In April 2024, quantum physicists from five Southeast Asian countries convened to discuss national quantum strategies and regional collaboration opportunities. Representatives from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines participated in the meeting, which was organized in preparation for the International Year of Quantum Science and Technologies 2025.
As a result, the Southeast Asia Quantum Network (SEA Quantum Network) was established. According to the World Quantum Day website, the network is a grassroots initiative that brings together quantum scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers to build a regional quantum ecosystem. Three pilot events were scheduled for 2025: QISTCon.ph 2025 in the Philippines, the SEA Quantathon in Thailand, and the ASEAN Quantum Summit in Malaysia.
Vietnam later joined the network and organized its first World Quantum Day event. The SEA Quantum Network operates as an informal coordination mechanism rather than an official ASEAN body, but its formation marked the first structured cross-border quantum collaboration effort in the region.