PH Businesses Boosted by Globe's AI, Digital Infrastructure Amid ASEAN Integration

Philippine businesses seeking growth opportunities across Southeast Asia gained new momentum as telecommunications firm Globe Telecom expands its digital and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities amid the country’s push for deeper digital integration. According to Globe, Philippine companies expanding into regional markets will require reliable connectivity, digital infrastructure and technology support, while foreign firms entering the Philippines will need similar capabilities to establish and scale their operations. “A more connected ASEAN opens a bigger market for Philippine businesses. Globe can help them get there by providing the connectivity and digital capabilities they need to grow, while also helping companies from across the region establish and expand their presence in the Philippines,” Globe president and Chief Executive Officer Carl Cruz said. Globe said it is strengthening its enterprise offerings in connectivity, cloud services, cybersecurity, data, and AI. It added that its partnerships with regional telecommunications operators, global technology companies and startups provide businesses with access to services and expertise beyond the domestic market. The company said AI is becoming a larger part of its operations, with more than 260 AI use cases currently being implemented or developed across the organization. These applications are focused on areas such as customer experience, network management, and the development of new products and services. Globe also said it is modernizing its transport network, expanding fiber infrastructure and improving network resiliency to support increasing demand from AI applications, cloud platforms, and connected devices. Investments are intended to help enterprises adopt AI and other emerging technologies to improve operations, enhance customer service and develop new products as businesses increasingly participate in the region’s digital economy. Negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) concluded in May 2026. The proposed agreement is expected to facilitate cross-border digital trade, data flows, electronic payments, cybersecurity cooperation, and the adoption of emerging technologies across the region. Globe reported capital expenditures of P26.3 billion in the first half of 2026, with about 91% allocated to data-related initiatives aimed at expanding network capacity and improving service quality. The company also posted record Corporate Data revenues of P11 billion during the period, up 15% from a year earlier, driven by continued demand for connectivity, information and communications technology (ICT), and digital solutions from enterprise customers. —AOL, GMA News