation of smartphones, video streaming, and cloud-based services. To meet this rising demand, operators need to significantly increase network capacity. At the same time, regulatory constraints, market dynamics, growing spectrum costs and, in some countries, excessive tax burdens restrict their ability to do so. This has created an ‘investment gap’ to meet ambitious national digital policy targets.
The opening PLF session will focus on the pressing need for policy reforms to secure long-term telecom network investments. Participants will discuss overcoming these barriers, ensuring that APAC can benefit from digital connectivity and enjoy the economic and social opportunities it brings.
Building trust and resilience in the digital age
Increasing concerns about cyber threats, network failures, scams, child online protection, and misinformation are exerting pressure on policymakers, regulators, and the mobile ecosystem to take greater responsibility to build trust in the digital age. As we become more interconnected, safeguarding data, protecting privacy, and ensuring ethical technology use are paramount. Building trust in this dynamic environment requires a multi-faceted approach prioritising robust security, user confidence, and the ability to discern credible information.
This session will explore key strategies to achieve this balance and foster resilience in the face of evolving threats.
Mobilising the future: AI for thriving digital nations
From enhancing operational efficiency to supporting social initiatives, AI presents enormous potential. However, its disruptive nature also challenges existing regulatory frameworks, requiring policymakers to strike a balance between fostering innovation and mitigating risks.
This session will explore AI’s transformative power and its role in shaping the future of industries and societies. Participants will discuss the responsible use of AI, focusing on ethical considerations, transparency, and the societal impact of AI-driven technologies.
Spectrum towards 2030: capacity, affordability, and network rationalisation
Effective spectrum management is essential for fostering investment in mobile broadband and ensuring affordable, high-quality services. However, the rising costs of spectrum acquisition have become unsustainable for operators, potentially leading to reduced coverage, lower service quality, and negative consumer outcomes. As 5G networks expand, operators must also transition from legacy technologies. Decommissioning 2G and 3G can optimise spectrum and network resources, improving efficiency.
This session will explore spectrum roadmaps, pricing strategies, regulatory frameworks, 2G/3G transition plans, international best practices, policy considerations, and the potential impact of spectrum management decisions on mobile markets.
The GSMA Asia-Pacific Policy Leaders Forum will chart a forward-looking course that promotes technology’s positive contributions while minimising its risks, ensuring that the region remains a global leader in digital innovation. With diverse perspectives from policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders, the forum will provide a collaborative space to address critical challenges and explore new opportunities in building sustainable, secure, and innovative digital nations.
Learn more about M360 APAC and register here.