In a pivotal move to accelerate the nation’s digital future, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) will host the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) on October 20-21 at the SMX Convention Center Manila.
The conference, themed “The Future is Now: Unleash the Power of Digital Transformation,” will convene top government officials and global industry leaders to address critical challenges and forge actionable strategies for nationwide digital adoption.
The event transitions from a traditional summit to a dynamic, immersive experience, combining high-level policy discussions with a hands-on showcase of cutting-edge technologies. The goal is to provide Filipino businesses—from MSMEs to large enterprises—with the practical tools and partnerships needed to thrive in a digital economy.
“We are transforming this year’s conference into a strategic launchpad,” said PCCI President Consul Enunina V. Mangio. “It’s more than discussion; it’s an immersive, hands-on technology showcase designed to equip every Filipino business with the insights and connections necessary to future-proof their operations and ensure no one is left behind.”
The urgent need for this transformation is underscored by the Philippines’ current standing in global competitiveness. While the country has shown progress in areas like e-commerce legislation and AI adoption, it still ranks 61st out of 67 economies in the 2024 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking.
“Ready or not, we must move decisively toward digital transformation to keep pace with the world,” declared Dennis Anthony Uy, 51st PBC&E Chairman. “At this conference, we will demystify technology. We will showcase real-world solutions for real-world business problems and bring together voices from every sector—public, private, startups, and the next generation.”
VP Sara Duterte to open the Conference
Vice President Sara Duterte will deliver the keynote address on the opening day, setting the tone for the country’s unified push toward digital transformation.
Other confirmed government leaders include Information and Communications Technology Secretary Rhoel Aguda, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas P. Marquez.
The conference will also feature global technology visionaries including Yuwon Kim, CEO of Naver Cloud Corp; Lin Shi-Hao, Leader of Foxconn’s Southeast Asian Region Headquarters; Kenneth Siow, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and General Manager (SGMY) of Tencent Cloud International; and, Reo Shoji, Bid Director of FPT IS Global.
They will be joined by leading Philippine tech leaders such as Benedicto Bulatao, COO of ComClark; Carl Raymond Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom; Arnie Alvarez, CTO of Huawei Philippines; Benjamin Tan, Senior Manager- ASEAN Analytics Solution Engineering of Salesforce; Lito Villanueva Chairman of Fintech Alliance.PH; Martin Ignacio Paez Lorenzo, Chairman and CEO of First Lucky Holdings Corp.; Jose Maria A. Concepcion III, Founder of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship-Go Negosyo; Ferdinand Ferrer, President and CEO of EMS Group; Atty. Angelo A. Jimenez, President, University of the Philippines, and Malyn Molinam President and COO of EON The Stakeholder Relations Group.
Adding spark to the conversations will be renowned Bilyonaryo News Channel anchors – Pinky Webb, Maiki Oreta and Willard Cheng, together with Eduardo Sumulong, President and CEO of Land Registration Systems, Inc.; and Imelda Ceniza Tiongson, President and CEO, Opal Portfolio Investments, Inc.’
Be part of this transformative movement. Join the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo on October 20–21 at the SMX Convention Center Manila and experience how digital transformation can redefine the way we do business in the Philippines.
