Global Leaders and Cultural Icons Gather in Manila to Boost Small Businesses Across Southeast Asia

2026-11-07 global

Manila, Saturday, 7 November 2026.
On November 11, global humanitarian Angelina Jolie and regional leaders will convene in Manila to champion economic solutions for Southeast Asia’s 70 million small enterprises.

Southeast Asia’s Economic Engine: The Role of MSMEs

Southeast Asia’s economic landscape is increasingly shaped by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 99% of all businesses in the region and employ over 70% of the workforce [GPT]. These enterprises, totaling approximately 70 million, are the backbone of the ASEAN economy, contributing between 30% and 50% to GDP across member states [1]. The 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit, convening in Manila on November 11, will focus on empowering these businesses through digital transformation, financial inclusion, and sustainable supply chain integration. According to the official event agenda, the summit will explore how key growth sectors—such as digitalization, tourism, and the creator economy—can drive shared prosperity [2]. Attendees will examine data-driven strategies to enhance financial health, particularly for underserved communities, aligning with the region’s broader development goals.

Star Power Meets Policy: High-Profile Advocates Take the Stage

The summit’s roster of speakers reads like a global who’s who, blending humanitarian advocacy with entertainment and business leadership. Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie, a former UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador (2001–2012) and Special Envoy (2012–2022), will deliver a keynote address titled ‘From memory to possibility: Cambodia, courage and the power of staying’ [3][4]. Her participation underscores the event’s emphasis on community resilience and humanitarian investment. Broadway icon Lea Salonga, the first Filipino to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, will also speak, alongside Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa [5][GPT]. The inclusion of these figures reflects the summit’s dual mission: to elevate cultural diplomacy while addressing pressing economic disparities.

Policy and Partnership: Bridging the Private and Public Sectors

The ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit is not merely a discussion forum but a catalyst for actionable partnerships. Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth, a key organizer, has emphasized its commitment to ‘real, innovative solutions for micro and small businesses in Southeast Asia and beyond’ [6]. The summit will convene leaders from business, government, and philanthropy to design scalable programs that address financial health gaps. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque is among the Philippine officials slated to participate, signaling strong public-sector engagement [5]. Meanwhile, organizations like Accion, a global nonprofit focused on financial inclusion, will be represented by executives such as Anurag Saxena and Gayatri Mehta, further bridging the gap between grassroots initiatives and multinational strategies [6].

A Call to Action for Inclusive Economic Growth

The urgency of the summit’s agenda is underscored by Southeast Asia’s economic contradictions. While the region boasts a combined GDP of $3.6 trillion and a youthful population driving digital adoption, income inequality remains a persistent challenge [GPT]. The 70 million MSMEs, though vital, often face barriers such as limited access to credit, digital literacy gaps, and regulatory hurdles [2]. The summit aims to address these issues by fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations, from fintech innovators to traditional banking institutions. As Mastercard’s event page notes, the focus is on ‘unlocking the next wave of inclusive economic growth’—a goal that aligns with ASEAN’s broader ambition to reduce poverty and foster equitable development [6]. With global figures like Jolie and Salonga lending their influence, the event seeks to translate dialogue into tangible progress for the region’s smallest businesses.

Sources

ASEAN inclusive growth