JAKARTA, Indonesia – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called for an inclusive digital transformation among the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, saying that growth only matters when it is inclusive.

In his intervention at the 43rd ASEAN Summit Plenary here, Marcos said that the digital transformation of the economy has granted ASEAN the opportunity to overcome geographic limitations and deepen economic integration.

"The interoperability of our systems, in terms of digital trade, digital payments, and the like, should foster a vibrant digital economy that is interconnected as it is secure," Marcos said.

He also called for increased support for the participation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups in the digital and creative economies.

"Creativity and innovation are the way to the future," Marcos said. "Let us strengthen collaboration and align our policies, including establishing a regional scope of the creative economy, closing financing gaps, and managing digital readiness capacities."

Marcos also stressed the importance of ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of digital transformation.

"We must continue to prepare our people, especially the marginalized and the vulnerable, for the digital future," Marcos said. "The citizens of ASEAN should reskill and upskill to maintain their leading roles in our economies."

He also called for improving digital infrastructure and providing safe and secure digital learning opportunities.

"Improving access to safe and secure digital learning opportunities, fostering digital literacy, and developing transferable skills in ASEAN will therefore remain our priority," Marcos said.