Brian To, global strategist and consultant to the Cebu Provincial Government, said several investment proposals are currently undergoing due diligence and negotiations, with agreements expected to be signed before the end of 2026.
Key initiatives include a proposed AI research and development (R&D) center involving startups from Cebu, China, and South Korea, as well as an electric motorcycle assembly plant that will initially focus on batteries before expanding into component manufacturing and full vehicle production.
The projects are among the investment opportunities being pursued following Cebu Economic Forum 4.0, organized by the Economic Enterprise Council of the Province of Cebu on Sept. 8 and 9. The two-day event drew 515 participants from 13 countries.
To said the province is encouraging micro-and light-manufacturing rather than immediately pursuing large industrial projects that require substantial capital.
“The capital market is more interesting because it reduces risk,” he said. “The level of due diligence is very different than if you say you're hiring 200 at a time. It's (micro manufacturing) digestible, in other words, in simple English.”
Under this approach, investors can minimize financial risks while gradually expanding their operations and creating jobs.
AI research center
One proposed investment brings together three startups to build an AI research and development center in Cebu, focusing on the security, safety, and reliability of AI platforms used for research and decision support.
“We’ve secured three companies,” To said, following the economic forum, referring to one Cebu-based company and two foreign firms from China and South Korea.
He said the companies are exploring a collaborative business venture that would combine their respective technologies and expertise.
The provincial government is facilitating the process by helping investors navigate regulatory requirements and connecting them with potential business partners and financing sources.
To clarified that the facility would be an office-based R&D center rather than a data center.
The three companies are working toward a consolidated business plan that would define their respective roles, investment requirements and potential employment generation.
Although the facility's location has yet to be determined, To said securing suitable office space would not be a major concern once the companies finalize their business arrangement.
Skills
The proposed center could open opportunities for software developers, cybersecurity specialists and other technology professionals, drawing on Cebu's existing pool of skilled workers and its established information technology and business process outsourcing industry.
He cited Cebu's English-speaking workforce, technical capabilities, and adaptability as key advantages in attracting technology ventures that require specialized skills.
However, the proposed center remains in the development stage, with its investment value, employment targets, location, and implementation schedule yet to be finalized.
Electric motorcycle venture
Another investment being pursued is an electric motorcycle manufacturing project associated with entrepreneur Sheldon Lee, co-founder of Singapore-based electric mobility company Kilats.
To said the proposed venture would initially focus on assembling electric motorcycle batteries before gradually expanding into other components and eventually manufacturing complete vehicles.
The phased approach would allow the company to establish its production capabilities without immediately committing to a large-scale manufacturing facility.
Discussions are ongoing on potential production sites, permits, logistics, manufacturing requirements and sources of raw materials.
The company had yet to disclose its proposed investment amount, production capacity, employment targets or preferred location.
To stressed that the longer-term objective is to manufacture an entire electric motorcycle in Cebu, although the project would have to progress through several stages before reaching that level of production.
The venture could also create opportunities for local suppliers if the company eventually sources components and materials domestically.
However, the extent of local procurement and the project's potential economic impact will depend on whether the proposed assembly operation advances to commercial production.
Forum 5.0
Beyond the AI and electric motorcycle projects, To said the province's investment promotion strategy includes helping prospective investors identify suitable business partners, secure financing and navigate government requirements.
The approach is particularly important for startups, which often struggle to move beyond their initial development stages because of limited financing and insufficient guidance on regulatory and business requirements.
To said the investment team is working to connect entrepreneurs with potential partners and funding sources while helping them develop commercially viable business plans.
Startup sessions are also being planned to provide additional support for emerging businesses.
He expressed optimism that some of the investments being pursued could contribute to Cebu's economic activity and employment generation in 2027.
Building on the success of the previous forum and further positioning Cebu as a competitive destination for business and investment, the province is already preparing for Cebu Economic Forum 5.0, tentatively scheduled for March 2027 will run for two to three days.
To said prominent speakers from the United States and China have accepted invitations to discuss economics, politics, policy development, governance and global strategy. Their names had yet to be announced.
The organizers are hoping the forum will attract more investment opportunities by engaging influential organizations and expanding business networks and potential partnerships. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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