BEING digitally literate is crucial for today’s generation, especially since technology influences every aspect of their lives, whether personal or professional.
Not only do workers and students benefit from technology, but older persons also do so by staying connected to their distant loved ones and having access to information online, among many other advantages.
Unfortunately, some elders are struggling to keep up with modern technology.
This is why Special Envoy to Thailand and RepublicAsia’s founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Bran Ferrer Reluao teamed up with the ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) to provide older persons opportunities to learn more about digital technologies.
On the last day of his official visit to Thailand, Reluao, along with the Philippine delegation, met with the ACAI team, led by Executive Director Dr. Somsak Akksilp, on Friday, June 27.
According to the Philippine Embassy in Thailand, the ACAI team briefed the Philippine delegation about its work in “advancing active aging across the region, including through pilot projects that leverage digital technologies to support local communities in Thailand.”
Reluao expressed his intent to collaborate with ACAI to prepare for the Philippines’ aging population, as the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) projected that the Philippines would transition to an aging society by 2030.
In an Instagram post, Reluao shared that they discussed efforts to advance digital inclusion for older persons across the ASEAN region.
“We explored ways to promote digital literacy, improve accessibility, and empower our ageing population through innovation and supportive policies,” he said.
“Looking forward to meaningful collaborations that leave no one behind—regardless of age,” he added.
An aging population refers to the increasing number of individuals aged 60 and above in a country. Meanwhile, its proportion of younger individuals declines.
In 2024, the CPD attributed its projection to the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a decline in the number of married couples and women who gave birth. It also noted the increase in mortality in the Philippines.
During the meeting, the ACAI, which serves as a knowledge center on active ageing and innovation, also tackled its programs that help ASEAN member states prepare for an ageing society.
“We welcomed the Special Envoy of the President of the Philippines, Mr. Bran Ferrer Reluao, and his team from the Philippine Embassy in Thailand for an engaging discussion,” it said on a Facebook post.
“It’s inspiring to see the Philippines’ dedication to these efforts, and we’re definitely looking forward to exploring how we can collaborate and make a real difference together!” it continued.
Reluao’s meeting with the ACAI was part of his official engagements in Thailand, as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s youngest special envoy to Thailand for digital communications and innovations.
Before this, Reluao visited the Philippine Embassy in Thailand and the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC), met with the senior officials of Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), and participated in the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2025.
The Philippine Embassy in Thailand said Reluao, now back in the Philippines, will have a follow-up visit to Thailand in mid-July 2025. Further details about his upcoming official engagements have yet to be announced.
