The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) has called for a more inclusive and borderless ASEAN digital economy.

During his keynote speech at the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026 on Tuesday at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport City, Pasay, ASEAN BAC Philippines Chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III also called for a more inclusive and borderless ASEAN digital economy.

The summit brought together policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, technology leaders and innovators from across Southeast Asia to discuss digital trade, financial technology, artificial intelligence (AI), cross-border payments, and the future of the region’s digital economy.

Digital transformation

Concepcion stressed that ASEAN’s digital transformation must create opportunities for everyone, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women entrepreneurs and other underrepresented sectors.

“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,” Concepcion said.

According to Concepcion, technology has become a powerful equalizer by giving entrepreneurs greater access to markets, digital finance, and new business opportunities.

“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,” he emphasized.

Remains committed

Concepcion added that ASEAN-BAC Philippines remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of the country’s ASEAN Chairmanship will trickle down to the “bottom of the pyramid” by bringing opportunities closer to ordinary Filipinos.

“So how do we make it inclusive? The only way is to share with our Filipino people what is happening,” he said, citing the Trabaho at Negosyo initiative as a platform to engage more Filipinos and demonstrate how they, too, can participate in ASEAN’s economic integration. Trabaho at Negosyo is the Go Negosyo program which conducts free entrepreneurship mentoring and job matching at urban centers nationwide.

Joining the opening program was ASEAN-BAC Philippines senior adviser for Digital and AI Josephine Romero, who outlined the council’s vision for accelerating Southeast Asia’s digital transformation.

Milestone

She announced that, under the Philippines’ ASEAN-BAC chairmanship, the council has established its first-ever Permanent Working Group for Digital and Innovation, a milestone in the organization’s 25-year history.

Romero also highlighted the successful conclusion of negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, describing it as a landmark initiative that will reshape the region’s digital space.

Similarly, she 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.

“Mentorship can no longer be just about basic business accounting or local marketing,” Romero said. “AMEN 2.0 is an expanded, tech-enabled framework that equips MSMEs with money, markets, and mentorship.”

ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026

The two-day ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026 is organized by FinTech Alliance PH.

The summit convened regional policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and technology leaders to advance collaboration on digital trade, financial inclusion, ethical AI, and innovation, reinforcing ASEAN’s vision of a secure, sustainable, inclusive and borderless digital economy.