21 March 2023, Seoul. Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega addressed participants at the opening of the fourth session of the 3rd Global Business Forum organized by The Korea Herald on 15 March 2023. In attendance at the forum were Mr. Jung Won-Ju, Chairman of the Herald Corporation, Mr. Choi Jin-Young CEO, The Korea Herald, Mr. An Yu-Hua, President of the University of California at Irvine, Mr. Kang Jin-seok, Head of the Digital Media Team, Herald Auction, business representatives and experts.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega highlighted the continuing initiatives of the Philippines and Republic of Korea in promoting the various dimensions of bilateral relations, with economic cooperation taking the forefront. She also mentioned that both countries' leaders have articulated in their meetings the elevation of bilateral partnership to a strategic level.

The Philippine Ambassador stressed the critical role of digitalization for a more robust economic engagement with the ROK. She cited enterprise digitalization, digitalization in infrastructure, and content/creative industry digitalization as the three main drivers to support our path towards greater industrialization. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega said that, "It is important that we embrace Industry 4.0 as it brings unprecedented change that merges our biological, physical, and digital worlds, which challenges us to have innovative approaches towards the growth and development of our economy."

And that, "Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, virtual and augmented reality, IoT, and smart manufacturing can help advance enterprises and industries. These technologies can lead to productivity improvement, energy efficiency, industrial competitiveness, and stronger linkage to supporting industries. As our country enters a post-pandemic future, globally competitive and innovative industries would mean environmental sustainability, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity for Filipinos."

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega also conveyed her warm congratulations to The Korea Herald on the celebration of its 70th anniversary. END