THE ASEAN ICT MASTERPLAN 2020 The AIM 2020 encompasses eight strategic thrusts that work together to support the advancement of the ASEAN Community. This includes a focus on utilising ICT in the Single Market; it encompasses the importance of New Media and Content, especially on local content creation, in building ASEAN's ICT capacity and capabilities; and it seeks to buttress the regional online ecosystem by providing Information Security and Assurance to the ASEAN Community. Addressing the digital divide – an issue that has only increased in importance and complexity – has now been incorporated into the People Integration and Empowerment through ICT strategic thrust, recognising that this is not a standalone issue of connectivity, but also about accessibility to services and community. In all, the eight interconnected Strategic Thrusts support the Vision and the Outcomes of the AIM 2020. 1.Economic Development and Transformation The establishment of the AEC will provide opportunities for ICT and next-generation technologies to enable sustainable economic development. ASEAN will work to strategically position its member states to be linchpins in the digital economy, especially in key priority areas such as digital trade and services. 2. People Integration and Empowerment through ICT ASEAN citizens will form meaningful connections via ICT platforms, and work together to bridge digital divides and build a common ASEAN identity. Through a committed focus to increase broadband penetration, affordability and ICT usage in the region, ASEAN citizens will be digitally empowered through easily accessible information and affordable services to achieve personal, communal and social goals. 3. Innovation Fostering a vibrant and responsive ICT sector is a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors. ASEAN will work to spur and encourage more entrepreneurship and idea generation so as to become a leader in ICT and nextgeneration applications. 4. ICT Infrastructure Development ICT infrastructure development continues to underpin the AIM 2020; it remains a necessary foundation for all other ICT development. ASEAN will continue to develop and improve a strong infrastructural backbone, so that a sustainable digital economy can grow and thrive. 5. Human Capital Development The AIM 2020 will equip ASEAN citizens to be digital-literate participants in the digital economy. It also focuses on strengthening workforce talents through on-going reskilling programmes and the attraction of talents through increased opportunities so as to enable broad-based economic growth. D. Eight Strategic Thrusts D. Eight Strategic Thrusts 15