SINGAPORE — The Philippines is stepping up its bid to become a regional production and services hub for Singapore companies that are diversifying their operations and building more resilient supply chains across Southeast Asia.
During a networking session on July 31, 2026 with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) leadership, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque presented investment opportunities in manufacturing, semiconductors, agritech and food processing, business process outsourcing, digital services, retail and green industries.
“The Philippines offers Singapore companies a strong base for serving both our domestic market and the wider ASEAN region. We have a young and skilled workforce, growing digital capabilities and strategic economic zones that can support businesses seeking resilient and diversified operations,” Secretary Roque said.
The session with SBF’s Southeast Asia Business Group (SEABG) was aimed at identifying Singapore companies exploring additional sites and positioning the Philippines as an option for that diversification.
Attendees included SBF Chairman Mark Lee, SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon, and SEABG Chairperson Yong Hsin Yue — also Managing Director of Kuok (Singapore) Limited, part of the Kuok Group behind Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, which has a significant hospitality and retail presence in the Philippines. Also present were SEABG Vice Chairmen Prasoon Mukherjee and Lenny Lim, alongside DTI Singapore’s Commercial Counsellor Carla Grepo.
The SBF leadership raised interest in gaining more clarity on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) to identify concrete business opportunities under it, and called for more mission trips and bilateral engagements between the two countries.
The Secretary emphasized that the country can support companies at different stages of expansion—from locating suitable sites and identifying local partners to facilitating registrations, permits, incentives and workforce requirements.
The DTI also highlighted investment locations such as New Clark City and other economic corridors across Luzon, which provide opportunities for advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, logistics, semiconductors, clean energy and technology-driven industries.
Secretary Roque affirmed support for SBF’s planned Philippines business mission this year covering business process outsourcing, agritech, manufacturing, retail, food and beverage, talent development and digital services.
“This engagement is an important first step. We want to connect Singapore companies with the right Philippine partners and turn their interest into investments that generate quality jobs, transfer technology and create more opportunities for Filipino enterprises,” Roque added.
The Secretary also cited the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship as an opportunity to deepen regional business linkages and advance the country’s Prosperity Corridors agenda, which focuses on strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises, expanding the digital economy and developing the creative industries.
The DTI will continue working with SBF, Philippine investment promotion agencies, economic zone authorities and private-sector partners to facilitate prospective investments and strengthen the Philippines’ role as a strategic business gateway in ASEAN.
