PAIBA, PhilCham Singapore forge cross-border AI partnership to boost Philippine business adoption

• L-R: Jerry Ilao – Co-founder and President of PAIBA | Olern; Anne Francisco – Co-founder and Vice President of PAIBA |Ferino’s Bibingka; Ramon Monzon – President of Philippine Stock Exchange; Rainer Ong – Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of QRYPTED Technology Pte. Ltd; Margarita Locsin – President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Singapore; Ma. Vivian Yuchengco – Director of Philippine Stock Exchange; Amrei Dizon – Board Director of PAIBA | Introspeck & Vitalstrats; Josie See – Board Director of PAIBA | World of Nuts; Rio Ilao – Founder and CEO of MobileOptima Inc.; Sonny Francisco – Owner of Ferino’s Bibingka.

The Philippine AI Business Association and Philippine Chamber of Commerce in Singapore have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence adoption, cross-border business collaboration, and capability-building between Philippine and Singapore-based enterprises.

The agreement was signed on March 6, 2026 at the Philippine Stock Exchange Lounge in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and establishes a formal framework for knowledge exchange, joint AI training programs, collaborative events, and business partnerships between the two business communities.

The partnership comes at a time when AI adoption in the Philippines remains limited, particularly among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). According to a 2025 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), only 14.9 percent of Philippine firms currently use AI and machine learning technologies, while AI adoption among MSMEs stands at just 5.29 percent — significantly lower than large enterprises.

Through the collaboration, PAIBA and PhilCham Singapore aim to help bridge this gap by connecting Philippine businesses to AI capability-building resources, training opportunities, and regional networks that could support broader adoption of emerging technologies.

Under the MOU, both organizations will collaborate in four key areas: knowledge exchange on AI adoption trends and industry developments, co-developed training and learning programs, joint events involving Philippine and Singapore-based business leaders, and support for cross-border business cooperation focused on AI-enabled growth opportunities.

The initiative also reflects growing recognition across Southeast Asia that AI competitiveness increasingly depends on regional collaboration rather than isolated national efforts.

While Philippine MSMEs continue to face challenges such as limited digital infrastructure, funding constraints, and skills gaps, Singapore has consistently ranked among Asia’s most AI-ready economies. The partnership is expected to create a structured channel for Philippine enterprises to gain access to capability-building pathways while also opening opportunities for Singapore-based Filipino businesses to engage with the Philippine AI ecosystem.

“This partnership creates a pathway for businesses to learn from each other, expand opportunities, and build stronger connections across markets,” PAIBA said in a joint statement. “AI adoption is not confined within borders, and neither should collaboration be.”

Representing PAIBA during the signing were Founding President Jerry Ilao, Founding Vice President Anne Francisco, Founding Board Members Josie See and Amrei Dizon, along with members of the PAIBA Secretariat. PhilCham Singapore was represented by President Margarita Locsin-Chan and Rainier Ong.

The signing was also witnessed by Ramon Monzon and Vivian Yuchengco, highlighting institutional support for initiatives aimed at strengthening innovation and regional business cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore.

PAIBA said the next phase of the partnership will focus on rolling out concrete programs, including training schedules, joint events, and AI capability-building initiatives designed to improve innovation-driven competitiveness in both markets.

Founded as Asia’s first AI business association, PAIBA positions itself as an industry body focused on responsible AI adoption, AI literacy, governance, and capability-building among Philippine enterprises.