Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.


Our website has moved to www.meti.gov.sg as of 1 October 2026. Please update your bookmarks and saved links.

Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry
Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs)

ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)

The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) aims to improve digital rules in key areas such as digital trade facilitation, payments, standards and data, while addressing emerging issues such as artificial intelligence.

About the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)

The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) is the first comprehensive standalone regional digital economy agreement between ASEAN member states (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam). Timor-Leste will officially accede to the DEFA upon completing its required accession procedures.

ASEAN Economic Ministers announcing the launch of the ASEAN DEFA negotiations on 3 September 2023

ASEAN Economic Ministers announcing the launch of the ASEAN DEFA negotiations on 3 September 2023.

The ASEAN DEFA aims to improve digital rules in key areas such as digital trade facilitation, payments, standards and data, while addressing emerging issues such as artificial intelligence.

Negotiations were launched in September 2023, and concluded in May 2026. It is targeted to be signed in end-2026.

More Resources

The text of the ASEAN DEFA is expected to be published when the agreement is signed. For more information, please refer to the press release (opens in new tab)for conclusion.