{
  "id": 9526046,
  "title": "Digital, AI capabilities seen as key business drivers across ASEAN",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/digital-ai-capabilities-seen-as-key-business-drivers-across-asean",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-24T07:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Philippine Star Business",
    "slug": "philippine-star-business",
    "url": "https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/09/24/2558640/digital-ai-capabilities-seen-key-business-drivers-across-asean"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Manila, Philippines — Globe Telecom is bolstering its digital and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities as it anticipates growing demand from Philippine businesses seeking expansion opportunities across Southeast Asia, as the nation advances toward deeper digital integration. This strategic move follows the conclusion of negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) in May 2026. The proposed agreement aims to streamline cross-border digital trade, data flows, electronic payments, cybersecurity cooperation, and the adoption of emerging technologies throughout the region.\n\nGlobe disclosed a capital expenditure of PHP 26.3 billion in the first half of 2026, with approximately 91% directed towards data-related initiatives focused on enhancing network capacity and improving service quality. The company also reported record Corporate Data revenues of PHP 11 billion for the period, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to sustained demand for connectivity, information and communications technology (ICT), and digital solutions from enterprise customers.\n\nGlobe President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Cruz emphasized that a more interconnected ASEAN expands market opportunities for Philippine businesses. The company posits that it can aid these businesses in achieving their growth objectives by providing the necessary connectivity and digital capabilities, while also assisting regional firms in establishing and expanding their presence in the Philippines.\n\nTo address these needs, Globe is enhancing its enterprise offerings in connectivity, cloud services, cybersecurity, data, and AI. The company has already forged partnerships with regional telecommunications operators, global technology firms, and startups, granting businesses access to a broader spectrum of services and expertise beyond the domestic market. Globe has also acknowledged the increasing significance of AI within its operations, with over 260 AI use cases currently in development or implementation. These applications are geared towards enhancing customer experience, optimizing network management, and driving innovation in new products and services.\n\nFurthermore, Globe is modernizing its transport network, expanding fiber infrastructure, and bolstering network resilience to accommodate the surging demand from AI applications, cloud platforms, and connected devices. These investments are intended to facilitate enterprises in adopting AI and other emerging technologies, thereby improving operational efficiency, elevating customer service, and fostering the development of novel products as businesses increasingly engage in the region’s digital economy.",
  "summary": "As ASEAN moves toward a more integrated digital economy, Philippine businesses will have more opportunities to reach customers, partners and markets across the region.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}