(Screenshot from PCO video)
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to maximize the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate economic growth, strengthen businesses and promote inclusive prosperity across Southeast Asia.
In a video message delivered during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2026, Marcos called for stronger cooperation between governments and the private sector to make AI technologies more accessible, affordable and beneficial, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“For MSMEs, we are advancing an approach that brings AI adoption together with training and practical support. Our aim is to help entrepreneurs spend less time on repetitive tasks, make better use of their resources, and reach more customers,” Marcos said.
The President emphasized that smaller businesses must be equipped with the necessary skills and safeguards to confidently adopt emerging technologies.
“An entrepreneur should have the opportunity to use these tools with confidence, supported by the skills to understand them and the safeguards to protect the businesses and its customers,” he added.
Marcos noted that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, creating opportunities to improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness and expand access to economic opportunities.
He said AI “is changing the way that we produce, discover, communicate, and work.”
Philippines pushes responsible AI adoption
As ASEAN chair for 2026, the Philippines is advancing regional initiatives focused on responsible AI adoption, particularly in supporting MSMEs and improving healthcare services.
Marcos stressed that technological advancement must be accompanied by investments in human capital, stronger public trust and cooperation among governments, businesses and researchers.
“In both areas, progress will require close cooperation among governments, businesses, researchers, and the people who will use these technologies every day. We must invest in our people as deliberately as we invest in technology. We must strengthen trust as we expand access. And we must ensure that innovation serves the public good,” he said.
The President highlighted the importance of ensuring that technological progress benefits smaller enterprises and communities that may otherwise struggle to access advanced digital tools.
He said AI adoption should help entrepreneurs improve efficiency, manage resources and reach wider markets while protecting businesses and consumers from potential risks.
AI seen improving healthcare delivery
Marcos also identified healthcare as a priority sector where artificial intelligence could improve service delivery and expand access to quality medical care.
He said AI-powered technologies could assist healthcare professionals, optimize limited medical resources and help underserved communities receive better services.
“We are promoting regional cooperation in research and innovation to support the safe, ethical, and equitable development of AI applications for health. This can strengthen the work of our health professionals, improve the use of limited resources, and help bring better services within reach of more communities,” Marcos said.
The President emphasized that regional cooperation would be essential in developing AI applications that meet ethical and safety standards while addressing the healthcare needs of ASEAN populations.
Marcos calls for investments in people, innovation
Addressing business leaders and investors, Marcos encouraged greater investments in initiatives that develop local capabilities, support smaller enterprises and prepare workers for emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
He also urged the private sector to strengthen regional supply chains, expand market access and contribute to ASEAN’s long-term economic resilience.
Marcos challenged participants at the business summit to be “ambitious and specific” in identifying obstacles to economic development and proposing solutions that could gain broader regional support.
“The Philippine government will continue to work with you. Your experience helps us understand where policy must improve, where cooperation must deepen, and where our shared efforts can make the greatest difference,” he said.
The President stressed that cooperation between policymakers and business leaders would be crucial in translating technological innovation into tangible economic benefits.
“Let us build the connections that turn ideas into enterprise, share the knowledge that enables our people to advance, and ensure that the prosperity that we create reaches communities across Asia,” Marcos added.
The ASEAN Business and Investment Summit brings together regional and global leaders, policymakers, business executives, multilateral institutions and industry experts to discuss economic opportunities and challenges facing Southeast Asia.
The Philippines is hosting the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from November 15 to 17 under its 2026 chairmanship theme, “Navigating our Future, Together.”
The meetings are expected to advance discussions on regional economic integration, digital transformation, innovation and cooperation among ASEAN member states and their international partners.
