AI is changing the requirements for Asia's digital infrastructure.
The development of AI is changing the digital infrastructure of the Asia-Pacific region and increasing the need to close the gap in access to networks and computing resources.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming digital infrastructure requirements in the Asia-Pacific region, where existing differences in internet connectivity and computing power availability could exacerbate digital divides between countries. These findings are presented in a new ESCAP report, "Digital Transformation in Asia and the Pacific 2026."
As AI proliferates, digital infrastructure is evolving from a system primarily focused on information transfer to a comprehensive platform. This platform, integrating modern networks, computing power, data processing, and AI technologies, is capable of analyzing information and supporting decision-making in real time.
These capabilities can be used to address a range of practical challenges, including improving disaster response, improving public services, and optimizing transportation, energy, and other critical systems.
UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana emphasized: "To ensure that AI-enabled network infrastructure benefits all economies in the region rather than exacerbating existing inequalities, governments need targeted and coordinated action both at the national level and through regional cooperation."
The report's authors note that the next phase of the digital divide will be determined by more than just internet access. Countries' capabilities in innovation, computing infrastructure, data processing, and the creation of AI-enabled digital solutions will also play a significant role.
The average Digital Transformation Index (DTI) score in Asia and the Pacific is 50.28, slightly higher than the global average of 49.63. However, countries in the region vary significantly in their innovation capacity and institutional environment. High-income countries achieve almost four times the digital development results of low-income countries.
The report also provides examples of the practical application of AI-enabled infrastructure. In particular, tools like SatGPT make it possible to create flood-prone maps based on simple text queries. This can speed up situation assessments and emergency response. The document also examines advanced approaches to the application of AI and digital technologies in early warning systems.
The report was presented at the opening meeting of the ESCAP Committee on Information and Communications Technology, Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Over the course of three days, ministers and high-level government representatives will discuss expanding digital inclusion, accelerating digital transformation, and strengthening regional cooperation to narrow the digital divide. Particular attention will be paid to the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Action Plan for 2027–2030.
This document calls for the development of resilient cross-border digital infrastructure, improving the quality of public services using new technologies, sharing innovative digital solutions, and creating secure and reliable data systems.
The plan also provides targeted support and knowledge sharing for countries and communities facing the most significant barriers to digital development. This should help them fully leverage the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.