ADB Chief Urges Innovation Investment for ASEAN’s Inclusive, Sustainable Growth

In a powerful call to action delivered at the 9th Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum ASEAN–Japan Conference held in Jakarta, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in science, technology, and innovation to drive inclusive and sustainable development across Southeast Asia.

His remarks come at a critical time as the region contends with rapid urbanization, climate challenges, food insecurity, and energy demands—all of which require forward-thinking solutions and robust regional cooperation.

“ASEAN is home to extraordinary potential. Countries that innovate are countries that thrive,” said Mr. Kanda in his keynote address. “By connecting ideas with resources and leveraging platforms like the STS Forum, we can create opportunities that reach every community.”

Science and Technology at the Heart of Regional Prosperity

Mr. Kanda’s address reaffirmed the ADB’s longstanding view that innovation must be central to ASEAN’s development strategies. He outlined a three-pronged approach to regional transformation:

1. Modern, Interconnected Energy Systems

2. Resilient, Sustainable Food Systems

3. Smart, Inclusive Cities

These pillars, he noted, will determine whether Southeast Asia can harness its demographic dividend and rich biodiversity to create a future marked by prosperity, resilience, and equity.

Major Financial Commitments Back Vision

To support this vision, the ADB President pledged significant financial backing:

• $10 billion will be committed over the next decade to advance the ASEAN Power Grid, a regional effort to enhance cross-border electricity trade, expand access to clean energy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• $40 billion by 2030 will be directed toward transforming food systems—investing in agricultural innovation, climate-resilient infrastructure, value chains, and nutrition.

• Substantial ongoing investments will also be allocated for urban sustainability, digital connectivity, and technology-driven solutions in health, education, and infrastructure.

Kanda stressed that public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration will be vital to closing the region’s persistent technology and infrastructure gaps.

“The private sector is an indispensable partner in this journey. We must work together—governments, companies, and institutions—to ensure that science and technology benefit everyone, especially the underserved.”

Innovation for All: A Focus on Inclusive Development

Mr. Kanda emphasized that innovation should not be an elitist endeavor but rather a tool to improve everyday lives—from reducing food waste to delivering clean water to remote villages, and from digitizing healthcare to greening urban transport systems.

ADB is already implementing this approach through integrated support for digital transformation, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and inclusive infrastructure across ASEAN.

The STS Forum, which gathers policymakers, scientists, technologists, and business leaders from across Asia and Japan, served as an ideal platform to underline this message of shared responsibility and cross-sector collaboration.

Indonesia Site Visits Highlight Real-World Impact

Following the Forum, Mr. Kanda traveled to Lombok, Indonesia, to observe ADB-supported projects that embody the principles he advocated:

• He visited an irrigation project operated by women-led water user associations, which has helped to enhance water management, boost crop yields, and strengthen food and water security in rural communities.

• He also toured a solar farm developed by Vena Energy, a key renewable energy initiative that is expanding Indonesia’s green energy footprint while supporting the country’s climate targets and private sector participation.

These site visits provided a tangible demonstration of how ADB funding, when matched with local leadership and private innovation, can create sustainable, inclusive solutions.

The Role of Regional Cooperation

Throughout his engagements, Mr. Kanda underscored that regional integration is vital for ASEAN to meet its development aspirations. He cited projects like the ASEAN Power Grid and emerging digital corridors as examples of how ASEAN member states can pool resources and harmonize standards to scale innovation.

“No country can address climate change, food insecurity, or digital gaps alone. Regional cooperation enables smarter, faster, and more impactful development.”

Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for ASEAN’s Future

As ADB rolls out its Vision 2030 agenda, the message is clear: the road to prosperity runs through innovation ecosystems that are inclusive, sustainable, and regionally coordinated. The institution is committed to not only financing projects, but also to offering technical expertise, policy guidance, and capacity building that empower ASEAN nations to chart their own transformation pathways.

The STS Forum in Jakarta was not merely a platform for discussion—it was a rallying point for collective action. And under Mr. Kanda’s leadership, the ADB is positioning itself as a catalyst for change, where science and innovation serve as equalizers and engines of sustainable development.