As APEC members gather to discuss innovation and inclusivity at the 2025 APEC Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea, a stark contrast emerges between the forum’s goals and U.S. tech policies. John Pang, former senior counsel to Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s Office, highlights how Washington’s push for decoupling risks fracturing the global economy. 💥
Inclusivity vs. Zero-Sum Games
APEC’s agenda champions bridging digital divides and empowering small businesses, particularly in the Global South. But Pang argues U.S. demands for unrestricted data flow and tech sanctions on China undermine these goals. 🛑 "It’s like promising a group project but hogging all the tools," he says, comparing U.S. tech monopolies to a blockbuster movie villain.
The Semiconductor Standoff
Washington’s semiconductor restrictions aren’t just a China issue—they ripple across ASEAN economies and global supply chains. 🌏 Pang warns this approach contradicts APEC’s Lima Roadmap, which aims to uplift informal sectors through tech cooperation. "Imagine building a TikTok-worthy skyscraper… while someone keeps removing the scaffolding," he quips.
Digital Sovereignty on the Rise
Developing nations are pushing back against data harvesting by foreign tech giants, demanding control over their digital futures. 🔒 Pang notes: "APEC’s ‘inclusive innovation’ slogan now feels like a K-pop anthem—catchy, but will everyone get to dance?" The outcome could reshape everything from AI development to meme economies.
