The APBC, represented by Director of Communications, Events and PR John Tantoco, had the honour to join the Australia Southeast Asia Business Exchange (SEABX) mission to the Philippines on Technology Innovation led by Austrade.
This mission brought together 23 Australian technology companies specialising in cybersecurity, AI, fintech, and blockchain, showcasing Australia’s advanced capabilities as part of the Australia Southeast Asia Business Exchange program.
The first day of the mission included insights and presentations for the delegates. The day began with warm welcome remarks from Austrade’s Bernice Vanguardia, Trade and Investment Commissioner, and Luisa Rust, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner.
Mukund Narayanamurti, General Manager Southeast Asia, Austrade, emphasised the significance of the growing Philippine digital economy.
Keynote Speaker, Her Excellency Ambassador HK Yu, Australian Ambassador, delivered Australia’s commitment to supporting the long-standing bilateral relationship between Australia and the Philippines.
Special messages were also included from the Business Champion for the Philippines Shemara Wikramanayake, CEO of Macquarie Group, and Ambassador Brendan Dowling, Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Luke Villiers, Counsellor (Economic) of DFAT, enlightened the audience on how the Philippines is poised for digital transformation.
An overview of the technology landscape was presented by Usec Jocelle E. Batapa-Sigue, Philippine Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, Department of Information and Communications Technology; Atty. Bobby Fondevilla, Executive Director of the Investments Assistance Center, Board of Investments; and Atty. Mark Gorriceta, Managing Partner, Gorriceta Africa Cauton & Saavedra.
A dynamic panel discussion was held, moderated by Kimmi Siu Dewar, Executive Director of the Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCHAM), along with panellists:
Lito Villanueva, Chairman, Fintech Alliance PH
Mel Migrino, Chairman and President, WiSAP (Women in Security Alliance Philippines)
Michelle Alarcon, President, AI and Analytics Association of the Philippines
Celeste Ilagan, COO, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines
Lastly, Lito Villanueva, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation & Inclusion Officer, and Founding Chairman of Fintech Alliance.ph, presented on how to capture the hearts and minds of Filipino customers.
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.
