Four Important Moments from the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit

The 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit took place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Manila. Hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth with the theme “Resilient and Rising,” the event convened 51 speakers across 30 sessions to address business, creativity, representation, and inclusive growth across Southeast Asia.

GQ Philippines got a glimpse of what the future of our region could look like: one defined not only by growth, but also by sustainability, inclusive policies, and, most importantly, putting communities first. Here are some of the key discussions and moments that helped shape the first-ever Inclusive Growth Summit in Manila.

Legacy and Renewal: Leadership Across Generations

With a legacy as long-standing as that of the Zobel de Ayala family, conversations about legacy are nothing new. But beyond financial strategies and plans for the future, the Ayala Group is also focused on embracing innovation and, more importantly, making its benefits accessible to the people it serves.

Amid discussions of family values, history, and the responsibility of carrying a legacy forward, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of Ayala Corporation, and his son, Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, Chief Executive Officer of ACMobility, returned to a common theme: service to the FilipinoFilipinoThe national language of the Philippines, widely used for communication, education, media, and culture.Go to Filipino Glossary people.

“A lot of the family members, we’re not afraid of the future. We believe that the customers and the constituents that we serve deserve the best innovations that are out in the market,” said Jaime Alfonso, and that’s what helps lead their company beyond.

In Unison: Amplifying Every Voice in ASEAN

A region’s progress isn’t limited to business; it can also be found in the arts. In a fireside conversation with Tony Award winner and theater legend Lea Salonga, she discussed the role of the arts in bringing a country onto the global stage, both culturally and literally. Reflecting on her journey as a theater actress, Salonga also spoke about the challenges she encountered along the way, how the industry has evolved since then, and the growing opportunities for Filipino and ASEAN artists to gain international recognition.

Salonga then delighted the audience with an after-talk musical medley of her Disney classics, “A Whole New World” from Aladdin and “Reflection” from Mulan. Her emotional performance reminds us of the journey and triumph we’ve worked so hard to achieve in the world of show business.

HABLONUEVO: A Fashion Show, and the Runway to Inclusive Growth

After lunch, Dexter Alazas presented his HABLONUEVO collection, using Cebuano textiles to capture the adaptability of the modern Filipino: rooted in heritage, yet evolving with the times. What followed was a discussion on fashion and how it can be a vehicle to push a nation forward.

Led by acclaimed designer Rajo Laurel, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Philippines Trickie Lopa, and Idyllic Summers Founder and Creative Director, Steffi Cua, “The Runway to Inclusive Growth” talked about the stories behind the craft: its materials, textiles, and the thread, which are just as important as the concept that leads a collection, if not more.

Laurel passionately highlighted Filipino and ASEAN designers’ resiliency: “We have virtually nothing; we have needle and thread, old rickety machines,” he said. “Yet put our clothes side by side, and they will actually look better.” He couldn’t have said it any other way.

Cambodia, Courage, and the Power of Staying

American actress and longtime human rights advocate Angelina Jolie closed out the summit alongside Cambodian filmmaker Rithy Panh with a discussion about the country of Cambodia. Those who have followed Jolie know her history with the country well; when she came to film the Tomb Raider movie adaptation, she experienced hospitality despite the many conflicts and hardships its people faced.

This sparked her passion for helping local communities around the world and lending a hand in the humanitarian cause. She noted in the talk that to truly help, one must work with the people they’re assisting, which is why she tapped Panh, whom she described as a dear friend, to co-produce the film adaptation of Loung Ung’s memoir, First They Killed My Father.

Panh is renowned for his documentaries examining the Khmer Rouge regime and how individuals and societies survive, remember, and rebuild in the aftermath of mass atrocities. This is what makes his and Jolie’s voices particularly important at a landmark gathering such as this. As we chart a path toward growth, we must never lose sight of who that progress is ultimately for: the people who have endured suffering, found the strength to carry on, and continue to hold on to hope for a better future.