Digital Education in ASEAN: A Strategic Framework for Sustainable Growth

The digital transformation of education in Southeast Asia is a journey of high ambition and significant hurdles. This paper addresses a critical "dual gap," a disparity between in-school and out-of-school technology use and the limited impact of EdTech on productivity and cost reduction. It posits that a successful digital shift depends not just on technology, but on strategic management, human-centred design, and ethical practice. Employing a qualitative research approach, this study synthesises academic literature and analyses key policy initiatives and case studies from Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region, including a critical examination of the failed 1BestariNet project. Findings reveal that project failures often stem from poor business models, pedagogical misalignment, and a neglect of data privacy and compliance. The paper concludes with a strategic framework offering actionable recommendations for policymakers, EdTech innovators, and educational leaders, guiding them to build a resilient and equitable digital ecosystem that moves beyond the cycle of hype to achieve lasting, positive change. This includes adopting agile planning, prioritising product-market fit, and strengthening digital literacy to ensure technology serves all students effectively and ethically.