ASEAN Business Advisory Council Executive Director Patrick Chua and Chairman Jose Ma. Concepcion III, PSAC Lead for Digital Infrastructure Myla Villanueva, and GoDigital Philippines chair Atty. Mark S. Gorriceta seal a partnership to support digital inclusion and AI-driven growth ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Summit in the Philippines 
BUSINESS

PSAC-DI, ASEAN-BAC forge digital pact for 2026 ASEAN Summit

DT

The Private Sector Advisory Council–Digital Infrastructure (PSAC-DI), the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and GoDigital Philippines have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating digital transformation and supporting the Philippines’ preparations as host of the 2026 ASEAN Summit.

The three groups signed a memorandum of agreement establishing a cooperative framework for policy dialogue, stakeholder consultations and joint programs focused on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence adoption and digital inclusion across Southeast Asia.

The partnership, which runs through December 2026, seeks to align private sector initiatives with ASEAN-BAC priorities and the Philippine government’s digital agenda, including programs for micro, small and medium enterprises, emerging technologies and regional digital economy integration.

The signing was led by PSAC-DI Sector Lead Myla Villanueva, ASEAN-BAC Philippines Chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III and GoDigital Philippines Chair Atty. Mark S. Gorriceta, with representatives from partner organizations present.

“This partnership underscores the private sector’s readiness to support the Philippines’ role as ASEAN host and to help shape a more inclusive, innovative, and secure digital future for the region,” Villanueva said. “Through collaboration with ASEAN-BAC and GoDigital Philippines, we aim to ensure that digital transformation translates into real opportunities for Filipino businesses and communities.”

Under the agreement, PSAC will collaborate with ASEAN-BAC and GoDigital Philippines to facilitate policy discussions and stakeholder engagements, including participation in ASEAN-level consultations and working groups.

The partnership will also support MSME development through consultations, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives, as well as joint contributions to regional programs and priority workstreams on digital transformation and innovation.

In addition, the groups will coordinate on preparing policy inputs, identifying speakers and mobilizing industry sponsorships for events related to the 2026 ASEAN Summit.

The initiative forms part of PSAC’s broader efforts to strengthen public-private collaboration in advancing the country’s digital infrastructure and transformation agenda.