Amid efforts to strengthen the Philippines' position in higher-value sectors, government officials and the UK-ASEAN Business Council are discussing cooperation on education, training and workforce development. The talks focus on closing skills gaps in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, engineering, digital skills and other emerging technologies.
Skills agenda and collaboration areas
As reported by BusinessWorld Online, the Department of Finance said the Philippines and the UK-ASEAN Business Council are exploring potential partnerships to raise workforce participation in emerging industries. Earlier this month, the Department of Finance's Government Corporations and Investments Group discussed with the council ways to address skills gaps and strengthen industry-aligned training.
The discussions cover semiconductor manufacturing, engineering, digital skills and emerging technologies, alongside opportunities for apprenticeships and internships aimed at better preparing workers. Undersecretary Ma. Angela E. Ignacio of the Government Corporations and Investments Group said the Philippines offers a larger and more capable workforce, a rapidly growing consumer market with rising purchasing power, and institutional capacity to host advanced industries.
Trade and investment implications
The meetings also include Trade Assistant Secretary May Niña Celynne P. Layug, while the UK side is represented by UK-ASEAN Business Council Chairman Ian Gibbons and officials from HSBC, Prudential Life UK, Pearson, Revolut, Wise, ACCA and OCS Facility Services.
The UK-ASEAN Business Council says it looks forward to deeper engagement with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Finance on further trade and investment collaboration. Ignacio says strategic investments, public-private partnerships and blended finance offer concrete pathways to expand industries, create quality jobs and equip Filipinos with skills needed for the future.
RCBC’s recent international awards highlighted how Philippine lenders are strengthening digital banking, sustainable finance, and private wealth capabilities as customer needs evolve. In our earlier article, we noted that the recognitions reflect RCBC’s broader push to expand beyond traditional corporate banking by investing in digital tools and innovation to serve both large enterprises and next-generation clients.
Source: Business World
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<p>Time: November 2025<br /> By: WTO and International Trade Group, Legal Department – VCCI</p>
