Manila, March 21 -- Stronger public-private collaboration for inclusive digitalization and scaled upskilling of workers across the region are needed as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) prepares to conclude a landmark digital economy pact under the Philippine chairship this year.

Two leading business groups in the United States and Southeast Asia -- US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines (ASEAN-BAC Philippines) -- made the recommendations during a high-level roundtable on ASEAN digital economy and workforce development in Pasig City on March 19.

"ASEAN's digital economy is expanding faster than the policy environment can keep pace," USABC's Philippines chief representative ...