The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at expanding cross-border market access, encouraging startup-corporate collaboration, and supporting innovation-led growth in the Philippines and neighboring economies.
Shared innovation goals
“At Security Bank, this commitment reflects our BetterBanking promise—to create value, deliver meaningful experiences, and open doors for businesses to thrive,” said Hirofumi Umeno, Director, executive vice president and alliance segment head, in a press statement.
“Our shared goal is to turn collaboration into real outcomes that strengthen industries and fuel long-term growth across Asia and globally.”
The MOU brings together the complementary strengths of its signatories. Security Bank contributes to deep relationships with Philippine corporations, while MUFG offers an extensive corporate network across Japan, the Philippines, and the wider region.
Krungsri adds its strong presence in Thailand and experience in regional business-matching platforms, while MUIP and KFIN provide access to regional and global startup ecosystems.
The DTI anchors the partnership through its mandate to promote Philippine startup development and international participation.
Supporting Startup Pilipinas
“This collaboration advances Startup Pilipinas, the Innovative Startup Act, and the Tatak Pinoy Strategy as we build an innovation-driven economy that empowers MSMEs and boosts global competitiveness,” said Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista of the DTI in the same statement.
She added that the partnership will support market access initiatives, startup exchange programs, accelerator activities, and business-matching efforts, while strengthening the country’s AI and Startup Center as a regional innovation hub.
Driving cross-border matching
Under the MOU, the partners will collaborate on promoting startups internationally, supporting trade missions and exchange programs, and participating in DTI-led innovation events.
Philippine corporations and startups will also be invited to join Krungsri’s annual Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair in Bangkok this June.
“Krungsri Bank has been playing an important role in encouraging ASEAN regional expansion,” said Bunsei Okubo, first executive vice president and head of Japanese corporate banking at Bank of Ayudhya PCL.
“Through our ‘Krungsri ASEAN LINK’ business advisory service, we facilitate our customers’ expansion into ASEAN markets.”
Now in its fourth year, the Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair brings together startups and large corporations from over 10 countries to explore partnerships and commercial opportunities.
Regional growth potential
“Backed by MUFG’s ASEAN network and USD20 billion investment commitment, this collaboration advances innovation and strengthens the Philippines’ role in the regional startup ecosystem,” said Masami Yoshitake, managing director and country head-Philippines at MUFG Bank.
Krungsri Finnovate acting managing director Palida Artispong said the MOU marks a key step in advancing investment readiness, two-way market expansion, and knowledge exchange to accelerate startup growth.
MUFG Innovation Partners deputy CEO Atsushi Ishihara cited the Philippines’ young, digital-native population and strong global connections as key advantages for startups looking to scale internationally.
Creating real value
“This partnership creates real value by connecting startups with corporations for pilots, partnerships, and investments,” said John Cary Ong, executive vice president and wholesale banking segment head at Security Bank.
“It provides a practical framework for cross-border exposure, trade missions, and structured business matching, while upholding good governance and institutional independence.” —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
