The United States Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg will travel to the Philippines and Singapore from May 17 to 21 to strengthen economic security, technology cooperation, and artificial intelligence collaboration with ASEAN partners.
According to a media advisory from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, Helberg is expected to meet with government officials, private sector leaders, and representatives from ASEAN member states to advance efforts toward building a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven technology ecosystem under the Pax Silica initiative.
In the Philippines, the visit will build on the momentum generated by last month’s signing of the Pax Silica Declaration. Helberg is expected to advance discussions on implementing the initiative, including a visit to the proposed Economic Security Zone announced during the declaration signing.
The planned Economic Security Zone is envisioned as a first-of-its-kind industrial hub aimed at boosting production of critical inputs essential to global supply chains. The initiative is also expected to contribute to the broader vision of the Luzon Economic Corridor, which seeks to enhance infrastructure connectivity, investment opportunities, and economic growth in key areas of the country.
In Singapore, Helberg will convene ASEAN government representatives and private sector stakeholders for the U.S.-ASEAN AI Ministerial Roundtable. Discussions will focus on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the region and opportunities for expanded AI cooperation, including through the U.S. AI Exports Program.
The trip underscores Washington’s continuing push to deepen economic and technological partnerships in Southeast Asia amid growing global competition in critical technologies, supply chain resilience, and AI development.