Manila:Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for inclusive growth and prosperity in the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Marcos emphasized the importance of making AI accessible, affordable, and beneficial, especially for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Speaking at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2026, he highlighted the need for AI adoption, training, and support to help entrepreneurs optimize resources and expand their customer base.

Marcos discussed the transformative impact of AI on production, communication, and work. He outlined the Philippines' initiatives to promote responsible AI use, focusing on empowering MSMEs and enhancing the health sector. He stressed the significance of collaboration among governments, businesses, researchers, and the public to ensure AI advancements serve the public good.

In healthcare, Marcos pointed out AI's potential to improve service delivery, optimize resources, and make quality services more accessible. He called for regional cooperation in research and innovation to support ethical AI development in health.

The President encouraged business leaders to invest in local capabilities and prepare workers for future opportunities. He urged ABIS participants to identify challenges and propose solutions for regional support, emphasizing the need for policy improvement and deeper cooperation.

The Philippines is hosting the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits with the theme “Navigating our Future, Together,” from November 15 to 17.