Southeast Asia is brimming with potential, but what does it take to make growth truly inclusive? Beyond economic figures and emerging industries, progress is ultimately shaped by the people who bring ideas to life, build businesses, preserve culture, and create opportunities for others.
At the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit, influential voices and industry leaders came together to explore what lies ahead for the region. From digital transformation and financial health to tourism and the creator economy, the conversations highlighted how Southeast Asia can turn its growing potential into opportunities that reach more people and communities.
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When Talent Becomes A Livelihood
What does it take for Filipino voices to be heard on the global stage? Few can speak to this quite like Tony Award-winner and Filipina icon Lea Salonga.
The Broadway star looked back on her remarkable journey from Manila to the world’s biggest stages, highlighting the depth and breadth of Filipino—and Southeast Asian—talent. But beyond recognition and representation, her story also speaks to something bigger: the creative industries are not just platforms for talent, but livelihoods, opportunities, and powerful drivers of lasting impact.
The Value of Filipino Creativity
From fashion and art to culture and craftsmanship, Filipino creativity is finding its place on the global stage—and earning the recognition it deserves.
Leading the conversation were Filipino designer Rajo Laurel, Art Fair Philippines co-founder and Vogue Philippines Editor-in-Chief Trickie Lopa, and founder and creative director of Idyllic Summers Steffi Cua, who shared their experiences and insights on the evolving creative landscape. As some of the country’s most influential creative personalities, they offered perspectives on the value of Filipino craftsmanship and the opportunities that come with bringing local talent to a global audience.
The Business of Growing
Starting a business is one thing; building one that grows with its audience is another.
From the worlds of entertainment and pageantry to entrepreneurship, Kylie Verzosa has taken on a new role as a businesswoman. Together with her fiancé, Emil Eriksen, she shared the stories behind their ventures: SOLÁ, Kylie’s shapewear brand, and &you, their telehealth company. Operating in two different industries, their experiences highlight the importance of understanding consumer needs, identifying gaps in the market, and allowing a business to evolve alongside the people it serves.
Preserving Cambodia’s Story
Angelina Jolie has left her heart in Cambodia, a country whose stories she has long been committed to bringing to a wider audience.
Alongside filmmaker Rithy Panh, Jolie reflected on Cambodia’s history, resilience, and enduring creative spirit, sharing their commitment to bringing its stories to the world. Their conversation explored the country’s ongoing journey of rebuilding and the strength of its communities, underscoring why preserving a nation’s history matters just as much as making room for the voices that will shape its future.
From entrepreneurship and tourism to storytelling, design, and the creative industries, the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit offered a glimpse into the many ways Southeast Asia continues to move forward. Across different sectors and communities, one thing remains clear: the region’s greatest strength lies in its people. And as Filipino and Southeast Asian voices continue to make their mark across the world, the conversation is no longer just about proving that we belong on the global stage. It’s about creating more opportunities for others to stand on it, too.
Photographed by EXCEL PANLAQUE of KLIQ INC.
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