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KPMG Philippines Joins ASEAN Business Awards 2026 as Official Knowledge Partner

[23 SEPTEMBER 2026 | MANDALUYONG CITY] — ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Philippines, led by ASEAN-BAC Chair Jose Ma. “Joey” A. Concepcion III, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KPMG Philippine partner firm R.G. Manabat & Co. (KPMG) last September 24 in Mandaluyong City to support the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) 2026, with the company serving as the awards’ Official Knowledge Partner.

The MOU was signed by Concepcion and Michael Arcatomy H. Guarin, Vice Chairman and Head of Advisory of R.G. Manabat & Co. It will bring KPMG’s expertise in governance, assessment methodologies, and process integrity to the ABA awards process.

The partnership is expected to help maintain high standards of transparency, objectivity, and credibility while elevating the stature and international standing of the awards. It also follows up on the organizations’ previous collaboration during the Philippines’ 2017 ASEAN Chairship.

The ABA is renowned as the region's foremost platform for recognizing outstanding enterprises across the region, shedding the spotlight on enterprises and entrepreneurs that demonstrate excellence, sustainability, and positive impact. KPMG’s expertise will aid initiatives to align the awards process with global best practices in recognizing businesses in ASEAN and beyond.

During the launch, Concepcion also raised the possibility of creating a category that would recognize micro entrepreneurs, giving outstanding, albeit smaller, businesses greater visibility alongside established enterprises.

“It’s important that we make it inclusive. We will have to look at what I call ‘more inspiring stories.’ So that we can motivate the micro entrepreneurs because they make up a bulk of the enterprises,” Concepcion said.

Also present during the partnership launch was Sharmaine Sy-Leveriza, Advisory Partner of R.G. Manabat & Co., ASEAN BAC Executive Director Patrick Chua, and Senior Program Officer for ABA Monica Concepcion-Kole.

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 Joey Concepcion alongside Members George Barcelon and Michael Tan, will once again chair and host the Council and its Dialogue Partners, ensuring 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 24, 2026 at 04:27 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.