BIZ BUZZ: PH taking on Asean business council chairmanship

The Philippines is ready to take the spotlight at the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Advisory Council (BAC) this October, turning the chairmanship into a platform for fresh milestones and bold moves.

But before the official turnover, Asean-BAC Philippines is throwing its first-ever retreat on July 7 and July 8 in Makati.

And no, this isn’t just another business meeting of the region’s private sector voice.

“This is not just a meeting, it is a reset,” said current Asean-BAC chair Tan Sri Nazir Razak of Malaysia.

He’s working with the Philippine team to map out the future of the council in a world shaped by nonstop disruption and economic shakeups.

Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion, who will lead the Philippines’ chairmanship, isn’t holding back either.

“We envision an Asean where no one is left behind; where digital innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship fuel inclusive growth that uplifts people, empowers communities, and benefits all nations,” Concepcion said.

And to make sure it’s more than just talk, global consulting firm McKinsey and Company has been brought in to help chart a new course for the council.

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Their job is to guide the bloc’s business leaders in sharpening priorities ahead of the country’s one-year term.

Concepcion added that this retreat marks the bridge between Malaysia’s inclusivity and sustainability focus and the Philippines’ upcoming agenda to push ASEAN prosperity to new heights.

“This is the right moment to recalibrate. Together, ASEAN can and must move further, faster,” he said.

Looks like the Philippines isn’t just stepping in. It’s also stepping up.