ADB President Masato Kanda Urges Greater Investment in Innovation for Southeast Asia’s Sustainable Future
Jakarta, Indonesia – At the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum held in Jakarta, Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda delivered a compelling keynote address emphasizing the critical role of innovation in shaping Southeast Asia’s development agenda.
Highlighting the region’s growing economic potential and challenges, Kanda called for enhanced investment in science and technology to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. “Innovation must be at the heart of Southeast Asia’s strategy to achieve long-term resilience and prosperity,” he stated, stressing the need for collaborative efforts between governments, the private sector, and international development institutions.
Kanda pointed out that rapid technological advancement has the power to bridge infrastructure gaps, improve climate adaptation, enhance education systems, and expand access to healthcare. However, he warned that these benefits can only be realized through robust and sustained investment in research, innovation ecosystems, and digital infrastructure.
The ADB President urged member nations to prioritize policies that support innovation-driven development. He also emphasized the importance of fostering regional cooperation in technology sharing and scientific research, noting that challenges such as climate change, energy security, and economic inequality demand unified responses across borders.
The STS Forum, a global platform for science-policy dialogue, served as an ideal stage for Kanda’s message, reinforcing the ADB’s strategic commitment to empowering Southeast Asian economies through technology and innovation.
This renewed push from ADB underscores the evolving development paradigm where science, technology, and innovation are not peripheral elements but central pillars for future-ready economies. As Southeast Asia continues its dynamic growth trajectory, the ADB’s call to action signals a pivotal shift towards smarter, greener, and more equitable development across the region.
