Marcos stresses ASEAN digital economy, cybersecurity

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of the digital economy and robust cybersecurity during the ASEAN plenary session.

Marcos stressed the need for ASEAN to invest in cybersecurity protections, equip people with digital skills, and build infrastructure to achieve its goal of becoming the world's fourth largest economy by 2030.

The region has drafted the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to boost Southeast Asia's digital economy to $2 trillion, benefiting over 70 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Philippine conventions are being held to teach MSMEs digital skills to help them promote their brands online.

Marcos also called on ASEAN leaders to adopt sustainable agricultural practices to address supply chain disruptions and extreme weather events.

In the Philippines, Marcos approved the National Cybersecurity Plan for 2024-2028 to provide operational guidelines for building the country's cybersecurity posture.