Latest news with #ASEANBAC
Coin Geek
4 days ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
Philippines' Marcos says ASEAN can be center for AI excellence
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Philippine President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has expressed support for the establishment of an ASEAN Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing the importance of collaboration, ethical standards, and inclusivity in shaping the region's digital future. Speaking at the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Marcos acknowledged the potential of the ASEAN bloc to lead in responsible AI development. 'We fully support this initiative and recognize its potential for a future ASEAN Centre of Excellence for AI, built on innovation, ethical standards, and transparency,' he said, referring to the ASEAN-BAC's flagship AI Engagement Platform. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos boarding the flight to Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit. (Source: Bongbong Marcos/Facebook) Strategic digital governance The AI Engagement Platform, led by ASEAN-BAC, is a regional initiative designed to unite public and private sector stakeholders to develop cohesive policies around AI and its application in Southeast Asia. Marcos underscored the importance of this approach, describing it as timely and forward-looking. 'The AI Engagement Platform offers a timely and strategic approach to digital governance across our region,' he said. The president highlighted that the initiative promotes responsible and inclusive AI practices, ensuring that technological progress serves all levels of society. 'By fostering collaboration on responsible and inclusive AI, [the AI Engagement Platform] ensures that technological advancements benefit all segments of society,' he added. AI for people-centered development Marcos noted that an ASEAN AI Centre of Excellence could help shape a future-ready regional ecosystem grounded in ethical principles and shared values. 'Such [a] center can lead in shaping an AI ecosystem that empowers our people, safeguards our values, and contributes to sustainable development throughout our region,' Marcos said. He also emphasized that the future of ASEAN's digital economy must prioritize the welfare of its citizens and communities through inclusive innovation. Human capital and digital skills Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26. (Source: Presidential Communications Office) In his remarks, Marcos turned his attention to human capital development, calling for sustained investments in education and digital literacy. He welcomed the ASEAN Talent Development and Mobility Initiative, another ASEAN-BAC project, as an essential step toward equipping the region's workforce for the future. 'We must continue to invest in our people. A digitally literate, adaptable workforce is the foundation for any progress we hope to achieve,' he said. The initiative aims to strengthen human capital through student mobility programs, skills training, and digital literacy enhancement, all of which Marcos described as 'essential in preparing the region's workforce for the future of work.' Support for digital economy framework Marcos also backed the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), an initiative intended to strengthen regional digital integration and promote economic resilience. He acknowledged the private sector's contribution to developing the framework and emphasized that digital infrastructure and policy must complement workforce development. 'Above all, we must continue to invest in our people,' Marcos said. 'A digitally literate, adaptable workforce is the foundation for any progress we hope to achieve.' Easing trade barriers and enhancing MSME support Moreover, Marcos addressed ASEAN-BAC's concerns regarding the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), calling for regulatory reforms that do not hinder commerce. 'While regulations are certainly necessary, we must ensure that they do not become trade barriers,' he said. He proposed that ASEAN explore 'strategic trade management' strategies to balance open markets and economic security. Marcos also praised efforts to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which form the backbone of the region's economy. The president welcomed the roadmap for a Unique Business Identification Number (UBIN), a mechanism aimed at facilitating cross-border business for MSMEs and improving their access to larger regional markets. Confidence amid global uncertainty Amid global uncertainties, including trade policy changes and geopolitical tensions, Marcos reassured regional stakeholders of ASEAN's commitment to stability and cooperation. 'Even as trade tensions and policy uncertainties remain, the private sector can find assurance in ASEAN's quiet resolve to uphold stability and deepen economic cooperation,' he said. 'By ensuring that trade remains both open and secure, we aim to foster a more trusted and resilient economic environment.' The role of ASEAN-BAC The ASEAN-BAC, formed in 2001, plays a central role in advising and collaborating with ASEAN governments on business and economic issues. Its initiatives on AI, digital talent development, and trade facilitation reflect a growing focus on digitalization as ASEAN works toward its 2045 vision of a connected and resilient regional economy. Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela Ponce echoed this sentiment, noting that Marcos 'supports the call for digital transformation and the establishment of a digital economy in ASEAN.' In order for artificial intelligence (AI) to work right within the law and thrive in the face of growing challenges, it needs to integrate an enterprise blockchain system that ensures data input quality and ownership—allowing it to keep data safe while also guaranteeing the immutability of data. Check out CoinGeek's coverage on this emerging tech to learn more why Enterprise blockchain will be the backbone of AI . Watch: The Philippines is moving toward blockchain-enabled tech title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
Malay Mail
26-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
ASEAN leaders meet today in KL for 46th summit, to sign declaration on region's future
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Leaders from across Southeast Asia converge in the Malaysian capital today for a crucial summit and a series of high-level related meetings to deliberate on key regional matters. The packed itinerary begins with the 46th ASEAN Summit (Plenary), followed by the 46th ASEAN Summit (Retreat), in which leaders will engage in discussions on challenges, strategic priorities, and efforts to reinforce regional unity. Also on the schedule are the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Inter Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of ASEAN Youth and the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representatives of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC). The day's focal point is the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future, a strategic milestone that will shape the region's next phase of community-building. The day will wrap up with ASEAN leaders enjoying an evening of delicious local delicacies and vibrant cultural performances at a Gala Dinner hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. The 46th ASEAN Summit is being held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This marks Malaysia's fifth term as ASEAN Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements—the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit—will be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation. — Bernama
