Welcoming Post-2025 ASEAN: Digital Health Becomes a Shared Agenda through Global Future Fellows

Health challenges in Southeast Asia are becoming increasingly complex—not only due to the continued evolution of infectious diseases but also because of the surge in non-communicable diseases that are placing heavy pressure on healthcare systems. At the same time, disparities in access, the lack of inclusive and accurate services, and technological gaps are weakening the region’s collective resilience. To address these issues, a transformation toward a more robust, integrated, and digital-based health system is essential.

ASEAN is currently formulating its Post-2025 Vision, with one of its pillars focused on strengthening regional health resilience. In support of this effort, Pijar Foundation has launched Global Future Fellows (GFF) 2025: Powering ASEAN’s Digital Health Future, a collaborative, cross-border, and cross-sector program that brings together young ASEAN leaders from diverse backgrounds to reinforce policy and innovation foundations in the digital health sector.

The program runs through October 2025 and includes a multi-country learning journey across three ASEAN nations, enriched by sessions with leading experts and practitioners in regional digital health. Indonesia served as the first stop, with activities held from 28–30 April 2025.

During their visit to Indonesia, Fellows engaged with key institutions including the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the ASEAN BioDiaspora Virtual Centre (ABVC), and the Indonesian Telemedicine Association (ATENSI). These visits offered in-depth insights into Indonesia’s health system transformation efforts—ranging from the SATUSEHAT initiative and the strengthening of the telemedicine ecosystem to integrated, responsive health data governance.

“This program offers the collaborative space ASEAN needs as One Community. Through GFF, the voices of young ASEAN leaders can directly contribute to shaping regional policy direction in digital health,” said Cazadira F. Tamzil, Executive Director of Pijar Foundation.

She also noted that GFF provides young ASEAN leaders with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of Indonesia’s digital health ecosystem, while fostering strategic cross-country connections.

Opening the dialogue at the Ministry of Health, Setiaji, Special Advisor to the Minister of Health for Health Technology, stressed the importance of a holistic understanding in shaping regional digital health strategies.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Human Resources Development Center at the Ministry of Health stated that GFF opens doors for talent collaboration in digital health between Indonesia and other ASEAN countries. The Ministry hopes its partnership with Pijar Foundation in this program will serve as a best-practice model that can be scaled across the region.

In a session with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yuliana Bahar, Director of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Cooperation, shared that the diverse backgrounds, professions, and expertise of GFF participants can provide well-rounded perspectives and meaningful contributions to ASEAN—especially in the context of implementing and monitoring the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and developing the ASEAN Health Development Agenda.

Now in its fifth edition, GFF 2025 adopts a more regional and strategic format compared to previous years. By emphasizing cross-country and cross-sector learning, the program aims to strengthen youth contributions toward building a more equitable, resilient, and integrated ASEAN digital health system.

This article was originally published by Republika News.