The Silicon Review ^Asia

Asia is one of the most digitally engaged continents of the world. In China alone, there are 751 million active internet users and the social media penetration has reached 65 per cent.

The figure is low when compared to the G20 nations but it is still above the global average of 42 per cent and an impressive feat when the population and country size is taken into consideration.

The Asean bloc isn’t lagging too far behind with 58 per cent of the population having access to the internet and 55 per cent using social media on a regular basis. However, a closer look at the individual countries reveals that many other countries are already boasting statistics above China. Singapore has an 84 per cent penetration rate and 83 per cent social media; Malaysia has 79 per cent and 74 per cent respectively and Brunei has a whopping 95 per cent for each. However, countries like Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, that have large rural communities and poor infrastructure are still lagging behind and struggling to meet the digital needs of their citizens.

Rural China still has low digital penetration but over the years, they have taken steps to help boost the connectivity rates for those who are living in the most remote parts of the country.