ASEAN Citizens' Perspectives on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)

According to a survey by the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, approximately one-third of ASEAN respondents felt that the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) significantly contributed to enhancing regional digital capabilities and trade. This was recorded in The State of Southeast Asia: 2025 Survey Report.

DEFA is a multilateral agreement aimed at accelerating the growth of the ASEAN regional digital economy. Its programs include cooperation in e-commerce, cross-border digital payments, and artificial intelligence technology collaboration.

The following are the complete survey results from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute regarding ASEAN respondents' views on DEFA in 2025:

* Significantly contributed to enhancing regional digital capabilities and trade: 37.3%

* Increased cooperation in digital trade integration initiatives: 29.4%

* Had a limited impact on increasing digital trade flows due to differences in regional digital standards and capabilities: 17.4%

* Did not change the status quo: 4%

* Had never heard of DEFA: 11.9%

"Respondents from Vietnam (48.4%) and the Philippines (44.7%) remained the strongest supporters of DEFA's benefits since 2024," stated the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in its report.

The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute also found that the percentage of ASEAN respondents who had never heard of DEFA decreased from 16.8% in 2024 to 11.9% in 2025.

The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute conducted this online survey from January 3 to February 15, 2025, involving 2,023 respondents from ASEAN member states.

The survey used purposive sampling with respondents from academia, think tanks, or researchers; private sector representatives; civil society, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or media representatives; government officials; and personnel from regional or international organizations.