The Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) seeks to facilitate cross-border digital transactions by establishing common frameworks for areas such as digital identities, online consumer protection, electronic payments, cybersecurity, data governance, and emerging technologies.
The Philippines has convened the first Asean Regional Geographical Indications (GI) Forum and Exhibition, highlighting the role of GIs in rural development, cultural preservation, and tourism.
The Philippines is pushing for stronger regional cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) as part of its role as Asean chair, with top officials highlighting both the opportunities and gaps in the region’s digital transformation efforts.
Asean’s digital economy is projected to grow from $300 billion to $1 trillion by 2030, making AI readiness a strategic priority for member states, including the Philippines.
The Department of Education is stepping up regional collaboration with Southeast Asian counterparts to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence–driven digital infrastructure in basic education, framing technology as a practical tool to improve learning outcomes and reduce teachers’ administrative workload.
In the Philippines, ManageEngine reported 40% growth in 2025, outperforming the overall Asean average. The company now serves more than 600 enterprise customers locally and recorded a 20% increase in new customer acquisitions.
The appointment of Paul Carvouni as senior vice president and general manager for Southeast Asia comes as Salesforce opened a new office in the Philippines in October 2025.
Asean’s critical infrastructure organizations experienced the highest breach costs, with financial services participants saw the costliest breaches at $5.57 million.
Tech giant Epson has announced its collaboration with Asean Fashion Designers Showcase (AFDS) to raise awareness on sustainable fashion through innovative technology.
