7-7-2023 (JAKARTA) The Chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), Arsjad Rasjid, has highlighted the crucial role of digital transformation in the development of businesses in ASEAN. He emphasized that digital transformation is essential to improving the region’s competitiveness in the global market and can open up new market opportunities, improve customer satisfaction, and empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Rasjid, who is also the chief of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), emphasized that Industrial 4.0 supported by digital technology and automation could help develop the industry.
It is projected that Indonesia will lead the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in ASEAN, and AI businesses have immense potential in the region, given that the ASEAN economy is currently exhibiting the fastest growth in the world. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), 74% of the 517 new industrial robot units established across the world are in Asia. Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has stated that digital transformation can not only make businesses more efficient and profitable but also quicker and smarter in adjusting to consumer demand and ever-changing market conditions.
Rasjid lauded various companies that have adopted digital technology, automation, and AI, especially those in ASEAN. He noted that the effectiveness and efficiency created from their business process expedite the economic growth in the region. To encourage the improvement of digital transformation in the region, ASEAN-BAC, through the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) 2023, will present awards to companies that conduct digital transformation and show extraordinary success in their respective fields.
The awards will highlight and honor the advancements made by ASEAN companies in several industries and acknowledge their role in encouraging the region’s economic growth. ABA 2023 has introduced the “Digital Transformation” award pillar upon realizing the significant impact of technology adoption and innovation on the business process and customer experience. In this category, there are two award pillars, namely the “Bionic Company” and the “Best CX.”
“ASEAN-BAC 2023 has invited all entrepreneurs in ASEAN that have adopted technology and digitalization to nominate your businesses at the ASEAN Business Award 2023,” Rasjid said. The move is expected to encourage more companies in ASEAN to embrace digital transformation and drive the region’s economy forward.
