𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

The Australia Southeast Asia Business Exchange (SEABX) mission to the Philippines on Technology Innovation led by Austrade finished on 28 February. The Australian delegation joined by APBC Director of Communications, Events and PR John Tantoco visited Canva’s office in Manila.

The team was hosted by Yani Hornilla Donato, Regional Lead for Southeast Asia of Canva, who shared Canva’s success story in the Philippines – from the time it entered the market, how it navigated through the landscape and grew to a success and now runs a team with 900 staff in the Philippines. Yani also spoke of Canva’s future plans and how the leading company holds true to its values to ‘Be a Force For Good’.

The day was joined by James Foster, CEO, Ezypay and Cathlyn Pavia, B2B Strategy Head of GCash. This session showcased how Australian companies successfully forge partnerships with Philippine corporations. James shared Ezypay’s journey from entering the Philippine market in 2014 and now leads the fintech sector with Gcash, allowing businesses to offer automated, subscription-based payments, transforming it from a one-time payment tool into a subscription-ready digital payment method.

As the Southeast Asia Business Exchange (SEABX) mission to the Philippines ends, the Australia Philippines Business Council would like to thank and congratulate the Austrade team led by Mukund Narayanamurti – General Manager, Southeast Asia, Luisa Rust – Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner in Manila, Bernice Vanguardia – Trade and Investment Commissioner to Manila, Henry Camacho – Global Engagement Manager, Mika Miravite-Aure – Business Development Manager, and the whole Austrade Manila team for holding an important mission to show Australia’s commitment to the Philippines. We would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of Her Excellency Ambassador HK Yu, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Connie Lo – First Secretary DFAT, Suzanne Ong – Business Development Director Trade and Investment Queensland and Michael Baird – Deputy Commisioner Global Victoria. We would also like to congratulate the delegates and APBC members (DysrupIT) who joined us during the mission.

This business mission aims to drive two-way trade and build enduring economic partnerships between Australia and the Philippines as part of Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

For any inquiries about APBC email secretariat@apbc.org.au or to become a member visit https://apbc.org.au/join-us/