Global Leaders Series
and Roundtable Discussions
The MBC Global Leaders Series and Roundtable Discussions provide platforms for MBC members – business and industry leaders – to engage with global experts, explore emerging ideas, and exchange insights that strengthen Philippine business strategy and innovation.
2025 GLOBAL LEADERS SERIES
ASEAN and the Philippines: A Bright Spot in Global Growth
On March 28, MBC hosted the Global Leaders session, a flagship event that offers business executives an opportunity to engage and learn from world leaders across various industries.
Amol Gupte, Citi’s Asia South Head, flew in from Singapore to meet with MBC members and offer perspectives on the Philippines and ASEAN’s economic outlook amid the current geopolitical environment and shifting supply chain dynamics. He emphasized that Asia South remains a bright spot in global growth.
Gupte also discussed opportunities the Philippines needs to seize, such as developing the manufacturing sector to attract foreign direct investments. He underscored the importance of implementing tax reforms to streamline bureaucratic processes, addressing the high cost of energy, and meeting infrastructure gaps to capitalize on these opportunities.
The discussion was excellently moderated by Paulo Campos III, Kaya Founder’s Founding Managing General Partner and member of MBC’s Global Ideas Committee.
2025 ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
WORLD BANK: GLOBAL ECONOMIC PROSPECTS
On March 13, World Bank Deputy Chief Economist and Director of Prospects Group Ayhan Kose met MBC members. Dr. Kose presented the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report which provided insights on global growth trends, risks, and opportunities.
Dr. Kose also engaged in an open discussion with members on key economic issues affecting the business and global economy. World Bank Lead Economist and Program Leader for Prosperity Gonzalo Varela also joined the discussion. The discussion was moderated by MBC Executive Director Apa Ongpin.
On November 5, the World Bank welcomed MBC members to their Manila office for an in-depth roundtable discussion led by Aaditya Mattoo (Chief Economist for East Asia and the Pacific) and Daisuke Fukuzawa (Senior Economist).
The session covered the World Bank’s latest research covering trade frictions, productivity challenges, services, and the future of jobs. Members gained valuable insights into how rising global trade tensions impact East Asia and the Pacific, the factors shaping the Philippines’ productivity trajectory, and how services reform can unlock growth.
The discussion also explored how emerging technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping work and creating a stronger demand for new skills. We thank the World Bank team and all of our members for an engaging and data-driven conversation on the region’s development outlook.
IBM: AI IN ACTION SERIES
Navigating Global AI Ethics Trends: Challenges and Opportunities
On March 5, MBC and IBM hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion on AI Governance featuring IBM Senior Counsel for AI, Privacy, Cyber, and Data Governance Ida Chao Kho.
Ida Chao Kho, who is based in Singapore flew in to lead an insightful conversation on the opportunities and challenges of responsible AI adoption. Kho was joined by PJS Law and MBC Women in C-Suite Committee’s Atty. Regina Jacinto-Barrientos (moderator) and Quisumbing Torres’ Atty. Divina Ilas-Panganiban (panelist).
They entertained questions from the audience, composed of MBC members being accompanied by their tech/AI heads, and young uprising leaders in tech. Technology, AI, and business development heads from MBC companies joined the roundtable discussion to learn about ethical risks to governance frameworks.
The discussion highlighted how businesses can navigate AI’s transformative potential while ensuring trust, compliance, and innovation.
Protect your Data: Advanced Data Security in the Age of AI
On June 2, MBC and IBM hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion titled Protect Your Data: Advanced Data Security in the Age of AI, featuring IBM Quantum Safe Research Executive and Ambassador, Umut Cikla.
Umut Cikla, who is based in Sydney, flew in to lead a powerful discussion on the future of cybersecurity, AI-driven threats, and quantum-safe strategies. Valuable insights from Mr. Wilfred Tan, CTO of OmniPay and CEO of Bastion Inc., brought the fintech perspectives to the conversation. The discussion was expertly moderated by Dr. Franz A. de Leon, Director of DOST-ASTI, whose leadership helped surface the most relevant and forward-looking insights in today’s cybersecurity landscape in the Philippines.
They welcomed thoughtful questions from attendees representing key industries such as financial services, banking and insurance, and manufacturing; all sectors that manage complex data systems and are highly exposed to cybersecurity risks.
The session not only sparked dialogue but also served as a call to action for businesses to take a more proactive and quantum-ready approach to securing their data in today’s AI-driven world.
From Optional to Essential: Making Identity Security Your First Line of Defense
On September 24, MBC and IBM hosted the final session of the AI in Action roundtable series: “From Optional to Essential: Making Identity Security Your First Line of Defense.”
This session was led by Shaibal Kumar Saha, IBM APAC Digital Trust Leader, alongside panelists Jerome Walter, Field CTO of HashiCorp, and Robertson Chiang, President and CEO of Dragonpay, and President of Fintech Philippines Association. Together, they shared perspectives on the evolving nature of digital threats, fraud prevention, and identity security as a first line of defense. This discussion was expertly moderated by Cesar Santos Jr., whose expertise in operations, technology, and risk management, coupled with his leadership at the Bankers Association of the Philippines, ensured a well-rounded dialogue bringing perspectives from regulators, banks, and fintech leaders.
The roundtable brought together leaders and specialists from the banking, fintech, healthcare and insurance sectors, including executives in anti-fraud, risk and
BAIN & COMPANY: SOUTHEAST ASIA REPORTS
Southeast Asia’s Green Economy Unlocking Systems for Growth and Impact
On June 17, the Makati Business Club, in collaboration with Bain & Company and co-organized with Standard Chartered Bank, hosted an exclusive breakfast event to showcase the Southeast Asia Green Economy Report 2025.
Yukiko Tsukamoto, Partner at Bain & Company head of its sustainability practice in Southeast Asia, shared key insights from the report, highlighting the region’s opportunities to accelerate a just and systems-based green transition through the bioeconomy, clean energy, and electric mobility.
We also thank Mike Samson for joining the panel discussion and all the MBC members and invited guests for contributing to a thoughtful, forward-looking exchange on climate leadership in Southeast Asia.
Leading Organizations with AI and Talent
On October 14, the Makati Business Club and Bain & Company convened a dynamic group of CEOs and C-suite leaders to tackle one of the most critical challenges facing business today. The discussion was led by insights from Bain’s latest report, went beyond the hype to focus on actionable strategies for leadership, capturing ROI, and reimagining the workforce for an AI-driven future.
A sincere thank you to our expert speakers from Bain and Company, Mohan Jayaraman and James Root, for sharing their invaluable global perspectives. Our gratitude also extends to our partners at Bain & Company for this powerful collaboration, and to all of our attendees whose insightful questions made for a truly engaging dialogue.
INVESTHK: BUSINESS GROWTH DISCUSSION
Scaling Up: Leveraging Hong Kong & The Greater Bay Area for Philippines Business Growth
On August 27, MBC, Invest Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office hosted an exclusive roundtable discussion on “Scaling Up: Leveraging Hong Kong & The Greater Bay Area for Philippines Business Growth”.
This session featured practical insights on how Philippine companies can use Hong Kong as a launchpad for expansion into Mainland China and the rest of Asia. Ms. Alpha Lau, Director-General of Invest Hong Kong, and Mr. Abhishek Bakshi, Senior Vice President and Head of ASEAN Issuer Services at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, led the insightful discussion.
This roundtable brought together C-level executives and business leaders to explore opportunities in Hong Kong’s key sectors, such as the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (NCIES), Family Offices, Innovation & Technology, and Transport/Advanced Manufacturing.
Thank you to all participants for contributing to this meaningful exchange. Let’s continue to explore these pathways to global growth!