PASAY CITY, PHILIPPINES — At the recent 2026 ASEAN Chinese Business Leaders Summit held on October 19, 2026, Jollibee Group Global President and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong strongly advocated for the international potential of Southeast Asian brands.
Delivering a speech titled “From ASEAN to the World: Growing Homegrown Brands Beyond Borders,” Tanmantiong emphasized the critical need to cultivate globally competitive brands as the region continues to deepen its business relationships, foster innovation, and strengthen cross-border collaboration. The high-profile event was organized by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).
Tanmantiong expressed immense confidence in the region’s corporate capabilities, highlighting the inherent strength and adaptability of local enterprises. He urged regional leaders to scale their domestic successes into globally resonant brands.
“We have companies with strong capabilities and the resilience to compete. The opportunity before us is to take what is strong at home and make it relevant to the world,” Tanmantiong stated. “May ASEAN’s homegrown brands be ambitious but grounded, competitive but humble, profitable but purposeful, and successful in ways that help others succeed. May all our businesses grow beyond borders.”
