New China‑ASEAN Data Working Group Aims to Bridge Digital Divide

Beijing, 18 September – The World Data Organization announced the creation of a China‑ASEAN Data Working Group on 17 September, convened in Nanning, Guangxi. The group’s mandate is to promote seamless data exchange, expand equitable access to cutting‑edge AI and computing infrastructure, and co‑author regulatory guidelines that align with international norms.

By fostering collaborative standards and building a supportive ecosystem for members and industry clusters, the working group seeks to transform raw data into a strategic asset for the region’s digital economies. The effort underscores a broader ambition to close the data gap between emerging markets and more advanced economies.

China’s National Data Bureau affirmed that the country will continue to play an active role in worldwide data governance, offering its support to the World Data Organization. The bureau indicated that China will help the WDO harness specialist knowledge from varied sectors and translate it into practical, cross‑border data initiatives.

Operating from its Beijing headquarters, the World Data Organization envisions the China‑ASEAN collaboration as a cornerstone for future data‑driven growth, encouraging responsible data use and fostering innovation across Southeast Asia.