The ongoing negotiation of the ASEAN Digital Economic Framework Agreement (DEFA)  marks a critical juncture for Southeast Asia. This is not a benign technical agreement but a political compact that will determine whether the region’s digital future is one of genuine, inclusive development or one of permanent subordination to Global North corporate power. As Timor-Leste joins the DEFA table for the first time , it must stand on the principles of right to shape its own developm
