The United Digital Economies (UDECO) initiative officially launched in Kuala Lumpur with its inaugural UDECO Kuala Lumpur Conclave, bringing together blockchain associations, fintech organisations, policymakers and digital infrastructure providers to strengthen collaboration across ASEAN’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Held on 28 July 2026 at TEIZA’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, the conclave was convened by ACCESS Blockchain Association Malaysia, a founding member of UDECO. Open to the public for its inaugural edition, the event highlighted the importance of cross-border partnerships as ASEAN moves closer to implementing a unified digital economy framework.
Supporting ASEAN’s Digital Economy Vision
UDECO is a neutral, non-profit movement established to unite digital economies worldwide without being owned or controlled by any single organisation or commercial entity. The initiative is supported by TEIZA, which provides the sovereign digital infrastructure underpinning the movement.
The launch comes at a significant time for the region following Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, during which ASEAN substantially concluded negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in May 2026.
Under DEFA, all ten ASEAN member states have committed to shared digital trade rules and cross-border data standards, with the agreement expected to be signed during the 49th ASEAN Summit in November 2026. UDECO aims to complement this regional vision by providing a neutral platform that supports practical implementation.
Strategic MoUs Expand Regional Collaboration
A major highlight of the conclave was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) that expand cooperation across the region’s digital economy ecosystem.
The first signing saw ACCESS Malaysia, representing UDECO, formalise strategic partnerships with ACCESS Singapore, the Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM) and Women in Tech. The agreements transform the initiative’s founding coalition into a broader international partnership network dedicated to advancing digital innovation across ASEAN.
According to Daniel Lo, Director of ACCESS Singapore, the partnership reflects the growing need for regional cooperation as ASEAN enters a new phase of digital infrastructure development.
He noted that while the previous cycle of digital innovation was largely driven by speculation, the next phase will be defined by infrastructure that requires coordinated efforts across borders. He added that DEFA provides ASEAN with a common rulebook, while UDECO offers the platform to translate those principles into practical implementation.
TEIZA Broadens Malaysia’s Digital Consortium Ecosystem
The second MoU signing focused on expanding the ecosystem surrounding TEIZA, the infrastructure supporting UDECO.
TEIZA entered into strategic agreements with three organisations:
- Morpheus, a decentralised AI compute network;
- Sole AI, which develops agentic money operations for merchants; and
- Ingots, a Malaysia-based dual-asset trading platform.
The partnerships extend the Malaysia Digital Consortium—formerly known as the Malaysia Blockchain Consortium—beyond its existing collaborations with government agencies and financial institutions into artificial intelligence infrastructure, venture development and retail-focused digital asset solutions.
Harpreet Singh Maan, CEO and Co-Founder of TEIZA, said the core philosophy behind UDECO is centred on collaboration, co-ownership and shared governance.
He explained that the initiative is building a shared technology infrastructure designed to create tangible value for all stakeholders by bringing together organisations capable of leveraging artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies to drive digital economy innovation. He also invited governments, institutions and industry bodies to participate in the growing ecosystem.
Industry Leaders Discuss Web3 and Cross-Border Payments
Beyond the signing ceremonies, the conclave featured expert panel discussions examining key developments shaping ASEAN’s digital future.
The first session explored policy and institutional adoption of Web3 across ASEAN, featuring representatives from ACCESS Singapore, FAOM and ACCESS Malaysia.
A second panel focused on cross-border payment rails for stablecoins, with speakers from TEIZA and ACCESS Singapore, moderated by Women in Tech.
The discussions highlighted the growing importance of secure digital infrastructure, blockchain adoption and regional collaboration as governments and businesses prepare for greater digital integration.
A Collaborative Model for ASEAN’s Digital Future
Beyond the formal partnerships, the inaugural UDECO Kuala Lumpur Conclave demonstrated a collaborative approach to digital economy governance by bringing together blockchain associations, fintech organisations and technology advocacy groups under a shared regional initiative.
The event showcased a framework in which regulators, industry leaders and civil society organisations work collectively to shape ASEAN’s digital economy while supporting the implementation of regional initiatives such as DEFA.
As ASEAN moves towards a more connected digital future, UDECO aims to serve as a neutral platform that enables cooperation across borders, helping transform policy into practical digital infrastructure that supports innovation, trade and long-term economic growth.
