Edmund Alan A. Qua Hiansen l 17 September 2025 at the Fairmont Makati
Good morning, friends, colleagues, and partners.
Every time we gather for the Ayala-FINEX Finance Summit, we are reminded of one simple truth: Philippine business has always thrived not just because of capital or technology, but because of leadership that adapts, and innovation that endures. Our partners in today’s
summit, Ayala Corporation are a prime example of that.
Think of how far we’ve come. The Philippines has weathered global financial crises, pandemics, and shifting political winds. And yet, businesses here continue to evolve—finding new ways to serve, new ways to compete, and new ways to lead. This summit is about that
evolution: how we turn disruption into opportunity, and uncertainty into momentum.
This year’s theme—“Transforming Philippine Business through Leadership and Innovation”—is both a challenge and a call to action. A challenge, because transformation is never easy. And a call, because the time to lead with courage and clarity is now.
Today, we’ll hear from leaders who are tackling head-on the forces reshaping our industries: artificial intelligence, digital platforms, sustainability imperatives, and changing consumer expectations. But transformation is not only about markets and machines. It is also about
people. It is about building organizations that nurture talent, protect well-being, and empower resilience. Programs like “Working with Cancer” remind us that leadership is most powerful when it cares for the human spirit.
This afternoon, we turn to finance as an engine of transformation. Capital markets, sustainable financing, and regional integration are not abstract ideas—they are tools that can unlock growth, drive climate action, and build a stronger Philippine economy.
The conversations we start here today will not end here. They will ripple outward—into boardrooms, classrooms, and communities. Because when leaders innovate responsibly and act decisively, the impact is felt far beyond balance sheets. It is felt in the opportunities
we create, the trust we build, and the futures we shape.
I want to thank our partners at the Ayala Group, along with MUFG and Linklaters Singapore, for helping make this gathering possible.
I would also like to thank FINEX’s year round sponsors, whose generous support makes our activities possible: Noah Business Applications, Ovialand, PHINMA Corporation, Romulo Law, BDO, BPI, SGV & Co., PwC Philippines Isla Lipana & Co., KPMG, Healthway, Asticom, San Miguel, Sun Life Investments, P&A Grant Thornton, Robinson’s Land, Security Bank and Jollibee.
To our speakers and panelists, thank you for sharing your insights. And to each of you—our FINEX members, colleagues, and friends—thank you for showing up with the willingness to engage, to challenge, and to learn.
As we begin this summit, I ask all of you to approach today not only as an exchange of ideas, but as a commitment: a commitment to lead differently, to innovate with responsibility, and to transform Philippine business for the better.
Once again, Welcome to the 9th Ayala-FINEX Finance Summit. Thank
you.
Regards,
EJ