ASSOCIATION OF Southeast Asian Nations Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) Chairman Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III advocated for inclusive prosperity across the region as government and business leaders gathered for the 12th Australia-Asean Business Forum in Adelaide, Australia, on Sept. 29, 2026.
“Prosperity is not just for us. Prosperity has to be for anyone out there, giving them a better life through education, food on the table, and all of this,” Concepcion said during his keynote address.
He said the government and private sector must be consistent with their partnership to create more economic opportunities and address poverty, particularly for Filipinos striving to improve their livelihoods.
“This is my vision for our country: that prosperity should not just be for the few, but for everyone out there,” Concepcion added.
In conclusion, Concepcion invited participants to attend the Asean Business and Investment Summit in Manila, scheduled for Nov. 14 and 15, 2026.
Held under the theme “Deepening Australia-Asean Economic Integration in a Changing Global Landscape,” the forum brought together senior government representatives, Asean leaders, industry executives, investors and policymakers to discuss opportunities in energy transition and green technology, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, agrifood and food security, infrastructure and sustainable development, and human capital and skills development.
The forum comes as Australia and the Philippines mark 80 years of formal diplomatic relations, while Australia’s long-standing engagement with Asean dates back to 1974, when it became Asean’s first Dialogue Partner.
Among those who attended were Asean Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, South Australia Governor Frances Adamson and South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas.
