Zetrix AI and Shenzhen Data Exchange Build ASEAN-China Cross-Border Data Trading Platform

This collaboration opens opportunities for secure and measurable data monetisation while fostering the development of a cross-border data trading ecosystem across ASEAN and China.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, (ANTARA/PRNewswire) – Zetrix AI Berhad (‘Zetrix AI’) and Shenzhen Data Exchange Co. Ltd. (‘SZDEX’) have announced plans to establish a cross-regional data trading platform for the secure monetisation of data as a strategic asset in ASEAN. The platform will also facilitate regulated data product movement between ASEAN and China, marking a significant step towards building a more integrated cross-border data trading ecosystem.

With a population of nearly 700 million and the status of the world’s fifth-largest economy, ASEAN possesses vast data reserves with significant economic potential. However, much of this potential remains underutilised.

In contrast, China’s data transaction value is projected to reach approximately RMB 50 billion by 2025. Many companies using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance business efficiency are among the most active data buyers. Through this collaboration, Zetrix AI and SZDEX aim to position ASEAN as a leading global data trading hub.

Both parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on data resource development and utilisation, enhancing data security and privacy protection, as well as strengthening cooperation in policy, regulation, and technological innovation.

1. Collaborating to Build Regional Data Trading Infrastructure and Develop Data Circulation Platforms

Zetrix AI and SZDEX will develop a standardised, regulation-compliant data circulation and utilisation platform for ASEAN. The platform will feature data trading rules, quality control systems, and security mechanisms tailored to the region’s characteristics, aiming to achieve efficient integration and orderly data resource circulation as a benchmark for ASEAN’s data element market development. Both parties will also assess the feasibility and regulatory needs for establishing and operating a data exchange in ASEAN.

2. Promoting Bidirectional ASEAN-China Data Flow and Establishing ASEAN-China Data Interconnection Framework

The collaboration will aggregate high-quality data sources from ASEAN and China across sectors such as tourism, trade, finance, government, manufacturing, and agriculture. The two parties will build an interconnection system enabling bidirectional data movement between ASEAN and China, including data compliance standards, ownership registration, and transaction settlement mechanisms to ensure secure and efficient cross-border data flows.

3. Strengthening ASEAN-China Cross-Border Data Ecosystem Collaboration

Zetrix AI and SZDEX agreed to deepen collaboration in building an increasingly integrated cross-border data ecosystem between ASEAN and China. This includes addressing strategic issues such as cross-border data governance, regulatory compliance, innovative data transactions, and supporting technology development and application. As part of this effort, both parties will host joint activities like roadshows, seminars, and ASEAN-China data collaboration forums. They plan to establish an industry collaboration platform bringing together businesses, regulators, and stakeholders across the cross-border data supply chain. Beyond expanding collaboration networks, they will conduct joint research to develop new business models and mechanisms for cross-border data circulation. Both parties will also review data trading regulations, data protection and security systems, and operational models applicable in China and ASEAN countries. Through these steps, they aim to establish industry standards that support the growth of a secure, trustworthy, and sustainable cross-border data trading ecosystem.

Zetrix AI and SZDEX emphasised that data security and regulatory compliance will be the foundation of all initiatives. Through this partnership, both parties seek to unlock the economic value of data assets in ASEAN and China while upholding privacy and data security.

This collaboration also strengthens Zetrix AI’s global standing following its role as a founding member and inaugural board member of the World Data Organization, as well as ASEAN’s primary representative. This participation further underscores Zetrix AI’s role in advancing secure, responsible, and efficient global data asset utilisation and trade.

In recent years, Zetrix AI has actively strengthened ASEAN-China technology collaboration through strategic initiatives, including establishing the ASEAN-China AI Lab, developing the Layer-1 Zetrix blockchain platform as an international supernode for China’s national blockchain network Xinghuo, launching the ZTrade customs processing application with China’s General Administration of Customs, and co-developing the blockchain-based Avatar trust protocol for AI agents with the Chinese Academy of Information and Communications Technology. These efforts reflect Zetrix AI’s ongoing commitment to enhancing ASEAN-China digital connectivity and driving economic growth.