Ensuring affordable and accessible internet connectivity for all in urban and rural areas must be prioritized.Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said so at the opening of the Digital Myanmar Forum and Exhibition at the Yadanabon Teleport Building in the Yadanabon New City Project, PyinOoLwin, yesterday afternoon.Secretary of the Commission General Ye Win Oo, Commission Member Union Minister for Transport and Communications U Mya Tun Oo, Union Minister for Industry Dr Charlie Than, Union Minister for Construction U Myo Thant and Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung cut the ribbon to open the forum and exhibition.The Senior General pressed the button to open the forum and exhibition.Speaking on the occasion, the Senior General said that Myanmar must implement the objectives of the ASEAN Digital Master Plan, namely: an Inclusive Digital Community, a Trusted Digital Ecosystem, an Innovative Digital Economy, a Future-Ready Workforce, and Sustainable Digital Transformation.He continued that it is necessary to implement measures to enable smooth digital cross-border trade among ASEAN member states; to effectively utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) and establish AI safety and security networks, to enhance digital literacy and skills of the regional workforce, to nurture advanced technology professionals and promote greater application of technology in the workplace, and to leverage digital technologies to address environmental conservation and climate change challenges.The Senior General underscored that in 2026, as AI technology is advancing at a rapid pace, it is observed that ASEAN member states are placing special emphasis on the implementation of Responsible AI. In this regard, ASEAN countries are coordinating Ethical Guidelines on AI among themselves to promote the safe application of AI.With regard to the rapid expansion of digital systems, he noted that ASEAN member states are working towards further strengthening information-sharing networks among one another to combat telecommunication fraud.He continued that efforts must be made to ensure affordable and accessible internet connectivity for all people in both urban and rural areas, to enable women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to easily utilize digital technologies, to strengthen cybersecurity and collectively defend against regional cyberattacks, and to combat online financial fraud to create a secure and trustworthy environment for users.The Senior General highlighted that alongside the global advancement of AI technology, emerging challenges such as violations of organizational and individual freedoms, issues of bias, and potential threats to national security have become major concerns. Countries around the world are enacting and updating technology-related laws and procedures in response to technological developments in order to address these risks.Therefore, he stressed that Myanmar needs to also place importance on formulating and promulgating the necessary policies, laws, and procedures in a balanced and timely manner, in line with technological progress, to effectively regulate and oversee technological challenges.The Senior General expressed his hope that the technology exhibition and the accompanying seminar will produce beneficial outcomes for the development of the State’s IT sector, for prioritizing cyber technology-related activities within the Yadanabon New City Project, and for advancing AI and satellite technologies.Furthermore, he added that it will help in formulating a roadmap and strategic plan to promote the large-scale production of electronic equipment within the Yadanabon New City Project area and to enhance human resource development through linkages with technological universities.The Senior General pointed out that it is necessary to practically evaluate the formulation of such strategies and the implementation of related activities to ensure their continuous, long-term execution. These initiatives must be carefully considered from all perspectives to become comprehensive, accurate, and without shortcomings.The Senior General and attendees watched a documentary video on the Digital Myanmar Forum and Exhibition.Union Minister for Transport and Communications U Mya Tun Oo presented a gift to mark the opening ceremony to the Senior General.The Senior General, interestingly, visited the booths of the exhibition and gave necessary guidance to officials.Also, present at the opening ceremony were Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Union Ministers U Mya Tun Oo, Dr Charlie Than and U Myo Thant, Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Central Command and deputy ministers.The Digital Myanmar Forum and Exhibition under the title “Digital Myanmar: Shaping Myanmar’s Digital Future in the Age of AI” will be held until 28 February, displaying booths of ministries and domestic and foreign technological companies.The Senior General inspected the Yadanabon New City Project in a motorcade and gave necessary guidance to officials. — MNA/TTAgnlm
Sat, 28-Feb-2026
