The world has seen creative industries face rapid changes amid the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), with some even adapting the tool within their artistic work. But for award-winning singer and actress Lea Salonga, AI poses no concrete threat to the art of musical theater, as it is rooted in the live experience.
“AI will only affect us as far as automation, as far as where computers get involved. But the thing is, with theater actors and theater practitioners, ultimately it’s real people standing on a platform doing some incredible things,” she said in her fireside chat with ANC’s Rico Hizon during the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit on November 11 at the Shangri-la The Fort, Manila. She added that music production has remained largely unchanged over the years, aside from the improved technology and production equipment like microphones.
“I think that there will always be a desire for human beings and audiences to see actual human beings in front of you. It’s really different,” she added.
One ASEAN Musical?
Beyond AI in theater, Salonga expressed interest in the possibility of an inclusive ASEAN musical that would mesh Malaysian, Thai, Indonesian, and Filipino cultures and talents. But given the region’s varied identities, she believes it’s best to focus on one universally relatable story. “I’d love to see that, but the thing is our cultures are so diverse, so it may help to focus on one story that’s really specific but incredibly universal at the same time.”
The singer also took the chance to look back on her childhood experience of engaging in ASEAN cultural exchanges. “We all got to get to know one another on a very human level, and not just see one another in rehearsal or in performance. It was fun.”
Arts As A Profession
Further reflecting on her experiences in the field, Salonga shared a message to aspiring ASEAN performers whose voice has yet to be heard. “What I would tell any young artist from anywhere, you better make sure that this is what you want to do, because being in the arts is hard.” She described the profession as difficult, challenging, and “incredibly backbreaking and heartbreaking.” But as she added, “If that is what makes your machine tick, then by all means go for it, and I wish you all the best of luck.”
Following the conversation, Salonga took the stage to perform her classic songs, “A Whole New World,” “Reflection,” and “Tagumpay Nating Lahat.”
The 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit is hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth in partnership with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines. Now in its second year, the summit follows its inaugural edition, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last year.
frequently asked questions
Lea Salonga says AI poses no concrete threat to musical theater because it is rooted in the live experience. AI may affect automation, but theater depends on real people performing.
The 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit is hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines, following an inaugural edition in Kuala Lumpur last year.
Lea Salonga expressed interest in an ASEAN musical blending Malaysian, Thai, Indonesian, and Filipino talents, but suggested focusing on one specific yet universally relatable story, given the region’s diverse cultures.
Lea Salonga advises young artists to be sure the arts are what they want, calling the profession “incredibly backbreaking and heartbreaking,” but says go for it if it drives them.
After her fireside chat at the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit, Lea Salonga took the stage to perform her classic songs “A Whole New World,” “Reflection,” and “Tagumpay Nating Lahat.”
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