Can conversations lead to a new market, introductions to a business partnership, or one inspiring woman’s story to an opportunity you never imagined? This is the promise of the 2nd ASEAN Women Economic Summit (AWES) on Nov. 10, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. It’s all systems go!
With the Philippines chairing ASEAN this year — an opportunity that comes only once every 11 years, with the next in 2037 — AWES 2026 presents a timely opportunity to turn women’s economic empowerment into concrete action.
Women Biz Chair Rhoda Caliwara put it succinctly: “Women don’t need another conference to demonstrate how capable and empowered they are. What they need are opportunities: access to bigger markets, technology, business networks, and a fair chance to compete.” That is precisely what AWES hopes to deliver.
Under the theme “Weaving the ASEAN Future: Women Driving Innovation, Integration, and Inclusion,” the summit will bring together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore digital transformation, cross-border trade, artificial intelligence, sustainable and climate-resilient industries, access to finance, and opportunities for women-led enterprises to join regional and global value chains. But the conversations won’t end on stage. Running alongside the Summit is the ASEAN Trade Expo on Nov. 10-12, also at Okada Manila, connecting ideas with products, buyers, and potential business partners.
Chaired by Airspeed Group founder Rosemarie Rafael, along with Trade Expo co-chairs Ms. Myrna Yao and designer Ivy Almario, the three-day event will showcase ASEAN’s rich cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. It will also feature business-matching activities aimed at helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) expand into new markets. Discover Indonesia’s fine Alleira batik silk, Cambodia’s Khmer Hoi silk, Brunei’s regal gold brocade, Timor-Leste’s intricate Tais Buna, Vietnam’s timeless Ao Dai silk, Malaysia’s rich Songket, Laos’ masterfully woven Sinh brocade, and Singapore’s iconic Sarong Kebaya — all in one place. The Philippines will shine, too, with T’nalak from the T’boli, Yakan weaving from Basilan, Inabel from Ilocos, Aklan piña weaving, and other outstanding works gathered nationwide through the Amazing Weaves Distinction Award (AWDA). Winners representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will be crowned on Nov. 11.
As Ms. Rafael observes, bringing together exceptional exhibitors from across ASEAN is made possible by women’s networks built over the years. When women build markets across borders, she says, they grow not only companies but the entire ASEAN region.
What awaits participants in the Summit? Expect an exciting lineup of regional speakers, including Datuk (Dr.) Hafsah Hashim of Malaysia’s Women’s Leadership Foundation, Kunihiko Hirabayashi of the ASEAN-Japan Centre, Andrew Jeffries of the Asian Development Bank, and Mariana Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Corp.
There will also be the BABAE Awards formal dinner, honoring five outstanding Filipinas whose achievements have opened doors for others, capped by a special performance from Ballet Philippines. Women Biz Treasurer Ida Tiongson adds another attraction: a curated dining experience featuring sumptuous meals and refreshments throughout the day, prepared by three Okada Manila chefs.
Behind the Summit is a dedicated team of women leaders, led by Chair Caliwara and Women Biz President Rosemarie Bosch Ong, also the chair of Ways and Means working alongside committee chairs handling communications (Salve Ibañez), finance (Ida Tiongson), logistics (Cathy Saldaña), protocol (Evelyn Singson), registration (Jen Tongco), Program (Mylene Abiva). Risk Management (Noya Terrado) and other essential preparations.
And yes, men are welcome, too! Business leaders, investors, and policymakers have a role to play. Building a more inclusive and competitive ASEAN economy is a shared responsibility.
Women Biz President Rosemarie Bosch Ong says that her vision is “an ASEAN where women are not just part of the economic conversation but are among those shaping its direction and defining its future. Because when women move forward, we must make sure that more women move forward with us.” Chair Caliwara hopes AWES will be remembered not for the number of delegates or prominent speakers, but for “the opportunities that continue long after Nov. 10.”
That is the real reason to attend. Come for the ideas, discover the region’s finest products, meet potential partners, celebrate inspiring Filipinas, and leave with connections that could help your business grow.
Mark Nov. 10 on your calendar. Join us at Okada Manila for AWES 2026 and be part of weaving a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous ASEAN future. The next opportunity could begin with you.
The views expressed herein are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of her office as well as FINEX.
Flor G. Tarriela was former chairman of the Philippine National Bank and the first Filipina vice-president of Citibank, former undersecretary of Finance and currently serves as director and board advisor to publicly listed companies. She is a gardener and environmentalist.