The 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting was held in Chengdu, People’s Republic of China, on 23 July 2026. The meeting was chaired by H.E. Li Lecheng, Minister of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, under the theme “Digital Technologies and AI for the Empowerment of an Asia-Pacific Community” and attended by over 170 representatives from APEC member economies.
During the Meeting, APEC member economies reaffirmed their commitment to the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 for an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040. The Meeting noted that the theme aligns with APEC 2026 priorities of “Openness, Innovation, Cooperation” and with ongoing work under the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap and the APEC Artificial Intelligence Initiative 2026-2030. The Meeting also noted that APEC continues to serve as a facilitator of long-term economic growth in the region through the deployment of digital technologies and AI and acknowledged that while member economies pursue different approaches to their respective digital and AI policies, APEC remains well positioned to promote digital technologies and AI for the empowerment of the Asia-Pacific region.
The Meeting highlighted five key areas of cooperation. First, it recognized the importance of universal and meaningful digital connectivity and encouraged efforts to improve affordability, accessibility and quality of networks, particularly in underserved, rural and remote areas, while supporting next-generation technologies and trusted cross-border data flows. Second, the Meeting discussed how digital technologies and AI can drive economic growth and productivity, and encouraged their responsible adoption across manufacturing, agriculture and services, with particular support for micro, small and medium enterprises through affordable and easy-to-deploy solutions. Third, it reaffirmed that digital literacy, including AI literacy and skills, is essential for meaningful adoption, and encouraged capacity building, education, training and public awareness programs to equip people to engage confidently in the digital world. Fourth, the Meeting acknowledged risks such as data breaches, online scams and the misuse of AI, expressed deep concern over the escalation of online scams, and called for greater cooperation and information sharing to build a safe, secure and trusted digital environment. Fifth, it recognized that significant investment is needed for digital and AI transformation and noted the important role of trusted open-source approaches in fostering innovation, while respecting security, data protection and intellectual property rights.
The Brunei Darussalam delegation to the 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting was led by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohammed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohammed Yunos, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications. The delegation also comprised Yang Mulia Awang Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications and senior officials from the Ministry and the Authority for Infocommunications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI).
On the sidelines of the Meeting, Yang Berhormat the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from ASEAN Member States and the People’s Republic of China to discuss ways to strengthen digital cooperation. The discussions covered policy exchanges on digital government transformation and public-sector innovation, artificial intelligence governance, data governance, digital-economy development and online safety, as well as continued practical cooperation through ASEAN and APEC mechanisms.
As part of the 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting, the Brunei Darussalam delegation led by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications will participate in the 2026 APEC High-Level Roundtable on Data for Growth on 25 July 2026.
The 2026 APEC Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting provided a useful platform for Brunei Darussalam to evaluate the national digital journey with regional perspectives. The discussions reflected alignment between regional priorities and Brunei Darussalam’s objectives to further enhance the well-being of its population through responsible AI adoption and inclusivity. The Meeting also addressed emerging trends, including preparations for the quantum era and noted the shift towards an era of AI transformation beyond digital transformation. These insights will be a valuable input in Brunei Darussalam’s successful implementation of Digital Brunei 2030.
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND INFOCOMMUNICATIONS
Jalan Menteri Besar
Bandar Seri Begawan BB3910
Brunei Darussalam
9th Safar 1448
24th July 2026
