[October 12, 2026 – Pasay City, MANILA] — ASEAN’s leading private sector group expressed its support for the region’s next generation of entrepreneurs as more than 8,000 young entrepreneurs, startup founders, policymakers, and business leaders from across the Philippines and Southeast Asia gathered at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last October 13, 2026 for the ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (AYES). 

The event was highlighted by the unveiling of the ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Action Agenda, which aims to promote youth entrepreneurship as a driver of innovation, employment, and inclusive regional growth. ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III emphasized the need to expand youth experience and opportunities to grow their own enterprises. “Many of you here may think that it is not possible to succeed, but that is not so. You have to have the passion. That passion has to be so intense that it will drive you to work hard,” Concepcion said. ASEAN-BAC is the leading platform for the region’s private sector in advising the region’s leaders in matters of the economy and regional integration.

The ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Action Agenda is seen as a step towards fostering stronger participation and inclusion of the youth in the region’s economy. The recommendations from AYES discussions will be related to the region’s leaders at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) on November 14 and 15 at the Solaire Resort in Parañaque City.

The ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Action Agenda will be co-facilitated with the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association and will draw on input from young founders, ecosystem builders, and industry leaders. It will be accompanied by a collective youth commitment statement and pledge, and is intended to serve as a reference point for continued ASEAN-wide action beyond the summit.

In her keynote address, representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque reaffirmed the call to foster opportunities for the youth, inviting the public and private sectors across the region to “create an ASEAN where our youth have the means to turn their ideas into action.”

During the dialogues throughout the summit, the young delegates shared their concerns when it came to doing business in the region. The ASEAN-BAC, meanwhile, represented by council member George Barcelon and other senior advisers, provided important insights on the regional opportunities available to young entrepreneurs, such as market access, large demographics, and new technologies. ASEAN-BAC also invited industry leaders to give the youth a platform to represent themselves and guide them through education and stronger programs.

The dialogue was followed by a panel discussion featuring young entrepreneurs across the region, including Anna Magalona-Co of But First, Coffee and Aya Fernandez, the founder of EcoUling. A fireside chat with Undersecretary Jeff Ortega of the National Youth Commission and Charmaine Co, Chairperson of the ASEAN Young Entrepreneurs Council (AYEC), outlined the accessible support and entry points for aspiring young businessmen, such as financial literacy training for Sangguniang Kabataan members and networking and mentorship opportunities from AYEC. Meanwhile, Jollibee CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong, in his message, reminded the youth delegates of the importance of taking the first step to entrepreneurship. 

AYES was organized by SM Cares, the Global Peace Foundation, and the ASEAN-BAC.

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ABOUT ASEAN-BAC PH

The ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN‑BAC) is the region’s principal private sector advisory body, providing 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. It was founded in 2001. 

In 2026, ASEAN-BAC Philippines, led by Joey Concepcion alongside council members George Barcelon and Michael Tan, is the chair and host of the Council and its Dialogue Partners, ensuring that private sector priorities are integrated into regional economic development and policy initiatives.