By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – The Philippines will host the ASEAN Center of Excellence for Creative Industries (ACE-CI), a regional platform aimed at strengthening cooperation, innovation and the development of creative industries across Southeast Asia.
ASEAN leaders adopted the declaration establishing the center during the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on Sunday, positioning the Philippines as host of a regional hub for research, policy support, knowledge exchange and capacity-building in the creative economy.
The center will support the development of a more competitive and sustainable creative industries ecosystem through research, exchange f best practices, innovation and evidence-based policymaking.
It will also promote digital transformation, intellectual property awareness and protection, and the use of emerging technologies to improve the competitiveness of creative industries across the region.
Under the declaration, ASEAN member-states are encouraged to use the center to strengthen entrepreneurship, skills development and access to financing, technology and markets for creative entrepreneurs and professionals.
The initiative also seeks to expand opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, artists, artisans, women, youth, freelancers and local communities, while promoting ASEAN creative products and services
The center will support the responsible commercialization of creative goods and services while safeguarding the region’s traditional and cultural expressions. (PNA)
