That was the message that emerged from the inaugural ACC CXO Forum 2026, where PLDT Global gathered more than 80 business leaders from telecommunications, technology, banking, finance, infrastructure and enterprise organizations to examine how companies can stay resilient amid rapid digital transformation.
Rather than focusing on the next technological breakthrough, discussions centered on a more pressing challenge: how businesses can align strategies, share expertise and build ecosystems capable of adapting to constant disruption.
Beyond technology
PLDT Global president and CEO Albert V. Villa-Real said the forum was designed not to forecast what comes next but to connect the leaders already shaping the future.
"We did not create this forum to predict the future. We created it to bring together the people who are shaping it," Villa-Real said.
The discussions explored how artificial intelligence, shifting customer expectations, geopolitical uncertainty and changing investment priorities are transforming industries and forcing companies to rethink traditional business models.
Executives agreed that while AI continues to automate routine tasks and improve operational efficiency, organizations must also invest in trusted relationships and strategic partnerships to unlock long-term growth.
"In an increasingly connected world, alignment has become one of the greatest competitive advantages any ecosystem can have," Villa-Real said.
Building resilient ecosystems
The forum brought together speakers from across the global digital economy, including Dario Betti, chief executive officer of the Mobile Ecosystem Forum; Ambe Tierro, country managing director of Accenture Philippines; Andrew Kwok, chief executive officer of HGC Global Communications; Will Haering of Meridian; Curtis Matlock of Proto; Robert Hah of Accenture Strategy; and Ajinkya Mukhopadhyay of HSBC.
They shared insights on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, investment trends, cybersecurity, customer experience and the growing need for resilient digital ecosystems.
Representatives from the broader PLDT Group also joined the discussions, including Metro Pacific Investments Corp. executive vice president and chief finance officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla, PLDT advisor Stanley Yang, PLDT senior vice president and head of enterprise business group Blums Pineda, PLDT vice president for network design and engineering Arvin Siena, PLDT officer-in-charge chief financial officer Leo Posadas, PLDT chief procurement officer Louella Calixtro, and PLDT Global chief operations officer Edith Gomez-Cudiamat. Together, they discussed leadership, enterprise transformation and how organizations can adapt to an increasingly interconnected business environment.
Conversations beyond the boardroom
To encourage deeper collaboration, PLDT Global complemented the formal sessions with interactive activities, including a Leadership Lego Collaboration Lab, an Executive Coffee Masterclass and Executive Whiskey Pairing and Conversations.
The unconventional settings encouraged executives to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and strengthen professional networks outside the traditional conference format.
Villa-Real said organizations must move beyond simply having access to information and instead focus on achieving meaningful alignment among partners and stakeholders.
"The future of our industry won't be shaped by any one company acting alone. It will be shaped by the partnerships we build, the decisions we make together, and the relationships we strengthen across our ecosystem," he said.
Leadership in uncertain times
One of the forum's highlights was a dialogue between PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan and San Miguel Corp. chair and CEO Ramon S. Ang.
The two business leaders shared lessons on leadership, navigating uncertainty, building resilient organizations and creating long-term value despite rapidly changing market conditions.
For PLDT Global, the inaugural ACC CXO Forum also underscored a broader ambition—to serve not only as a provider of connectivity solutions but also as a convenor that brings together industry leaders to foster collaboration. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
