The Malaysian Embassy recently hosted an event titled “Investing in Innovation in ASEAN: The Case Study of the Philippines and Malaysia.”
This gathering brought together prominent leaders and experts from both nations to discuss advancing digital empowerment and fostering regional cooperation within the ASEAN community.
Photo shows (from left:) Jove Tapiador, Co-Founder/VP, Fintech Philippines Association; Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castellino Anthony, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines; Antonilo DC Mauricio, General Manager of NDC; and Amor Maclang, Lead Convenor of Digital Pilipinas; during a fireside chat on ASEAN innovation integration.
Aligning efforts for regional cooperation and progress
Held ahead of Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, the event provided a strategic platform to align efforts for regional cooperation and progress. Malaysia and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to advancing collective aspirations within ASEAN.
A key highlight was the announcement of a partnership between Digital Pilipinas and MyDigital, demonstrating a shared commitment to leveraging digital technologies for societal betterment. High-level engagements underscored the dedication to building strong partnerships and driving meaningful change.
Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castellino Anthony, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, discusses how the digital revolution has sparked a new wave of innovation in the region powered by rapid advancements in technology.
Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castellino Anthony, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, stated, “ASEAN nations are embracing digitalization in unprecedented ways, fostering increased connectivity and economic cooperation.”
Discussions emphasized mutual learning, with Malaysia’s mentorship aimed at helping accelerate digital progress in the Philippines. For his part, Mr. Antonilo Mauricio, the General Manager of the National Development Corporation (NDC), stressed the importance of collaboration for the region’s digital economy.
Amor Maclang, Convenor of Digital Pilipinas, noted that leveraging established regional platforms, like those in Malaysia, can help Philippine companies integrate more swiftly into the digital economy.
Cybersecurity: A crucial aspect of digitalization
Other key points included initiatives like the KL20 program, aimed at positioning Malaysia as a leading startup hub, and the Proptech Consortium of the Philippines, which welcomed Malaysian tech companies to share best practices.
Antonilo DC Mauricio, General Manager of the National Development Corporation, talks about blending Filipino traits with cutting-edge technology to narrow the gap with Malaysia so we may benefit from established models and propel progress.
According to Antonilo Mauricio, General Manager of the National Development Corporation, “mutual learning and collaboration are paramount for the further growth of the region’s digital economy.” He also talked about the importance of blending Filipino traits with cutting-edge technology to narrow the gap with Malaysia while identifying cybersecurity as a crucial aspect of digitalization, emphasizing the need for a solid foundation before advancing digital infrastructure.
The importance of digital identity in enhancing security and achieving financial inclusion among the unbanked population was also highlighted.
The event concluded with a call for strategic assessment of investment partners to drive scalability, prioritizing value-driven services and inclusive digitalization strategies.
The ASEAN Innovation Summit at the Malaysia Embassy marked a significant step forward in advancing innovation and cooperation within the ASEAN community.
