Marcos Urges Asean Firms to Make AI Accessible
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Southeast Asian businesses to make AI tools affordable for smaller enterprises during a regional investment summit in Manila.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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In a video message shown at the Asean Business and Investment Summit 2026 in Manila, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged regional businesses to make artificial intelligence tools affordable and accessible to micro, small and medium enterprises. He called on technology companies, investors and established firms to support smaller businesses with tools, capital and shared expertise.
Why it matters
Smaller businesses must be equipped to compete in an increasingly technology-driven economy, and the call links AI adoption to practical training and support for MSMEs. It also reflects the Philippines' push to make responsible AI use a priority of its development agenda during its Asean chairship.
The call centers on AI-powered MSME growth and AI for health, two priority economic deliverables the Philippines has advanced through its Asean chairship. No specific technical specifications, capacity figures or deployment metrics were cited in the statement.
The players
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the President of the Philippines, who during the Philippines' Asean chairship has made responsible AI development a priority of the national agenda.
The details
Marcos called on technology companies to provide accessible AI tools, investors to back enterprises with growth potential, and established businesses to open their supply chains and share expertise with smaller firms. He also urged governments, businesses, researchers and the technology sector to work together so AI-driven innovation benefits the public, and said the Philippines is promoting regional cooperation on AI applications for health.
Timeline
November 14, 2026: Marcos delivers the video message at the Asean Business and Investment Summit 2026 in Manila.
The Tech Race
The call extends the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025's regional digital-economy goals by applying them specifically to AI access for small enterprises. It positions Southeast Asia's policy push on AI against larger technology competition between governments and private firms in the region.
For small business owners in Southeast Asia, the call signals potential access to AI tools and training that could change how they run operations. Entrepreneurs are expected to be able to use AI tools confidently, with the necessary skills and safeguards in place.
The takeaway
Smaller businesses that begin learning AI tools now may be better positioned as regional support programs expand. Watching how governments pair AI access with training will show which programs deliver practical results.
Further reading
Explore more on Artificial Intelligence to see how governments and companies are expanding access to these tools.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Inquirer.
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