MAP to assert ‘dynamic’ role in Asean 2026 summit
MANILA, Philippines – The influential Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) is making a bold push to play a more prominent role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as the Philippines assumes bloc leadership this year.
On Monday, newly inducted MAP president Donald Lim outlined priorities for his one-year term, including a more “dynamic” role for the group in national development and regional integration, beginning with the country’s Asean hosting.
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“This year of our chairship presents a unique opportunity for the Philippines to be at the center of shaping the Asean future, not at the periphery, just watching others do,” Lim said during MAP’s first organizational meeting for 2026, attended by members of the more than 1,300-strong group.
Lim said the Asean chairship also presented an opportunity for the private sector to take on a larger leadership role beyond business circles.
“It is a leadership test for us in the private sector. It means shifting from programs that serve only our members to initiatives that serve the nation,” he said. “It can open new opportunities for our members and strengthen our political relevance.”
Policy inputs
As part of this push, Lim said MAP would convene parallel discussions with key sectors, such as technology, finance and other economic groups to explore collaborations on what he described as “legacy projects.”
He added that the organization would provide policy inputs on trade, sustainability and digital integration to help shape the business agenda for the Philippines’ hosting.
MAP also plans to pursue management exchanges with Asean economies, such as Singapore and Thailand.
“By strengthening cross-border dialogues, business missions and partnerships, we can expand our influence and position MAP as a key contributor in the region,” he said, emphasizing, “This is not only good for our country.”
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Lim said these initiatives would be coordinated with the Asean Business Advisory Council chaired by Jose Ma. Concepcion III.
Beyond regional engagement, Lim, who serves as president of Dito CME Holdings Corp., said future-proofing Philippine business would be a key focus amid rapid technological change.
MAP, he said, would spearhead programs to promote digital adoption, particularly as artificial intelligence, automation and online platforms increasingly reshape business operations.
Organizational unity is another priority, as Lim said MAP would reorganize its internal structure to better support national goals during what he described as an “inflection point” for the Philippines.
“Our country does not need more spectators analyzing its challenges from the sidelines,” he added. “It needs leaders willing to get into the arena, to work with hands and open hearts, and do something that outlasts our individual tenures.”
