Asia is entering a decisive moment where rapid technological advancements intersect with governance and societal challenges. The inaugural Asia Policy Leadership Forum (APLF) will convene 35–45 emerging leaders from across the region to strengthen digital public infrastructure, advance effective data governance, and foster inclusive innovation. By connecting policy, technology, and society, the Forum seeks to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of building trust, resilience, and forward-looking governance across Asia.

Asia is at a critical inflection point as rapid technological change intersects with governance and societal challenges. Fragmented regulatory frameworks, uneven digital infrastructure, and rising concerns over data sovereignty are creating gaps in public trust and complicating cross-border collaboration. These dynamics threaten the cohesion and resilience needed for inclusive, forward-looking governance in an increasingly interconnected region. Asia is experiencing a significant surge in technological innovation. Concurrently, data sovereignty has become a critical issue, as countries implement robust data localization laws to ensure control over their digital infrastructures. At the same time, Asia is rapidly developing digital public infrastructure to support inclusive governance, economic growth, and social services, while innovation ecosystems are expanding through cross-sector collaboration between governments, startups, and research institutions. Yet challenges remain in balancing open data sharing with privacy and security concerns, ensuring equitable access to technology, and addressing the societal impacts of AI, automation, and emerging digital platforms across diverse communities.

The inaugural APLF convening in 2026 will unite 35–45 emerging leaders and early-to-mid-career professionals from across Asia to address these pressing issues. Through collaborative workshops and expert-led sessions, Fellows will explore strategies for strengthening digital public infrastructure, enhancing data governance frameworks, and fostering inclusive technological innovation with communities at the heart of it. By bridging policy, technology, and societal needs, APLF aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of the digital age and drive transformative change across the region.