20/05/2026
Strengthening women led networks for responsible digital transformation 👩💻💡
As part of the ASEAN-Australia Centre Short Course on “Digital Transformation: Balancing Innovation, Integrity and Inclusion”, women leaders from across ASEAN and Australia have come together at The University of Queensland to deepen their leadership practice and strengthen regional networks shaping the future of digital governance.
Moving beyond foundational concepts, participants engaged with applied policy and practice through sessions on AI regulation, cybersecurity, digital inclusion and youth wellbeing. Panel discussions with government, industry and academic experts were complemented by a site visit to Oracle, offering practical insights into how AI and data systems are currently being implemented in government contexts. This integration of policy dialogue and real‑world application grounded learning in the realities of digital transformation.
Whilst spending time on Quandamooka Country with Yura Tours, conversations about digital transformation reflected broader discussions of culture, community, trust, and responsibility – allowing participants to consider on how technology and governance frameworks intersect. A key focus of the program has been the development of participant Capstone Projects, which seek to develop practical initiatives that address real-world digital transformation challenges across the region. Through collaborative hackathons and expert guidance, participants are advancing solutions that promote inclusive growth, strengthen digital trust, and respond to emerging risks such as misinformation and inequitable digital systems.
As participants return to their organisations, the networks and projects developed through the program will continue to evolve, supporting sustained leadership, collaboration and action across the region. As one participant reflected:
🗣️ ”The highlights of the course were gaining a comparative understanding of digital entrepreneurship across ASEAN and Australia, particularly how AI, digital platforms, and data-driven models shape venture creation in different contexts. The discussions on responsible digital transformation, especially around trust, misinformation, and ethical AI, were particularly relevant to my teaching and research. A meaningful highlight was also the opportunity to be surrounded by women in leadership. Engaging with female academics, policymakers, and industry practitioners was both inspiring and empowering, providing a strong sense of representation and support.”
UQ International Development thanks the ASEAN-Australia Centre for their support, and celebrates the leadership of Associate Professor Christoph Breidbach, Professor Stan Karanasios, Dr Angela Romano, as well as the valued inputs of facilitators and guest speakers who made this program possible.
ASEAN UQ Business School