Concepcion urges inclusive ASEAN digital economy

MANILA, Philippines — As chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC), businessman Jose Ma. Concepcion III stressed the need for a more inclusive and borderless digital economy in the region. Asean’s digital transformation must create opportunities for everyone, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women entrepreneurs, and other underrepresented sectors, Concepcion said. The Go Negosyo founder made the call in a keynote speech at the Asean Tech Summit Manila 2026, which on Tuesday brought together policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, technology leaders, and innovators from across Asean. READ: Metro Manila reopens door to new ecozones “We want to have an inclusive economy. Many of these people who are in micro business are women. These are the people we must help,” he added. “Digitalization has done wonders by providing access to markets, fintech, and these new technologies. This will enable our entrepreneurs to scale up. Asean will only be successful if we truly make it inclusive.” READ: Nearly 1 in 5 Filipino jobs now tied to digital economy Asean-BAC Philippines is committed to ensuring that the benefits of the country’s Asean chairship this year will trickle down to the “bottom of the pyramid” by bringing opportunities closer to ordinary Filipinos, he said. “So how do we make it inclusive? The only way is to share with our Filipino people what is happening,” he said, citing Go Negosyo’s Trabaho at Negosyo initiative as a platform for engaging more Filipinos and demonstrating how they can participate in Asean’s economic integration. Also at the summit, Asean-BAC Philippines senior adviser for digital and AI Josephine Romero outlined the council’s vision for accelerating the region’s digital shift. Under the Philippine chairship, the council established its first Permanent Working Group for Digital and Innovation, a milestone in its 25-year history, she said. Romero also highlighted the successful conclusion of negotiations for the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement, and also shared details of AMEN 2.0, the next phase of the Asean Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network, which was launched in 2017 during Concepcion’s first year as Asean-BAC chair. The two-day summit was organized by FinTech Alliance PH. —CONTRIBUTED