Key findings reveal how technology is transforming creative industries, the challenges of digital access, and the potential for ASEAN's creative economy to thrive.
Open Chedi (2023), 3-pieces sculpture, polystyrene foam, plywood, fluorescent paint, @vuthlyno.art, Commissioned by Thailand Biennale Chiang Rai 2023. *Source: Supernormal Studio.
JAKARTA, Indonesia, March 26, 2025 The ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy (ACE) Programme, an initiative of the UK Mission to ASEAN, has launched its latest research report, Arts and Technologies in ASEAN: Interconnected Parts on 20 February 2025. Delivered by the British Council and developed in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, this comprehensive study explores the intersection of arts and emerging technologies across the ASEAN region. The report uncovers new opportunities, key challenges, and recommendations for creative practitioners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
Recognised as a driver of economic growth and social development, ASEAN's creative sector is rapidly evolving as traditional art forms intersect with digital innovations. Drawing from extensive case studies and over 60 interviews with artists, technologists, policymakers, and academics, the report examines how technology is transforming artistic expression and business models, opening new pathways for growth and cross-sector collaboration.
The report identifies artist-led innovation as a major driver of ASEAN's creative economy, with artists blending traditional and digital practices across fashion, animation, music, and new media. Interdisciplinary collaboration is redefining creative work, positioning artists as researchers, coders, and entrepreneurs. Socio-political themes—including climate resilience, healing, and activism—are shaping artistic expression, with technology amplifying advocacy and cultural storytelling. Meanwhile, AI is transforming creative jobs and design processes, though access to emerging technologies remains a challenge.
Despite these advancements, barriers to inclusion persist. Funding gaps and economic disparities widen the digital divide particularly among marginalised groups, restricting their access to technology. Meanwhile, inconsistent intellectual property (IP) protection across ASEAN creates challenges for artists in safeguarding and monetising their work. Without stronger safeguards and equitable access, many creative practitioners risk being left behind in the digital shift.
To sustain ASEAN's creative economy, the report highlights the need for stronger collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society, with digital transformation driven by policy support and international partnerships. Strengthening cross-sector cooperation, aligning policies, and investing in digital literacy and interdisciplinary initiatives will be key to ensuring inclusive growth. Reinforcing IP protections and expanding access to emerging technologies will further support a thriving and sustainable creative sector.
Broadly, this research supports the ASEAN-UK partnership in the creative economy by identifying regulatory gaps, opportunities, and enhancing UK-ASEAN collaboration in this field.
H.E. Sarah Tiffin, UK Ambassador to ASEAN, said:
"Growing the economy means growing the creative industries. The UK's creative sector has outpaced wider economic growth, contributing £108 billion annually, and technology is playing an increasingly central role. This report reinforces the UK's commitment to working with ASEAN to harness innovation, strengthen talent, and build a more connected and sustainable creative economy."
As a leader in promoting cultural exchange and creative industries, the British Council plays a critical role in empowering creative practitioners and policymakers in the ASEAN region.
Summer Xia, Director of Southeast Asia at the British Council, highlighted the significance of the report in shaping the future of the sector: "At the British Council, we recognise the creative economy as a key driver of sustainable development. This report not only charts the current landscape of creative technologies in ASEAN but also offers crucial insights to help industry leaders, governments, and cultural institutions adapt to and shape this evolving space. By bridging arts and technology, we are unlocking new opportunities and fostering a more interconnected, inclusive, and forward-looking creative sector."
The Arts and Technologies in ASEAN: Interconnected Parts report serves as a vital resource for policymakers, creative professionals, and researchers seeking to understand harness the power of creative technologies.
The British Council invites policymakers, creative industry professionals, academics, and cultural institutions across ASEAN to explore the findings of this study. The full report is available for download at https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/interconnected-parts.
About the British Council
The British Council is the UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2022–23 we reached 600 million people.
source: British Council
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