Insider Spotlight
Jollibee Group global president and CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong delivered the message at the 2026 ASEAN Chinese Business Leaders Summit on Oct. 19 in Pasay City, where he highlighted the importance of transforming regional business strengths into global opportunities.
The big picture
Speaking on the theme “From ASEAN to the World: Growing Homegrown Brands Beyond Borders,” Tanmantiong underscored the capabilities and resilience of ASEAN enterprises as the region strengthens economic ties, innovation and business collaboration.
“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 said.
His remarks highlighted the importance of building brands that can connect with international consumers while preserving the strengths that established their success in domestic markets.
Why it matters
For ASEAN businesses, international expansion presents opportunities to reach new consumers, strengthen brand recognition and participate more actively in global markets.
Tanmantiong's message emphasized that global competitiveness should extend beyond commercial performance to include responsible growth and broader benefits for businesses and communities.
“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,” Tanmantiong said.
Driving regional collaboration
The summit, organized by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), highlighted the importance of strengthening business relationships and cooperation across ASEAN.
As detailed in a Jollibee Group company release, Tanmantiong's participation underscored the importance of developing globally relevant brands rooted in regional strengths.
The bottom line
The message positioned ASEAN's homegrown businesses as potential global competitors, with ambition, resilience and purposeful leadership serving as foundations for sustainable international growth.
For Jollibee Group, the broader vision is one where regional business success translates into opportunities beyond borders while helping other enterprises and communities succeed. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
