SOUTH Korea’s transformation into a global economic and technological power, alongside public sector reform experiences in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, offers valuable lessons for Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos as they pursue institutional and economic reforms, participants at the 13th Korea-Asean Community of Policy Exchange (Kacpe) International Public Policy Symposium said.
Hosted by the University of the Philippines’ Center for Integrative and Development Studies and the UP Korea Research Center, the symposium brought together policymakers, academics and development practitioners from Southeast Asia, South Korea and Australia to discuss how stronger state institutions can support sustainable development in Asean transition economies.
In his opening remarks, UP President Angelo Jimenez said South Korea’s rise as a major economic and technological power was built on institution-building, policy experimentation, investments in human capital and sustained national effort, offering lessons for countries undergoing economic and institutional transitions.
‘An effective policy can pave the road to national development. But the road to crafting effective policies is another matter altogether. It requires evidence, experience, institutional capacity, and, perhaps most importantly, the willingness to listen and learn from others,’ Jimenez said.
Representing Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro, DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Dizon-de Vega said Asean and South Korea are deepening cooperation under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was elevated in 2024.
She said stronger institutions and effective policy implementation are critical to sustaining development and highlighted South Korea’s experience in public administration reform and digital transformation as a valuable source of lessons for Asean countries.
Dizon-de Vega said Asean and South Korea are pursuing people-centered initiatives aimed at promoting economic prosperity, regional stability and stronger people-to-people ties while confronting challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, climate change, supply chain disruptions and emerging technologies.
The symposium proceedings identified state capacity, public sector modernization and institutional reform as key drivers of development.
Discussions focused on strengthening diplomatic and security capacity, advancing public sector reforms and enhancing higher education and socio-cultural cooperation across transition economies, particularly Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
Participants showcased a range of governance initiatives across the region.
Cambodia highlighted civil service meritocracy, salary reforms and digital governance programs.
Laos discussed anti-corruption efforts, decentralization and public financial management reforms.
Vietnam emphasized digital transformation and economic diversification, while Myanmar presented digital reforms such as the Myanmar Companies Online registry and the Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System, which streamlined business registration and customs procedures.
Speakers said governance reform is becoming increasingly important as ASEAN economies navigate geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain realignments and rapid technological change.
Lee Chul, South Korean Ambassador to Asean, said governments have a vital role in helping countries manage structural transitions and narrow development gaps across the region.
Lee said South Korea would continue supporting Asean transition economies through capacity-building initiatives aligned with Asean’s development priorities.
He noted that about 64 percent of South Korea’s bilateral development cooperation funding for Asean member states was directed to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste, in the previous year.
The discussions also examined opportunities arising from digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Participants emphasized the need for governments to build capable, flexible and resilient institutions that can respond to emerging economic and technological challenges while ensuring that growth remains inclusive.
The symposium drew around 160 government officials, researchers and academics from Asean, South Korea and Australia to exchange policy experiences and explore pathways for deeper regional cooperation.
‘Policies may look different from one country to another, but one thing matters most: how we build a smart, flexible state capacity to meet these challenges,’ Seung-Ho Kwon, executive director of the Korea Research Initiatives at the University of New South Wales, said.