The Joint Media Statement of 12th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (IAMMSTI-12)

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1. The 12^th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (IAMMSTI-12) was held on 22 June 2023, in Brunei Darussalam. It was chaired by H.E. Pengiran Dato Shamhary Mustapha, Minister of Transport and ​Infocommunications, Brunei Darussalam.

2. The Meeting congratulated Brunei Darussalam on the successful hosting of the 83^rd Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI83) which was held from 20 until 21 June 2023, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, in conjunction with IAMMSTI-12.

3. The Meeting expressed commitment to enhance cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) following the post pandemic economic recovery of the ASEAN Member States (AMS).

4. The Meeting noted the implementation progress of the 2023 Annual Priorities under the STI Sector as follows:

i. Establish the ASEAN Technology Management Hub (Phase II), co-led by Cambodia and Indonesia;

ii. Implement Workshop and Call for Papers on Artificial Intelligence on Energy Security, Agriculture, Cyber Security and Emerging Issues and Health, led by Indonesia;

iii. Implement the ASEAN Network on Bio-, Circular and Green Economy (Phase II), led by Thailand;

iv. Develop the ASEAN Regional Research Infrastructure Strategy, led by Thailand;

v. Establish the Platform for Education in Science and Technology, co-led by Thailand, Cambodia and ASEAN Secretariat;

vi. Establish the ASEAN Blue Economy Roadmap: Application of STI, led by Indonesia; and vii. Implement the ASEAN Diagnostics Initiative 2023 Priorities, co-led by the Philippines and Singapore.

5. The Meeting noted the progress of 57 STI activities implemented by 9 Subcommittees under COSTI including 7 activities funded by ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Fund (ASTIF); and 46 STI activities supported by Dialogue Partners and other partners. The Meeting commended the long-term cooperation between ASEAN, its Dialogue Partners and other partners in advancing STI for mutual benefits including dedicated STI funding.

6. The Meeting endorsed 5 Annual Priorities for 2024 under the STI Sector as follows:

i. Establish the ASEAN Technology Management Hub (Phase III), co-led by Cambodia and Indonesia;

ii. Develop the ASEAN Regional Research Infrastructure Strategy (Phase II), led by Thailand;

iii. Establish the ASEAN Startup Initiative, led by Malaysia;

iv. Establish the ASEAN Talent Mobility Community, led by Thailand; and

v. Implement the ASEAN Energy Resilience Assessment Guideline: Capacity Building on Energy Resilience Assessment, led by Thailand.

7. The Meeting acknowledged the outcome of the consultancy work on the Development of the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology and Innovation (APASTI) 2026-2035: Phase I and the drafting of APASTI 2026-2035, will commence in 2024 at the earliest. The Meeting agreed that the role of the Board of Advisers to COSTI (BAC) should be strengthened and that ASTIF should be utilised more effectively.

8. The Meeting reiterated the significance of Public-Private Partnership in supporting the work of COSTI and recommended the inclusion of the private sector as members of the BAC.

9. The Meeting exchanged views on STI strategies for carbon neutrality and sustainable growth and tasked COSTI to explore the possibility to establish a task force on carbon neutrality. The Meeting also shared insights on best practices to drive sustainable growth and expressed commitment to foster closer collaboration in supporting the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality that is being developed by ASEAN.

10.The Meeting recognised the relevance of ASEAN’s quest for sustainable growth through technology transfer and development, capitalising on the dynamic alliance between the four key stakeholders in the innovation system: academia, policy makers, industry and society.

11.The Meeting underscored the importance of applied research in translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions that cater to the needs of ASEAN.

12.The Meeting encouraged Country Coordinators to continue to play an active role in coordinating and promoting the interests of ASEAN in its relations with the relevant Dialogue Partners, regional and international organisations and institutions.

13.The Meeting noted that the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-20) will be hosted by Cambodia, tentatively in June 2024.

14.The Meeting expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Brunei Darussalam for the warm hospitality accorded to them and for the excellent arrangements made.