Private Sector Voice
Bringing business insights into ASEAN economic conversations.
The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) is the region's apex private sector advisory body, established in 2001 to provide business insights and recommendations to ASEAN Leaders. It serves as the primary platform for the private sector to engage with policymakers, advocate for economic cooperation, and advance ASEAN's integration agenda.
The Council is composed of three high-level CEOs, including one representing small and medium-sized enterprises, appointed by each ASEAN member government.
This year, as in 2017, ASEAN-BAC Philippines, led by Chair Joey Concepcion, together with Members George Barcelon and Michael Tan will again chair and host the Council and its Dialogue partners, ensuring that private sector priorities are integrated into regional economic development and policy initiatives.
Under its 2026 Chairmanship, ASEAN-BAC Philippines champions strategic priorities that empower MSMEs, enhance regional competitiveness, and foster sustainable partnerships.
Through summits, awards, and multisectoral consultations, ASEAN-BAC Philippines works to align business perspectives with ASEAN's shared goals, ensuring that no one is left behind in the region's economic progress.
MSME Empowerment
Supporting enterprises that power inclusive regional growth.
Regional Integration
Advancing cooperation across ASEAN and dialogue partners.
Introducing the
Council Members
Advisory leadership
ASEAN-BAC Advisers
Senior advisers guiding ASEAN-BAC Philippines across agriculture, digital transformation, creative economy, governance, youth, and inclusive enterprise growth.
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Agriculture modernization
Dr. William Dar
Senior Adviser
Former Agriculture Secretary and senior adviser championing inclusive agribusiness and market-oriented development.
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Governance reform
Gil Laxamana Gonzales
Senior Adviser
A seasoned strategist focused on ASEAN Chairmanship planning, governance reform, and inclusive regional growth.
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Agriculture technology
James Amparo
Senior Adviser for Agriculture and Food Security
Founder and president of Yovel East Research and Development Inc., advancing farm productivity and agri-technological solutions.
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Digital transformation
Josephine "Jopin" C. Romero
Senior Adviser for Digital
A leader in digital transformation, jobs, skills, and mentorship for small business women entrepreneurs.
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Creative services
Junie Del Mundo
Senior Adviser for Creative Economy
A champion of the Philippine creative economy, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and nation-building.
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Public affairs
Malyn Molina
Senior Adviser for Creative Economy
President and COO of EON Group, focused on stakeholder relations, workforce development, and inclusive growth.
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Youth entrepreneurship
Miguel Lopez
Senior Adviser for Youth
Development consultant and youth entrepreneurship advocate with international work across ASEAN and other emerging regions.
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Women economic empowerment
Nora Kakilala Terrado
Senior Adviser for Women
C-suite executive, board leader, and former DTI Undersecretary recognized for enterprise creation and women economic empowerment.
Meet the Secretariat Leadership
ASEAN-BAC Philippines
National Secretariat
ASEAN-BAC
RW
Rifki Weno
Executive Director
ASEAN-BAC
HS
Heikal Suhartono
Senior Program Officer
ASEAN-BAC
TH
Tania Heryanto
Program Officer
ASEAN-BAC
What We Stand For
Our Mission
The mission of ASEAN-BAC Philippines in its 2026 chairship is to provide strategic private sector guidance that supports deeper regional economic integration and shared prosperity by strengthening trade and investment linkages, enhancing supply chain resilience, expanding opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), accelerating digital transformation, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth across Southeast Asia.
Our Vision
ASEAN-BAC Philippines envisions a more inclusive, resilient, innovative, and sustainable ASEAN economic community where digital innovation and entrepreneurship fuel growth that uplifts people, empowers communities, and benefits all ASEAN nations.
11
ASEAN member states
4
Strategic pillars
10
Priority focus areas
2
Flagship 2026 events
