Marcos looks to Singapore to advance ASEAN digital pact in 2027

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr wants Singapore to carry forward ASEAN’s digital integration plans when it becomes chair in 2027. Speaking to The Straits Times on Oct 8, he said artificial intelligence should be a priority as the region moves towards implementing its digital economy agreement.

The Digital Economy Framework Agreement, or DEFA, is expected to be formally signed in November during the Philippines’ chairmanship. It aims to create shared rules covering digital trade, data transfers across borders, electronic payments and other digital economic activities.

Marcos said he had spoken with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong about keeping regional programmes moving beyond each member’s one-year term as chair. He described Singapore as a leader in digitalisation and AI that could guide implementation, including efforts to benefit from the technology while addressing its risks.

He also wants Singapore to draw on its role as a financial and commercial hub to strengthen trade within ASEAN. Trade among members represents only about 24 per cent of the grouping’s total, he said, arguing for closer integration amid pandemic-related disruptions, wars and changes in US trade policy.

On employment, Marcos said AI would change labour markets and threaten jobs. Governments should fund worker retraining and coordinate with businesses to match programmes to industry requirements, he said. He added that his administration had introduced social support to assist workers moving into new jobs.

Marcos is visiting Singapore from Oct 7 to 11 for meetings with political and business leaders. He hopes to expand bilateral cooperation in AI, healthcare and digital infrastructure through partnerships lasting beyond his presidency, which ends in 2028. Singapore ranks second among foreign investors in the Philippines, behind South Korea.