MANILA, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda on Thursday called for greater investment in science, technology, and innovation to support inclusive and sustainable growth in Southeast Asia.
Speaking at a forum in Jakarta, Indonesia, Kanda said innovation must remain central to regional strategies. He pointed to key opportunities in building resilient food systems, modern energy networks, and smart cities.
He emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation, more research and development funding, and public-private partnerships to close technology gaps and promote shared prosperity.
Kanda said ADB will provide up to 10 billion U.S. dollars for the ASEAN Power Grid over the next decade and 40 billion dollars for food system transformation by 2030, alongside broader support for sustainable cities and digital innovation.
"ASEAN is home to extraordinary potential. Countries that innovate are countries that thrive. By connecting ideas with resources and leveraging platforms, we can create opportunities that reach every community," Kanda added. ■
