KPL
The 20th Meeting of the ASEAN Advisory Council on Science, Technology and Innovation (BAC-20) convened in Vientiane on Monday, bringing together representatives from ASEAN member states and the private sector to strengthen regional cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Kairun Rizan, Head of Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency and Chair of the BAC, and Mr. Kiengkai Ounmanee, Deputy Director of the Center for Community Development Studies (SEAMEO) under the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Lao PDR.
Delegates reviewed progress on key initiatives under the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI), including the implementation of priority economic work plans for 2025 and 2026. Discussions covered achievements under the ASEAN Technology Startup Project Phase II, led by Malaysia, as well as progress on the draft ASEAN Declaration on Promoting Cooperation in Innovation, Space Technology and Science.
The meeting also examined the Regional Work Plan on Science, Technology and Innovation for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Phase I – Health 2026, proposed by the Philippines, reflecting ASEAN’s growing focus on harnessing emerging technologies to support healthcare and sustainable development.
Participants endorsed proposed key deliverables for 2027 under the ASEAN-EU Elevate Initiative, which aims to strengthen the capacity of the ASEAN Technology Transfer Office through cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union.
In addition, the ASEAN Secretariat provided updates on the financial status of the ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Fund (ASTIF) and announced the launch of the ASTIF Call 2026, which will invite researchers across the region to submit collaborative science and technology project proposals.
Delegates also reviewed progress on the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Dashboard and discussed revisions to the Terms of Reference of COSTI-related bodies to ensure they remain aligned with ASEAN’s evolving priorities and long-term objectives.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants adopted the BAC-20 meeting report, subject to formal confirmation, while Vietnam offered to host the 21st Meeting of the ASEAN Advisory Council on Science, Technology and Innovation (BAC-21).
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of Laos and other ASEAN member states to strengthening regional collaboration in science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of sustainable economic growth, digital transformation, and long-term competitiveness.
