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Archived press release details and supporting information for official ASEAN-BAC Philippines announcements.

Concepcion invites Australia-ASEAN Forum delegates to ABIS in Manila

[30 SEPTEMBER 2026 | ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA] — ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines Chair Jose Ma. “Joey” A. Concepcion III invited business and government leaders to attend the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) in Manila during a gala at the Adelaide Convention Centre last September 30, 2026.

The Black-Tie Gala Dinner marked the conclusion of the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum, held on September 29-30 under the theme “Deepening Australia-ASEAN Economic Integration in a Changing Global Landscape.” 

The forum brought together government representatives, business leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss cooperation in areas including energy transition and green technology, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, agrifood and food security, infrastructure and sustainable development, and human capital and skills development.

During his remarks at the gala, Concepcion invited participants to continue their discussions in Manila at ABIS, which will bring together relevant figures from ASEAN, its dialogue partners, and beyond.

Concepcion told the gathering that ABIS will be an opportunity for leaders from government and business to turn recommendations into concrete actions and outcomes that can be felt by people across the region.

“There, global leaders will gather, together with their ministers, the global CEOs and investors, the innovators, and try and see where we can put action into recommendations, to create outcomes that can be felt by the citizens of our nations,” he said.

The ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, scheduled for November 14 and 15 in Manila, will bring together business and government leaders from ASEAN and across the globe to deepen economic ties, discuss investment opportunities, and build partnerships.

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 Chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III, alongside Members George Barcelon and Michael Tan, is the chair and host of the Council and its Dialogue Partners, and aims to ensure that private sector priorities are integrated into regional economic development and policy initiatives.

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MEDIA NOTE: All interview requests related to ASEAN-BAC PHILIPPINES should be directed to the ASEAN-BAC PH Communications Manager, at josenatividad@gonegosyo.ph

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Published

September 30, 2026 at 03:24 PM

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CONCEPCION: ASEAN 2026 HOSTING MEANS PH IS READY AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Press Release

February 24, 2026, 06:40 PM

CONCEPCION: ASEAN 2026 HOSTING MEANS PH IS READY AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS

As the Philippines prepares to host the annual ASEAN Summits this year, the leader of the private sector’s ASEAN representation believes that the international event presents an opportunity for the country to prove its readiness to do business with the rest of the world.“Coming on the heels of a year marked by corruption scandals, ASEAN 2026 offers the Philippines a timely chance to demonstrate our commitment to reform, accountability, and good governance,” said Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III, the chair of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN–BAC) for 2026. ASEAN–BAC is the official private-sector voice in ASEAN, mandated to promote regional economic integration and strengthen cooperation between business and government.A ceremony this January 29, 2026 at the Malacañang Palace will mark the official handover of the ASEAN–BAC chairship from Malaysia to the Philippines. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will be witnessing the turnover and delivering the keynote message, elevating the occasion to a state-level event and reflecting the Philippine Government’s strong support and leadership in public-private collaboration.

TEAM ASEAN 2026

In the photo are (from left) ASEAN–BAC council member George Barcelon, First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, Concepcion, the President, Marissa Concepcion, and ASEAN–BAC council member Michael Tan.

PHILIPPINES ASSUMES 2026 CHAIRSHIP OF ASEAN-BAC AT MALAYSIA HANDOVER CEREMONIES

The Philippines officially assumed the 2026 Chairship of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) last October 26, 2025, as ASEAN-BAC Malaysia handed over leadership of the regional body which provides private sector feedback and guidance to boost ASEAN’s efforts towards economic integration and identifies priority areas for consideration by ASEAN Leaders.The ASEAN-BAC Philippines delegation, headed by its chair Jose Ma. Concepcion III, and council members George Barcelon and Michael Tan, traveled to Kuala Lumpur tor the handover ceremonies held as the highlight of the ASEAN-BAC Events and Related Summits held from October 24 to 27, including the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit and the ASEAN Business Awards, and the inaugural ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit. The events are held alongside the 47th ASEAN Summit, which gathers the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.The ASEAN-BAC Philippines is expected to build on the theme “Prosperity for All”, its guiding theme at its last chairship in 2017. “There has been plenty of exchanging of ideas, and I am glad to hear how some resonate with my own views of the role of ASEAN and the private sector in bringing about inclusive, sustainable growth,” said Concepcion. “As we take on this new role, our goal is to build on this momentum, empowering MSMEs and strengthening partnerships that drive inclusive growth and food security across the region. Together, we can ensure that the ASEAN spirit of unity, innovation, and entrepreneurship continues to thrive,” said Concepcion.