Shenzhen, China, October 16–17, 2025 — The Mekong Institute (MI) joined leading academic, policy, and development experts at the 2nd Forum on Asian Development themed “Digital and Intelligent Transformation in Asia: Sharing Good Practices and Building Observational Framework.” The event was jointly organized by the Institute for International Affairs, Qianhai (IIA), the Centre for International Studies on Development and Governance, Zhejiang & Zhejiang University (CISDG), and the Institute for National Strategy and Regional Development, Zhejiang University.
The two-day forum gathered policymakers, researchers, and regional development partners from across Asia to exchange ideas on accelerating digital transformation, strengthening regional cooperation, and promoting the establishment of the Asia Regional Digitalization & AI Observatory (ARDIO).
Representing MI, Ms. Guohua Liu, Director of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Department, participated as a panelist in the session on “Major Cross-national Issues (Shared Challenges)” and “Framework for Observational Studies.” She shared insights on the digital innovation landscape and sustainable development in the Lancang–Mekong region, emphasizing MI’s regional cooperation programs in artificial intelligence (AI), smart agriculture, digital economy, and innovation-driven MSME development, and stressing the need to establish the ARDIO.
Ms. Liu highlighted MI’s ongoing initiatives under the Lancang–Mekong Cooperation (LMC) framework, which aim to strengthen digital inclusion, promote innovation ecosystem development, and foster green and intelligent growth across Mekong countries. “Digital transformation should be inclusive and sustainable. Through regional partnerships, we can ensure that technology empowers MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and communities to participate meaningfully in Asia’s evolving digital economy,” she noted.
The Forum opened with remarks by Prof. Zheng Yongnian, Dean of the School of Public Policy at CUHK–Shenzhen, followed by welcome addresses from Dr. Yang Guohua, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Assistant to the President of CUHK–Shenzhen, and Prof. Li Shi, Senior Professor at Zhejiang University. Keynote speakers included Prof. Gong Sen (CISDG), Li Guosheng (Horizonline Think Tank), Dr. Zhang Yanchun (UNDP), Dr. Shu (Grace) Tian (ADB), and Prof. Rong Ying (CIIS).
Two expert panels featured representatives who shared regional perspectives on digital cooperation and innovation. The program also launched the ARDIO Concept Note, followed by field visits to Tencent, Shenzhen Duoyi Technology, and the Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS).
MI’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration toward inclusive digital and intelligent transformation across Asia, aligning with its broader efforts to advance digital economy cooperation and sustainable development in the Lancang–Mekong region.
