ADB 2026 Asian Evaluation Week

Michael Lance July 30, 2026 No Comments

The Independent Evaluation Department (IED) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Finance and Development Institute (AFDI), is pleased to announce the 11th Asian Evaluation Week (AEW) — a leading regional platform for advancing evaluation knowledge, strengthening partnerships, and promoting evidence-informed decision-making.

For more than a decade, AEW has brought together policymakers, evaluators, development practitioners, academics, and thought leaders from Asia and beyond to exchange experiences and explore how evidence can drive stronger development outcomes. AEW fosters dialogue, encourages cross-country learning, and provides opportunities to showcase innovative approaches to evaluation and development effectiveness.

This year’s event is particularly significant as AEW will be hosted at ADB Headquarters in Manila for the first time, creating new opportunities for collaboration and learning among ADB staff, development partners, government representatives, and the global evaluation community.

Theme: Put Your Money Where the Evidence Is: Institutionalizing Evaluation for Stronger Development Impact

Governments and development institutions face growing demands amid increasing fiscal constraints, climate risks, geopolitical uncertainty, and rising expectations for results. As resources become more limited, it is more important than ever that decisions are informed by credible evidence on what works, for whom, and under what conditions.

AEW 2026 will explore how evaluation can move beyond generating evidence to ensuring that evidence is systematically embedded into policy, investment, and operational decisions. Through keynote presentations, plenary discussions, technical sessions, and an evidence marketplace, AEW 2026 will provide opportunities to share practical lessons, discuss emerging challenges, and explore innovative approaches for integrating evidence into decision-making processes.

Focus areas

  • Evidence for smarter allocations. Linking evaluation evidence to development priorities and investment decisions to ensure resources are directed toward interventions that deliver results.
  • Evidence embedded in decision systems. Strengthening institutional processes, incentives, and accountability mechanisms to make evidence a routine part of policymaking and operations.
  • Evidence in high-risk and vulnerable country contexts. Using evidence to guide decision-making in climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and fragile and conflict-affected situations.
  • Digital data-driven transformation for real-time evidence. Leveraging artificial intelligence, big data, analytics, and digital technologies to accelerate evidence generation and use.

Who can attend

AEW welcomes government officials, representatives from international organizations, and evaluation professionals eager to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore the latest innovations in evaluation.

How to register

Registration is open until 5 August 2026 through the registration button on the right side of this page. Check out the AEW website and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (Twitter) for real-time updates.

Tuesday-Friday, September 1st-4th, 2026

Asian Development Bank
6 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
Wack-Wack Greenhills East, Mandaluyong 1550

www.adb.org/news/events/2026-asian-evaluation-week

ADB ITD IDIQ Vendor Summit: Empower@ADB – Where Talent Meets Technology

Michael Lance July 29, 2026 No Comments

The ITD IDIQ Vendor Summit is ITD’s annual flagship vendor event, bringing together the ITD community and our IDIQ vendor partners to strengthen collaboration and shape the future of IT service delivery.

This year’s vendor summit marks two major milestones:

  • First is thirty years of partnership with our ITD’s IDIQ contractor workforce— a relationship that has quietly but profoundly helped ADB deliver on its mission every single day. For three decades, our vendor partners have brought expertise, commitment, and innovation that have strengthened our institution and expanded what we are capable of achieving.
  • Second milestone is a preview of Empower@ADB, an initiative that speaks not only to the future of technology, but to the future of people.

Celebrating IDIQ

Through 30+ vendor organizations, the IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) modality provides ITD with contractors, specialist expertise, and deliverable-based services that enable ITD to respond quickly to ADB’s changing business priorities. Today, IDIQ contractors support everything from cybersecurity and cloud engineering to software development, data, AI, and enterprise systems. Many of these partnerships have supported ADB for decades, creating trusted ecosystem of talent that is critical to delivering the bank’s digital transformation agenda.

Once a year, ITD opens its doors to our IDIQ partners to strengthen these long-standing relationships, align on ADB’s strategic priorities, share future capability needs, and collaborate on how we can deliver better technology outcomes together. This Summit is more than a vendor event, it is an opportunity to bring together the people who collectively power ITD’s technology services, foster innovation, and ensure our partnerships continue to evolve to meet the demands of the AI era.

Since 2023, the summit has provided a unique opportunity to open ADB’s doors to our vendor community and:

  • Strengthen strategic partnerships between ADB and its IDIQ vendors.
  • Share ITD’s strategy, priorities, and future business opportunities.
  • Showcase innovation and successful technology initiatives.
  • Explore emerging trends in AI, digital transformation, and workforce development.
  • Collaborate on new ideas to continuously improve the way we deliver technology services together. The summit reflects our shared commitment to building stronger partnerships, driving innovation, and delivering greater value for ADB.

This years’ theme: Empower@ADB: Where Talent Meets Technology

This year’s theme is about the human element behind every technology shift: the talent that turns AI and digital capability into real impact for ADB.

As ADB accelerates its digital transformation journey, success depends not only on technology, but also on access to the right talent, skills, and expertise. This is where our vendor partners play a critical role. We invite them to engage not merely as solution providers, but as strategic partners who can bring flexible talent and delivery models that complement ADB teams to help accelerate innovation and execution. The goal isn’t a handoff of technology; it’s a partnership that puts people first, so ADB can build what it needs, with the right talent at the table from day one.

At the same time, we want to empower our own community. Innovation with AI and digital technologies shouldn’t be limited to specialists, anyone in ADB should be able to dream up a better way of working and have access to the tools, expertise, and vendor ecosystem needed to bring ideas to life. At the same time, innovation must be guided by strong governance, cybersecurity, and risk management practices, ensuring new solutions are adopted responsibly, securely, and in line with ADB’s standards. Together with our trusted vendors, we’re building a future where technology, talent, and collaboration create lasting impact for ADB, and for the people we serve.

Innovation. Technology makes it possible. People make it happen.

Objectives

  • Foster a culture of innovation across ADB by empowering all departments, sector groups, and country offices to identify challenges and explore technology-enabled solutions to address those challenges.
  • Increase awareness of emerging technologies and digital capabilities, including AI, automation, low-code platforms, cloud services, and data-driven solutions, and their potential applications across ADB.
  • Get a glimpse of how technology, talent, and flexible delivery models can accelerate business outcomes and support ADB’s digital transformation priorities.
  • Strengthen collaboration among ADB staff, ITD, and technology partners through knowledge sharing, networking, and the exchange of ideas and best practices.
  • Position technology vendors as strategic partners that can provide the expertise, talent, and solutions needed to transform innovative ideas into practical, scalable, and secure outcomes.
    Inspire new ideas, foster collaboration, and connect business needs with innovative technology solutions and the talent required to deliver them.

Target participants

The 2026 ITD IDIQ Vendor Summit is designed to bring together ADB staff and technology partners to foster collaboration, innovation, and digital transformation across the Bank.

This is open to:

  • The ADB community (all ADB departments, sector groups, and country offices)
  • Technology vendors, IDIQ partners, and participating solution providers

This event is intended to anyone interested in understanding how technology, talent, and strategic partnerships can help solve business challenges and create value across ADB. Participants will have the opportunity to attend showcase/demonstrations, engage with over 36 vendor exhibitors, explore emerging technologies, learn about procurement and engagement pathways, and connect directly with experts and solution providers.

No technical background is required. The event is designed to be accessible to both technical and non-technical participants, encouraging all staff to explore how innovation, supported by strong governance and trusted partnerships, can contribute to ADB’s mission and development impact.

 

Resource speakers
HK Yu Vice-President (Administration and Corporate Management) ADB
Stephanie Hung Director General and CIO ITD
Alain Duminy Director, Digital Workforce and Vendor Services Division ITD
Matt Farley Director, Infrastructure and Technology Division ITD
Anna Lee IT Specialist (Sourcing and Procurement) ITD
Richard Peig Senior IT Specialist (Product and Portfolio Management) ITD
Jeong Wan Hong Senior IT Specialist (Automation) ITD
Raven Shi Jie Ng Senior IT Specialist (AI Engineering) ITD
Gale Evangelista Senior Data Engineer ITD
Mario Jose Silvino Power Platform Developer ITD
James Christian Tarog Power Platform Developer ITD
Rica Primo IT Assistant (Resource Management) ITD
Simon Rafael Gaston Cybersecurity Support ITD
Jaygee Olayta Infrastructure Support ITD
Alison Lee Infrastructure Support ITD
Christine Po King Chan Principal Urban Development Specialist (Finance and Investment) SG-WUD, SD2
Nusserwan Talati Principal Integrity Specialist OAI
Xu Zhao Senior Digital Systems and Portfolio Analytics Specialist PPFD
Hanna Gregorio Portfolio Management Officer (Systems Support) PPFD
San Man Mu Principal Procurement and Contract Specialist, Procurement and Contracts Administration Unit CSD
Michelle Dulay Human Resource Specialist BPMSD
Glenn Myers Executive Counselor Infotech
Ben Tan Vice President – Executive Partner Programs (SEA Region) Gartner
Brigida Regina Javier de Luna President MVSM Bank

How to register

No pre-registration is required. We welcome walk-ins from all members of the ADB community, including staff, consultants, and contractors, as well as invited participants.

Event flyer

Learn more about what’s in store at the ITD IDIQ Vendor Summit

Event Contact

Questions? Please reach out to the ITD IDIQ Vendor Summit team
ITVMO@adb.org

Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Auditorium Halls 1-4
Asian Development Bank
6 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
Wack-Wack Greenhills East, Mandaluyong 1550

www.adb.org/news/events/adb-itd-idiq-vendor-summit-2026

ADB Business Opportunities Fair 2026

Michael Lance June 11, 2026 No Comments

Schedule

  • 21 September: Pre-BOF sessions (all day early registration)
  • 22–23 September: Main BOF sessions
  • 24 September: Training sessions

Description

The ADB BOF is a one-stop forum for consultants, consulting firms, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and civil society organizations looking to provide goods, works, and services for ADB and ADB-financed projects. Organized since 2009, it has proven to be an excellent opportunity to network not only with peers in the industry, but also with ADB specialists in the Energy, Transport, Water and Urban Development (WUD), Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development (AFNR), Public Sector Management and Governance (PSMG), Finance, Digital, and Human and Social Development (HSD) sectors, as well as specialists from the following thematic areas, namely, Climate Change, Environment, Safeguards, Gender, Fragility and Engagement, and Regional Cooperation and Integration and Trade.

Pre-Business Opportunities Fair (BOF) sessions

This year, the BOF will kick off on 21 September with dynamic pre‑fair sessions, featuring dedicated briefings for Civil Society, Academia, Nongovernment Organizations, and Institutional Procurement. These sessions will equip participants with practical insights into ADB’s engagement modalities, procurement processes, and upcoming business opportunities, setting the stage for meaningful participation in the days ahead.

Sector booths will also open on Day 1, giving participants early, direct access to ADB sector and thematic teams to explore sector priorities and initiate discussions ahead of the main BOF sessions.

To ensure a smooth experience, Day 1 is also designated for early registration for the claiming of event badges of registered participants, which is open throughout the day at the ADB Visitor Registration Center along ADB Avenue.

Training sessions

On 24 September, registered participants will have the opportunity to attend training sessions as part of the capacity-building efforts. These sessions will focus on key topics to decode ADB procurement framework including:

  • Understanding bidding documents for goods and works contracts
  • Evaluation Using Merit Point Criteria for goods and works contracts
  • The New ADB Safeguards Policy: Environmental and Social Framework (ESF)
  • Dispute Resolution as a support to quality of infrastructure

These sessions aim to enhance participants’ understanding and practical skills in procurement and safeguards, contributing to improved project outcomes. Registration link will be sent to all BOF registered participants through email. Seats are limited.

One-on-one meetings

Appointments with ADB staff can be requested by registered participants through the appointments desk at the BOF. Appointments can be scheduled with ADB sector and project processing experts from Sectors Departments (SD), subject to their availability, and with procurement specialists from ADB’s Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department (PPFD) on a first come, first served basis.

Networking among participants

Participants are invited to utilize the following ADB networking groups within the LinkedIn platform to communicate with other relevant professionals and prospective BOF participants.

A participants’ networking lounge will be available on 22–23 September. This provides a venue for participants to meet among themselves for face-to-face introductions and information exchange, and to explore possible areas of cooperation.

Objectives

During the event, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • meet with ADB staff in procurement, consulting, project management, and related operations.
  • meet with ADB sector specialists.
  • network with other consulting firms, contractors, and suppliers.
  • hear presentations on how to qualify for ADB-financed contracts.
  • discover what business opportunities are available and where.

At the end of the event, participants will have:

  • discovered the advantages of ADB-financed contracts.
  • received an inside look at ADB’s policies and procedures for the procurement of goods and works, the recruitment of consultants, and the engagement of NGOs and civil society organizations.
  • learned how to locate business opportunities.
  • learned the best practices to prepare responsive bids and proposals.
  • received first-hand information on contracting opportunities by sector currently available under ongoing ADB-financed projects, and upcoming ADB pipeline projects.
  • explored areas of cooperation with other BOF participants.

Expected output

The BOF aims to attract the most talented professionals, and to help them qualify for ADB projects. This increasing pool of highly competent bidders ensures the success of ADB projects.

Target participants

From ADB members:

  • consultants
  • consulting firms
  • contractors
  • manufacturers
  • suppliers/traders
  • NGOs and civil society organizations
  • government officials
  • embassy/trade commissioners
  • think-tanks, institutes, academia, and centers of excellence

Resource speakers

ADB procurement and sector specialists will present general requirements for doing business with the ADB, applicable ADB policies and procedures for procurement of goods, works, and services, and ongoing and upcoming business opportunities.

Specialists on ADB’s engagement with NGOs and civil society organizations will present a dedicated session on ADB business opportunities for these organizations.

Important documents

Please read the following attachments before registering to the BOF and making any travel arrangements.

Costs

There is no fee to participate in the BOF. The ADB organizes the annual BOF as a free service to consultants, consulting firms, contractors, manufacturers, traders, suppliers, embassies/trade commissions, governments, civil society organizations, and the academe/think-tanks from ADB members who are interested in pursuing ADB-financed projects. All participants, however, are expected to shoulder all travel-related costs and arrangements (including return airfare, hotel accommodation, daily subsistence, ground transport, and appropriate visa, if required) for their participation to the BOF in Manila, Philippines.

Business Outreach Team

Galiya Ismakova (Ms)
Business Outreach Director
Procurement Director, Procurement, Portfolio, and Financial Management Department (PPFD)

Sharlene Shillingford-Mcklmon (Ms)
Business Outreach Team Leader
Principal Procurement Specialist, PPFD

Bisma Husen (Mr)
Business Outreach Co-team Leader
Principal Procurement Specialist, PPFD

Consultants

Marie Charmaine “Apple” Yuson (Ms)
Project Manager and Coordinator

Clarissa Santos (Ms)
Logistics Administrator

Jhoanna “Gigi” Quimson (Ms)
Event Management Assistant

Celine Santos (Ms)
Logistics Assistant

Jerald Acosta (Mr)
Digital Communications Expert

Monday-Thursday, September 21st-24th, 2026
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

6 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
Wack-Wack Greenhills East, Mandaluyong 1550

www.adb.org/news/events/business-opportunities-fair-2026

2025 BPI CyberProtect Conference

Michael Lance July 15, 2025 No Comments

Now in its third year, the 2025 BPI CyberProtect Conference brings together top government officials, global experts, and industry leaders to explore the latest challenges and innovations in cybersecurity and consumer protection.

Wednesday, July 30th, 2025
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Rizal Ballroom A&B, Makati Shangri-La
Ayala Avenue corner Makati Avenue, Ayala Center San Lorenzo, Makati 1200

bit.ly/BPICyberProtect

12th Business Opportunities Fair 2024

Michael Lance June 16, 2024 No Comments

In 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will conduct its second in-person Business Opportunities Fair (BOF) after the pandemic.

The ADB BOF is a one-stop forum for consultants, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and civil society organizations looking to provide goods, works, and services for ADB projects. It has proven to be an excellent opportunity to network with peers in the industry and with ADB specialists in the energy, transport, water, urban development, climate change, agriculture, environment, public management, finance, health, and education sectors.

One-on-one meetings

Appointments with ADB staff can be requested by registered participants through the appointments desk at the BOF. Appointments can be scheduled with ADB sector and project processing experts from project departments, subject to their availability, and with procurement specialists from ADB’s Procurement, Portfolio and Financial Management Department (PPFD) on a first-come, first-served basis.

Networking among participants

Participants are invited to utilize the following ADB networking groups within the LinkedIn platform to communicate with other relevant professionals and prospective BOF participants.

A participants’ networking lounge will be available to participants over the two-day duration of the BOF. This provides a venue for participants to meet among themselves for face-to-face introductions and information exchange, and to explore possible areas of cooperation.

Objectives

During the event, participants will have the opportunity to:

  • meet with ADB staff in procurement, consulting, project management, and related operations.
  • meet with ADB sector specialists.
  • network with other consulting firms and suppliers from donor and developing member countries.
  • hear presentations on how to qualify for ADB-financed contracts.
  • discover what business opportunities are available and where.

At the end of the event, participants will have:

  • discovered the advantages of ADB-financed contracts.
  • received an inside look at ADB’s policies and procedures for the procurement of goods and works, the recruitment of consultants, and the engagement of NGOs and civil society organizations.
  • learned how to locate business opportunities.
  • learned the best ways to prepare responsive bids and proposals.
  • received first-hand information on contracting opportunities by sector currently available under ongoing ADB-financed projects, and upcoming ADB pipeline projects.
  • explored areas of cooperation with other BOF participants.

Expected output

The BOF aims to attract the most talented professionals, and to help them qualify for ADB projects. This increasing pool of highly competent bidders ensures the success of ADB projects.

Target participants

From ADB member countries:

  • consultants
  • contractors
  • manufacturers
  • suppliers/traders
  • NGOs and civil society organizations
  • government officials
  • embassy/trade commissioners
  • think-tanks, institutes, academia, and centers of excellence

How to register

REGISTER NOW
to join BOF 2024

Resource speakers

ADB procurement and sector specialists will present general requirements for doing business with the ADB, applicable ADB policies and procedures for procurement of goods, works, and services, and ongoing and upcoming business opportunities.

The sector specialists will discuss ADB’s loan, technical assistance, and grant pipelines in the agriculture, environment, energy, public management, finance, transport, water, urban development, health, and education sectors as well as in the thematic areas of climate change, public–private partnerships, and private sector operations.

Specialists on ADB’s engagement with NGOs and civil society organizations will present a dedicated session on ADB business opportunities for these organizations.

Key documents

Please read the following documents before registering to the BOF and making any travel arrangements.

Costs

Attendance at the event is free. However, ADB does not cover travel and travel-related costs and arrangements (i.e., return airfare, hotel accommodation, daily subsistence, ground transport, and appropriate visa, if required) for participation to the event in Manila, Philippines.

Event organizers (logistics)
Clarissa Santos (Ms) Logistics Administrator
Jhoanna “Gigi” Quimson (Ms) Logistics Assistant
Jerald Acosta (Mr) Digital Events/Social Media Coordinator
Business Opportunities Outreach Initiatives (RETA 9721) Asian Development Bank

Wednesday-Thursday, October 9th-10th, 2024
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Asian Development Bank
6 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
Wack-Wack Greenhills East, Mandaluyong 1550

adb.org/news/events/12th-business-opportunities-fair-2024

23rd BFSI IT Summit Philippines

Michael Lance April 2, 2024 No Comments

Accelerated technology adoption and fast changing business environments have been playing an important role in re-shaping the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector. As the sector continues to drive innovation, technology leaders find themselves looking for new ways to re-define their transformation strategy comprehensively, outgrow competition and remain resilient.

With the risk of real challenges and the potential for greater rewards, customer-centric approaches, automation of processes and security concerns continue to be priorities for information technology (IT) leaders from the BFSI sector.

The banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector in the Philippines are undergoing a profound transformation, fueled by a surge in mobile penetration, the proliferation of Fintech solutions, and accelerated technology adoption. Notably, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) forecasts a substantial uptick in the banking system’s total assets, soaring from ₱23.7 trillion in 2021 to PHP 26.5 trillion by the conclusion of 2023. As the BSP actively champions digitalization initiatives within the banking industry, including advancements in digital payments and the establishment of the Digital Banking Transformation Office, the landscape of BFSI in the Philippines is primed for innovation and growth.

In light of these dynamic shifts, the stage is set for the 23rd Edition of the BFSI IT Summit. This invitation-only, in-person event is exclusively designed for technology and innovation leaders within the BFSI community in the Philippines. Bringing together over 150 distinguished attendees, including CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, Heads of Digital Transformation, Heads of IT and Innovation, IT Infrastructure experts, and other luminaries in this domain, the summit promises to be a transformative experience.

The BFSI IT Summit Series will bring together the top IT leaders from the fraternity. The summit is the definitive learning and networking platform curated to deep dive into important challenges in BFSI and identify best practices to overcome the same.

The crucial areas of discussion will be around automation, digital customer experience, minimizing evolving cybersecurity threats, digital currencies and enhancing customer experience.

The BFSI sector in the Philippines is experiencing rapid evolution, fueled by increased mobile penetration, the growth of fintech, and faster technology adoption. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projects a significant increase in the banking system’s total assets, from ₱23.7 trillion in 2021 to ₱26.5 trillion by the end of 2023. The BSP is actively promoting digitalization in the banking industry through initiatives in digital payments and the establishment of the Digital Banking Transformation Office.

The 23rd Edition of the BFSI Summit stands as a pivotal moment in the advancement of the banking, financial services, and insurance sector in the Philippines. This prestigious event serves as a gathering point for esteemed technology and innovation leaders within the BFSI community, offering an exclusive opportunity to explore the current trends, confront challenges, and seize emerging opportunities that define the industry’s trajectory. By prioritising the imperative of digital transformation and leveraging cutting-edge technology, the summit is poised to empower attendees with indispensable resources and perspectives essential for navigating the dynamic landscape of BFSI in the Philippines.

The 23rd edition of the BFSI IT Summit is an invitation-only in-person event exclusively for technology and innovation leaders from the BFSI community in the Philippines. Attended by 150+ CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, Heads of Digital Transformation, Heads of IT and Innovation, IT Infrastructure, and other experts in this domain, this platform will equip essential tools to transform organizations.

Reasons to attend

Learn and grow

Elevate your professional growth with engaging discussions and collaborative workshops that are shaping the industry.

Explore the latest innovations in digital solutions

Gain valuable insights from renowned innovation and technology experts, including pioneers and leaders from the region, as they share real-world use cases and practical perspectives.

Collaborative partnerships

Collaborate with industry peers to collectively shape the future collectively and exchange experiences.

Connect with trusted technology partners

Connect and meet one-on-one with potential global partners who can provide tailored guidance to help achieve critical business objectives.

Maximize ROI

The BFSI IT Summit is a time-saving, highly informative, accessible, and professional business platform designed for experienced technology professionals and digital experts.

Featured discussions

Why is The Digital Shift a game-changer for banking in the Philippines?

  • Exploring the current state of digital transformation in Philippine banks.
  • Futuristic insights into the trends that will define the future of BFSI.
  • Strategies for harnessing big data for customer insights and risk management.
  • Uncover insights from industry leaders on embracing and capitalizing on digital disruption.
  • Discuss the strategic advantages and challenges of partnering with fintech entities.
  • Discuss the importance of agility and adaptability in the face of rapid technological changes.
  • Discuss how technologies such as blockchain, AI, and biometrics are redefining financial services
  • How banks are adopting customer-centric approaches in the digital era.
  • Evolution in eKYC instruments and onboarding process for secure banking engagements

Why is The Digital Shift a game-changer for banking in the Philippines?

  • Conversations between traditional bankers and fintech disruptors.
  • Collaborative models for fostering innovation without compromising security.
  • Identifying key success stories and lessons from global fintech partnerships.
  • The impact of fintech partnerships on traditional banking services.
  • Navigating regulatory challenges in fostering fintech collaborations.

Decoding Blockchain: A Revolutionary Shift in BFSI

  • Overcoming regulatory challenges and fostering blockchain integration.
  • The role of blockchain in enhancing security and transparency.
  • Implementing blockchain for streamlined cross-border transactions.
  • Delve into the applications and potential of blockchain in the BFSI sector.
  • Discuss the future of decentralized finance (DeFi) and its implications.

New Frontier of Fraud: Emerging Risks and How to Tackle Them

  • Application of AI and machine learning to bolster cybersecurity defences.
  • Addressing the human element: Prioritizing capacity building and awareness in cybersecurity.
  • Crafting a resilient incident response strategy to effectively manage cyber incidents.
  • Examining the role of Zero Trust frameworks in securing cloud and IoT ecosystems
  • Regulatory Framework for Cybersecurity in BFSI and Cybersecurity culture and governance within organisations.
  • What can the BFSI sector do when Phishing is becoming a rising threat?
  • Biometric authentication to enhance security and convenience.

Insights, Innovation, Growth: AI, Data, and Automation in Insurance Excellence

  • How can organisations use the latest technologies and AI to get more value and where does the value begin?
  • Avoiding the pitfalls by organisations using AI solutions that are built on a foundation of high-quality data
  • How the adoption of technology and AI will deliver increases in efficiency, and productivity and allow organisations to scale at speed
  • Generative AI’s rapid rise promises to boost workplace efficiency and revolutionize customer engagement.
  • How can we look to guide and prioritise technological investments?
  • What might a frame work look like to govern the use of AI in insurance?

Transforming Finance: The Triad of Open Banking, Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion

  • Understanding the essence of Open Banking and its impact on traditional financial models.
  • The role of mobile wallets, contactless payments, and cryptocurrencies in the digital payments ecosystem.
  • Collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to advance financial inclusion initiatives.
  • Addressing challenges and opportunities in integrating Open Banking principles to promote inclusive financial practices
  • Overcoming barriers and building trust to encourage the adoption of digital payment solutions
  • Explore opportunities for collaboration and competition in an open banking environment.
  • Balancing innovation with compliance in the financial industry.
  • Discuss the impact of Open Banking and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Why is The Digital Shift a game-changer for banking in the Philippines?

  • Exploring the current state of digital transformation in Philippine banks.
  • Futuristic insights into the trends that will define the future of BFSI.
  • Strategies for harnessing big data for customer insights and risk management.
  • Uncover insights from industry leaders on embracing and capitalizing on digital disruption.
  • Discuss the strategic advantages and challenges of partnering with fintech entities.
  • Discuss the importance of agility and adaptability in the face of rapid technological changes.
  • Discuss how technologies such as blockchain, AI, and biometrics are redefining financial services
  • How banks are adopting customer-centric approaches in the digital era.
  • Evolution in eKYC instruments and onboarding process for secure banking engagements

Industry focus

  • Public Banks
  • Foreign banks
  • Fintechs and Neo Banks
  • Microfinance Companies
  • Health Insurance Companies
  • NBFCs
  • Mutual Funds
  • Regional Rural Banks
  • Asset Management Companies
  • Commercial Banks
  • General Insurance Firms

Who to meet

  • Chief Information Officer
  • Chief Technology Officer
  • Chief Information Security Officer
  • Chief Digital Officer
  • Directors/ VPs/ GMs/ Heads of IT
  • Directors/ VPs/ GMs/ Heads of Digital Solutions
  • Directors/ VPs/ GMs/ Heads Digital Transformation
  • Head of IT Infrastructure
  • Heads of Information security
  • Head of IT Operations
  • Digital Advisors- Government
  • Head of Analytics / AI

Friday, May 24th, 2024
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Roxas Boulevard
Pasay 1300

bfsiitsummit.com/philippines

ADB Asia and the Pacific Food Security Forum 2024

Michael Lance January 22, 2024 No Comments

The Asia and the Pacific Food Security Forum 2024 will be held from 8-12 April 2024 in Manila, Philippines to discuss actions to ease a worsening food crisis in the region, and to improve long-term food security by strengthening food systems against the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss among stakeholders in Asia and the Pacific.

The forum will serve as a milestone event to take stock of the interim performance of Asian Development Bank’s commitment to provide at least $14 billion of own resources to support food security over 2022-2025, and to outline ADB’s forward program on food security in partnerships with a diversity of stakeholders in Asia and the Pacific.

The Asia and the Pacific Food Security Forum 2024 presents an opportunity for partners in both the public and private sectors to showcase their thought leadership and initiatives in building more sustainable and resilient food systems in the region for the future of climate, food and nature. The forum also provides opportunities for engaging with policymakers, government officials, development practitioners, food system and climate change experts, and ADB staff to build strong partnerships in policies, project implementation and research, to accelerate food systems transformation in Asia and the Pacific.

Objectives

The Asia and the Pacific Food Security Forum 2024 seeks to achieve

  • Food security policy perspectives and food systems priorities – building a shared understanding among policy makers of long-term challenges and opportunities of food systems transformation in Asia and the Pacific, and of short-term cooperative approach to responding to rising food price.
  • ADB’s food security operational performance – assessing the progress and performance of the ADB’s $14 billion commitment to food security in 2022-25.
  • Forward support programs confirmed with policy makers – priorities focused on agri-food systems transformation and with operational approaches reflecting the ADB’s four key shifts under new operating model (climate, private sector, solution and One ADB).
  • Partnerships and knowledge sharing with development partners for food security strengthened – follow up the IFI Action Plan for Food Security and the first IFI Global Forum for Food Systems Transformation.

Structure and format

The Asia and the Pacific Food Security Forum 2024 will be a hybrid event and offer a mix of two days of plenary sessions and two additional days of deep dive sessions. The plenary sessions consist of high-level opening and closing, two key thematic sessions and programming consultations that will build shared understanding of long-term challenges and direction of required actions and partnerships by ADB, DMC governments and key stakeholders. The deep dive sessions will have focused discussion on the best practice and practical application to demonstrate how to influence policy, turn policy into action and translate knowledge into practical solutions for food systems transformation in Asia and the Pacific.

Target participants

  • ADB’s developing member countries’ government representatives, ADB executing and implementing agencies involved in agriculture, food, nature and rural development
  • Private sector organizations and civil society organizations on sustainable and resilient food systems transformation
  • Development partners, including multilateral development banks, multilateral and bilateral donors and UN agencies
  • Academia, think-tanks, and centers of excellence
  • ADB staff and consultants working across all operational sectors on food security

Forum secretariat

Costs

Participation to the forum is free. However, participants who are interested in joining as onsite participants will have to pay for their own travel, accommodation, and other arrangements to attend the event in Manila, Philippines.

Draft agenda

Day 1: 9 April 2024 (Tuesday)
9:00-10:30
Opening Session: Leader’s Forum		 Leader’s forum convenes the representatives of DMC senior policymakers and international development organizations to dialogue on short term and long-term issues and priorities for food security agenda in Asia and Pacific. The session will build a shared understanding of why it is necessary to make a fundamental shift in food security policymaking and investment priorities towards a sustainable and resilient agri-food systems perspective. ADB President Masa is expected to deliver a keynote address.
11:00-12:30
Session 1: Future of Food and Agriculture in Asia and the Pacific		 The session will present a regional foresight study on future scenarios of food systems in Asia and the Pacific by 2050 to bring out policy and financing implications. The panel of policy makers and experts will highlight sector and thematic priorities that should be incorporated in regional and national level food security planning.
Networking lunch
14:00-15:30
Session 2: Maximize Climate-Food-Nature Nexus Gain		 Food security agenda is inherently related to climate change, natural resources and ecosystems. The keynote presentation will illustrate case studies to highlight policy lessons of failing to maximize the nexus gains, followed by a panel discussion on ways and means to maximize climate-food-nature nexus gains.
16:00-17:30
Session 3: Public and Private Partnerships in Food Systems Transformation		 Along the food system are farmers, input suppliers, food processors, distributors, wholesalers and retailers and many other players including financial institutions are also involved in the system. This session will focus on operational priorities to kindle and expand the opportunity to foster different forms of public-private partnerships in financing and managing food systems.
Forum reception
18:00-20:00
Day 2: 10 April 2024 (Wednesday)
9:00-10:30
Session 4: Pathway to ADB’s Ambition on Building Food Security in Asia and the Pacific		 This session discusses the achievement and lessons learned from the ADB’s operation in AFNR sector including Strategy 2030 OP5 and $14 billion commitment to food security in September 2022 and discuss the operational direction to achieve ADB Strategy 2030 and beyond. This session will reflect on the outcomes of leader’s forum in the opening session.
11:00-15:30
Session 5: Building Programmatic Interventions: Theme and Country Breakouts		 The session will include two breakout sessions and working lunch facilitating the thematic and country level discussion on developing a matrix of programmatic interventions, Breakout session will be attended by ADB management and key government officials involved in project pipeline development as well as private sector and development partners.
16:00-17:30
Session 6: Closing Session: Summary of key outcomes and actions forward		 This closing session will present a bank-wide forward program and will highlight key programmatic thrusts (e.g. agricultural value chain program, water resources management program, rural climate adaptation and disaster resilience program, rural infrastructure financing program). ADB Vice-President for Sectors and Themes, Fatima Yasmin is expected to give a closing remark highlighting key outcomes of the Forum deliberation.
Day 3 and 4: 11-12 April 2024 (Thursday and Friday)
9:00-17:30
Deep dive sessions		 A series of focused workshops will be organized as parallel sessions on the best practice and practical application to demonstrate how to influence policy, turn policy into action and translate knowledge into practical solutions for food systems transformation in Asia and the Pacific. The sessions include partner specific discussion, cross-regional knowledge sharing, showcase of technical solution, civil society dialogues and so on. In addition, pre-conference workshops may be organized on 8 April 2024.

Monday-Friday, April 8th-12th, 2024
9:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Asian Development Bank
6 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
Wack-Wack Greenhills East, Mandaluyong 1550

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