CHRO Series PHILIPPINES

Navigating the Future of HR:

Shaping Innovation and Growth in Philippines

27 – 28 January 2026

Ascott Bonifacio Global City, Manila

Brought to you by:

#CHROSeriesPhilippines

CHRO INSIGHTS: NAVIGATING THE FUTURE OF HR IN PHILIPPINES

CHRO Philippines 2026 is a groundbreaking conference that positions the future of work at the forefront. Our guiding theme is more than just a catchy slogan, it serves as a strategic roadmap for HR leaders navigating the ever-evolving business landscape.

At this annual gathering, subject matter experts from diverse industries will share practical strategies and solutions for cultivating purpose-driven workplace cultures and amplifying human potential. Our comprehensive program features dynamic discussions on the latest HR trends and insights, refining organisational culture and leadership, winning with a technological edge, and reimagining enterprises to thrive in the future.

Join us in this remarkable journey! Together, we are shaping a future where work is not merely a task but a profoundly meaningful experience. CHRO Philippines 2026 is more than just a forum, it is a movement that empowers HR professionals to actively influence and sculpt the future of work.

27 JANUARY: CHRO WORKSHOP AGENDA

AI Leadership for CHROs: Strategic Framework for Human Capital Transformation – Philippines Edition

Date: 27th January 2026
Time: 8.30am to 5pm
Facilitator: Joanne Flinn, Chairwoman - ESG Institute

WORKSHOP DELIVERABLES


Join our one-day intensive workshop, designed exclusively for CHROs and senior HR leaders in the Philippines, to lead AI-driven human capital transformation. This interactive program combines dialogue, hands-on exercises, and strategic planning to equip you with practical frameworks for shaping the future of work in the Philippine context.

Key Deliverables of the Workshop:

  • Philippine AI Readiness Assessment with BPO sector considerations.
  • BYOAI Governance Toolkit for managing employee-introduced AI.
  • BPO Evolution Framework for maintaining competitive advantage.
  • Job Security Communication Playbook to strengthen employee trust.
  • 90-Day Transformation Roadmap tailored for the Philippine organizational context.

Why Attend?

  • Gain clarity on global AI trends and their Philippine workforce implications.
  • Understand how to balance rapid AI adoption with human augmentation while preserving the nation’s service excellence reputation.
  • Access exclusive tools and frameworks designed specifically for the Philippine context, including the BPO sector.
  • Learn strategies to address workforce anxiety (highest in the region at 43.8%) and build trust with employees.
  • Leave with a 90-Day AI Transformation Roadmap tailored to your organization’s priorities.


WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Session One: Peak HR Roadmap
Shaping meaningful employee experience focused on Purpose, Passion & Performance

Session Two: Pathways to Success
Creating a fantastic onboarding experience to set the new hires for success

Session Three: Great Leaders, Great Cultures
Empowering Quality Mind Leaders & develop Succession Management toolkit
08.30am
Registration & Networking
09.00am
Session 1: The Strategic Imperative and the Philippine Opportunity
  • Global AI Realities for the Philippines
  • The Shift: From Individual Adoption to Organizational Strategy
  • The Philippine AI Landscape
  • The Paradox: 86% of workers use AI (global leader) while 55% of organizations lack vision
  • BYOAI Risk & Opportunity Assessment for your organization
10.30am
Morning Tea Break
10.45am
Session 2: Core Principles for Philippine AI Leadership
  • Human Augmentation: Protecting and Evolving the Philippine Advantage
  • Ethical Leadership in Addressing Job Security Anxiety
  • Kapwa and Continuous Learning: Leveraging Filipino Cultural Strengths
  • Critical Priority: Philippines shows highest regional job anxiety at 43.8%
  • NAISR 2.0 Workforce Development: Leveraging government support to reduce anxiety
12.30pm
Networking Lunch
13.30pm
Session 3: Strategic Objectives and Implementation
  • From BYOAI to Strategic AI: Governance & Value Creation
  • Change and Risk Management for AI Workforce Transformation
  • HR-AI Risk Management Frameworks across the Employee Lifecycle
  • Critical Module: Moving from unsanctioned tools to governed deployment
  • Strategic Planning Workshop: Your 90-Day Philippine AI Transformation Roadmap
15.15pm
Afternoon Break
15.30pm
Session 4: Outcomes, Resilience, and the Path Forward
  • Defining Measurable Outcomes & Success Indicators
  • Building Organizational Resilience in High-Anxiety Contexts
  • The Philippine Path Forward: Leading Global AI Adoption
  • Priority Focus: Addressing the 43.8% job security concern
  • Reflection Exercise: Your Three Strategic Priorities & First-Week Actions
16.45pm
Session 5: Peer Learning and Closing
  • Open dialogue on Philippine-specific challenges
  • Sharing strategies and insights
  • Clarifying questions
  • Next steps and continuing support
  • Course feedback
17.00pm
End of Workshop

28 JANUARY: CHRO CONFERENCE AGENDA

8.00am
Registration & Networking
9.00am
Organiser’s Welcome Address
9.05am
Chairperson’s Opening Remarks

Darwin Rivers, GM -Talent Acquisition - Omega Healthcare Management

9.15am
KEYNOTE
New HR Paradigm: Repositioning HR from Operational Support to Strategic Transformation
  • HR leadership roles in driving business strategy, workforce resilience, and growth
  • Leveraging technology, data, and automation while sustaining employee engagement and trust
  • Addressing emerging workforce challenges

Rosita Ceres Legaspi-Aguas, Chief Human Resources Officer and Head – People, Learning and Culture - Unilab Inc

9.45am
PRESENTATION
Advancing People Analytics and Talent Marketplace Strategies
  • Accelerating HR analytics adoption for better decision-making
  • Creating internal talent marketplaces for contingent and gig workers
  • Enhancing workforce agility and retention through mobility

Francoise Bejasa, Executive Director, Talent Acquisition APAC - TTEC

10.15am
From Roles to Capabilities: Redesigning HR for the Next Decade
  • How leading organisations are moving beyond static job architectures to adopt skills-first workforce models
  • Why learning is evolving from one-size-fits-all programs to highly customisable, interactive, and context-driven pathways
  • How targeted and skills-validated learning paths improve workforce capability

Wilson Tan, Regional Account Director - Coursera

10.45am
Morning Tea Break
11.15am
PANEL
Redefining Sustainable Workplaces: From Green Policies to People-Centric Culture
  • Integrating environmental goals with employee engagement
  • Aligning sustainability with workforce well-being
  • Measuring impact of people-centric sustainability initiatives

Moderator:

Robert Gonzales, Chief People Officer – Mynt

Panelists:

Maria Theresa G. Sebastian, Assistant Vice President – Human Resources – SM Development Corporation

Vincent Benedicto, Vice President, Human Resources – UnionBank of the Philippines

Michelle Guce, Chief HR and Admin Officer – Malayan Insurance

Rolly Zubiri, Director for Human Resource Operations – Newport World Resorts

12.15pm
PANEL
The Future of AI in HR: Balancing Technology and the Human Touch
  • Shaping a future-ready workforce that embraces AI-driven change
  • Using AI for performance reviews while maintaining fairness and transparency
  • Building cultures of trust and inclusion in an AI-driven workplace

Moderator:

Paul Adapon, Senior Regional HR Business Partner – APAC – 8x8

Panelists:

Kiel Abuzia, HR Director – Marikina Valley Medical Center (Metro Pacific Health)

Xandra Feliza, Head of Strategic Talent Management | CHRO of ACX – Ayala Corporation

12.45pm
Lunch & Networking
02.00pm
INTERACTIVE ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION GROUPS [60 MINS]

Ask the experts and have your say! Structured to maximise interaction and in-depth focus on a topical subject matter, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a roundtable of their choice, which has close relevance to their area of expertise and/or scope of responsibility. We will conclude with a 15mins sharing session, where each Roundtable Leader will present key highlights and takeaways from the group discussion.


ROUNDTABLE A

How AI is Transforming the Modern Workplace?


Reserved for Industry Partner
ROUNDTABLE B

Succession Planning: Strategies for Knowledge Transfer and Mentorship


Roundtable Leader:
Avery Balboa-Banta
Vice President Human Resources
Globe Telecom
ROUNDTABLE C

Employer Branding in a Talent-Competitive Market


Reserved for Industry Partner
ROUNDTABLE D

Reimagining Total Rewards for a Multigenerational Workforce


Roundtable Leader:
Elisa Abalajon
CHRO and Agile Transformation Lead
Universal Robina Corporation
ROUNDTABLE E

Human-Centric Productivity: Designing Work Around People, Not Processes


Roundtable Leader:
Kurly De Guzman
Career & Leadership Coach
KDG Career, Leadership & Coaching
ROUNDTABLE F

Retaining Trust and Talent in the Workforce


Roundtable Leader:
Michelle Rubio
Chief Human Resource Officer
UnionBank of the Philippines
03.15pm
Afternoon Tea Break
03.45pm
PRESENTATION
From Strategy to Scale: Building AI-Enabled, Future-Ready Talent That Powers Business Growth
  • AI as Talent Fuel – Power growth through smarter, future‑ready people
  • Scale Fast, Stay Agile – Expand talent strategies without losing speed or flexibility
  • Growth by Design – Turn workforce innovation into measurable business wins

Shilpi Jaiswal, Director, Regional Head of HR - NICE

04.15pm
PANEL
The Gig Economy Surge: Challenges and Opportunities
  • HR’s role in driving the transition to flexible and gig-based work models
  • Challenges in managing non-traditional workforce structures
  • Ensuring fairness and inclusivity in flexible work arrangements

Moderator:

Hare Krisna Ramirez, Director of Talent Acquisition – Enshored

Panelists:

Ellen Fulido, Vice President, Human Resources & Administrative Services — MBC Media Group

Ma Elizabeth D. Nasol, President & Owner — MEDN Management Consultancy Services

Eric del Castillo, Senior General Manager / Vice President, Human Resources Philippines & ASEAN Special Projects — Nissan Motor Corporation

05.00pm
Closing Remarks & End of Conference

CHRO SPEAKERS

Paul Adapon

Senior Regional HR Business Partner - APAC
8x8 International (Philippine Branch Office)

Wilson Tan

Regional Account Director
Coursera

Ellen Fulido

Vice President, Human Resources & Administrative Services
MBC Media Group

Ma Elizabeth D. Nasol

President and Owner
MEDN Management Consultancy Services

Hare Krisna Ramirez

Talent Acquisition Director
Enshored Philippines

Avery Balboa-Banta

VP HR
Globe Telecom

Eric del Castillo

Senior General Manager/Vice President, Human Resources Philippines and ASEAN special projects
Nissan Motor Corporation

Elisa Albalajon

CHRO and Agile Transformation Lead
Universal Robina Corporation

Michelle Cordero Garcia

Chief HR Officer
Sun Life Philippines

Marco Angelo B. Padernal

Human Resources Director
Robinsons Supermarket Corporation

Francoise Bejasa

Executive Director, Talent Acquisition APAC
TTEC

Joanne Flinn

Chairwoman
The ESG Institute

Carla G. Lanza

Chief People Officer
Maya

Michelle Guce

Chief HR and Admin Officer
Malayan Insurance

Angelo S. Macario

Chief Human Resource Officer
National Museum of the Philippines

Rolly Zubiri

Director for Human Resource Operations
Newport World Resorts

Kiel S. Abuiza

Human Resources Director | Marikina Valley Medical Center
Metro Pacific Health

Vincent Benedicto

Vice President, Human Resources
UnionBank of the Philippines

Maria Theresa G. Sebastian

Assistant Vice President – Human Resources
SM Development Corporation

Michelle Rubio

CHRO
UnionBank of Philippines

Rosita Ceres Legaspi-Aguas

Chief Human Resources Officer and Head – People, Learning and Culture
Unilab, Inc.

Erica Lam

Head of HR
BSH Home Appliances

Michelle Taylor-Jones

Global Chief Inclusion Officer
Manulife Financial Corporation

Gautam Duggal

Senior Vice President, HR - APAC & MEA
Citi

Archan Bahulekar

Head of Sales, Asia
First Advantage

Rita Tsui

Founder
AsiaHRM | Coaching Engage +

Dr. Anthony Wong

Founder & Managing Consultant
Gente

Cynthia Lai

Founder and Executive Coach
Choose to Change Coaching and Consulting Limited

Yolice Wu

Executive Director and Chief People & Culture Officer
Hongkong Land Limited

Sarah Cheuk

AVP HR
Fano Labs

Emily Tang

Founder
Minds Recode

Ilaria Gregotti

VP P&C East Asia, Australia & PMI Global Travel Retail -
Philip Morris International

Charlotte Chan

Senior Director
People & Culture
Klook

Kristy Lam

Senior Global HR Lead
Eternal Planet

Philip Wixon

Head of HR Transformation
The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Sebastian Ritz

Senior Director, APAC
gloat

Alex Wong

General Manager - Corporate Information Technology
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas)

ESG MASTERCLASS SPEAKER

Joanne Flinn

CHRO PHILIPPINES PARTNERS

PREMIUM SPONSORS

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR

EXHIBITOR

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR

SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS

ticket prices and information for CHRO Philippines

Day 1: CHRO Philippines1-4 ticket(s) (SGD)5 tickets and above (per ticket) (SGD)

Early Bird (1 Sep to 31 Oct 2024)

S$299S$279

Advanced Saver (1 Nov to 31 Dec 2024)

S$399S$379

Regular Price (1 Jan to 13 Feb 2025)

S$499S$439

 
1 to 4 delegates (SGD)
27 January 2026: Pre-Conference Workshop S$599 per delegate
28 January 2026: Conference (Delegate) S$499 per delegate
28 January 2026: Confere4ce (Vendor/Solution Provider) S$1000 per delegate
[Bundle 2-days] Conference & Pre-Conference Workshop S$998 per delegate

Take advantage of our Advance Saver pricing up to December 31, 2025
Note: Prices will increase after this period.

CHRO Philippines 21 Feb 20241 ticket4-10 tickets (per ticket) (SGD)
Early Bird (1 Nov to 31 Dec 2023)S$299S$279
Advanced Saver (1 Jan to 31 Jan 2024)S$399S$379
Regular Price (1 Feb to 21 Feb 2024)S$499S$439

ticket prices and information for CHRO Workshop

Day 2: CHRO Workshop1 - 4 ticket(s) (SGD)5 tickets and above (per ticket) (SGD)

Early Bird (1 Sep to 31 Oct 2024)

S$895S$799

Advanced Saver (1 Nov to 31 Dec 2024)

S$945S$819

Regular Price (1 Jan to 13 Feb 2025)

S$995S$869

Register now

Reserve your
tickets now.

The CHRO series promises to be exciting this year.
But it'll be even better with you with us.

Paul Adapon

Senior Regional HR Business Partner – APAC – 8×8 International (Philippine Branch Office)
Bio

Paul Adapon is the Senior Regional HR Business Partner for APAC at 8×8 International (Philippine Branch Office). He has over two decades of experience in the full spectrum of Human Resources, focusing on linking people initiatives to business objectives, driving growth, and fostering high-performance cultures.

His expertise includes strategic manpower planning, competency-based performance management, Organization Development (OD), Learning & Development, Employee and Labor Relations, and Talent Acquisition.

Prior to 8×8, he held leadership roles at enables GROUP, Prople BPO Inc., Pointwest Technologies Corporation, Sun Cellular, and P&A Grant Thornton. Paul is recognized for coupling deep HR knowledge with exceptional business acumen, sound judgment, and a commitment to inclusive, high-performance cultures. He is known for his strategic vision, integrity, and hands-on approach to advancing the HR profession.

Wilson Tan

Regional Account Director – Coursera
Bio

Wilson Tan is the Regional Account Director at Coursera, leading strategic partnerships across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. He works closely with People Leaders to drive workforce transformation through a Skills-First approach. Prior to Coursera, he held roles at Gartner, the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, and Thomson Reuters. His expertise spans across workforce transformation, business strategy, and innovation.

Ellen Fulido

Vice President, Human Resources & Administrative Services – MBC Media Group
Bio

Ms. Ellen Fullido is the 2022 President of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). Ellen is a member of the Philippine Society of Fellows and holds the distinction of Fellow in People Management. She is currently the Vice President for Human Resources & Administrative Services at FJ Elizalde Group of Companies, and Business Partner of MBC Resources, Inc. – the managing company of the Manila Broadcasting Company.

Before becoming the President of PMAP, she held other positions: Vice President and Annual Convention Chair (2021), Board Secretary (2020), Board of Trustee (2015, 2016, 2018), and Chair of the Media and Communications Committee. She is also a member of the Council of Presidential Advisers (COPA) of PMAP.

She is a recipient of the PMAP Makatao Awards for Media Excellence and was Philippine Representative and Panelist to the Global HR Forum held in Tokyo, Japan last November 2024.

Ms. Ellen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management & Industrial Engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology and Post Graduate Studies in Human Resource Management at the University of Santo Tomas.

Ma Elizabeth D. Nasol

President and Owner – MEDN Management Consultancy Services
Bio
  • Past President, People Management Association of the Philippines
  • Past President Organization Development Professional Network
  • Past President , Compensation Management Society of the Philippines
  • Diplomate in People Management
  • Fellow , Total Rewards Management
  • Strategic Human Resource practice in various industries and conglomerates –
  • Energy Development Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, Globe Telecom Inc, and
  • Roxas Holdings Corporation
  • HR Consulting Experience with John Clements Consulting Inc .
  • HR Consulting , MEDN Management Services Company
  • BS Psychology , University of Santo Tomas
  • Executive Development Program , INSEAD
  • Strategic Human Resource Management , University of Michigan

Hare Krisna Ramirez

Talent Acquisition Director – Enshored Philippines
Bio

Krisna has spent more than two decades building her career in Human Resources, with a focus on Talent Acquisition across different industries. Much of her journey has been in the BPO and Shared Services sector, where she had the chance to grow alongside pioneering organizations from their early start‑up days. Over the years, she has taken on leadership roles, including serving as Head of Talent Acquisition for IGT Technologies, Alta Resources and now at Enshored. Believing in the importance of a growth mindset, she takes part in initiatives that help leaders and teams develop through training and facilitation.

She holds a Psychology degree from Miriam College and has pursued further learning through certifications in Human Resources and Organizational Development. Outside of work, Krisna enjoys exploring her creative side—she trained in Culinary School and loves experimenting with new recipes. She also values time spent traveling with her husband, discovering new places and experiences. Krisna believes her career has been shaped by continuous learning, collaboration, and the people she has worked with, and she looks forward to sharing those insights with others.

Avery Balboa-Banta

VP HR – Globe Telecom
Bio

Avery Banta is a visionary HR leader and passionate architect of people, teams, and organizations. As VP and Head of HR Business Partners, Change Management, and Organization Development at Globe Telecom, she leads a high-impact HR team that empowers individuals and enables teams to deliver results that truly matter.

With a strong foundation in Communication and Business, Avery blends strategic foresight with empathy and executional excellence. She has led transformative enterprise shifts – from building new teams and driving culture change to spearheading large-scale reorganizations.

A PMP® and Agilist, with credentials from Project Management Institute, INSEAD, Kellogg, and Emeritus, Avery is recognized for turning bold ideas into tangible impact. She thrives at the intersection of strategy, people, and change, bringing energy, clarity, and collaboration to every endeavor, always driving progress with purpose.

Beyond her corporate leadership, Avery is a devoted mentor and leadership advocate. For over two decades, she has trained and coached aspiring project managers and emerging leaders, helping them gain expertise, confidence, and a deeper belief in their own potential.

Eric del Castillo

Senior General Manager/Vice President, Human Resources Philippines and ASEAN special projects – Nissan Motor Corporation
Bio

Eric, a transformative leader with over 30 years of expertise in human resources, has dedicated his career to shaping people-centric organizations that inspire excellence and growth. As Vice President of Human Resources for Nissan Philippines, he has been a catalyst for change, driving a culture of innovation, engagement, and performance within the company.

A distinguished graduate of the University of the Philippines with a Master’s Degree in Industrial Relations, Eric’s passion for people development has been widely recognized in the industry. His leadership has earned him two President’s Innovation Awards, presented by Nissan Philippines Presidents—first in 2017 from Mr. Ramesh Narasimhan, and again in 2023 from Mr. Juan Manuel Hoyos. These accolades are a testament to his commitment to building a high-performance organizational culture, fostering talent, and making Nissan a desirable place to work.

Eric is a Certified Executive Coach from the Center of Executive Coaching, USA. With specialized training in coaching both emerging and seasoned leaders, he equips them to excel in managing high-performance teams, serving as catalysts for organizational change, and leading transformative efforts even in the face of challenges. His ability to mentor leaders through complex organizational dynamics further highlights his dedication to developing leadership excellence and driving long-term success within the company.

Eric is also a certified facilitator of DDI, specializing in both Interaction Management (IM) and Targeted Selection (TS), with a particular focus on behavior-based interviewing. His expertise in these areas has taken him across the region, where he has both attended and led training programs in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Through these international engagements, Eric has demonstrated his ability to impart valuable management and talent selection skills, further enhancing his reputation as a key influence in the field of Human Resources.

Having been with Nissan for nine years, Eric has made significant contributions in talent management, employee engagement, total rewards, and overall employee experience. His leadership has been pivotal in enhancing these areas, driving a people-first culture that prioritizes employee well-being and performance. Notably, his work in key talent acceleration—identifying high-potential employees and developing them for leadership roles—has been recognized as a best practice by Nissan Asia & Oceania. This recognition highlights his ability to shape the future leadership pipeline, ensuring a steady supply of capable leaders for Nissan’s continued success.

Under Eric’s leadership, Nissan Philippines has flourished, achieving noteworthy milestones in employee satisfaction and employer branding. Nissan won back-to-back awards in 2023 and 2024, receiving the Best Employer Brand Award from the Employer Branding Institute of India (2023), and being named the 7th Best Employer in the country by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista (2024). These accolades speak volumes about the positive organizational culture that Eric has helped cultivate, further solidifying the company’s standing as a top employer in the region. These achievements demonstrate Eric’s ability to align human resources strategies with Nissan’s broader business goals, resulting in a workplace that not only attracts top talent but also retains them.

Beyond his professional achievements, Eric is a mentor, a coach, and an advocate for the next generation of HR leaders. As a fellow in People Management and a former Board of Trustees member of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), he continues to give back to the HR community that has shaped his career. His warmth, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives, making him not just a leader but an inspiration to many within the human resources profession.

On October 17, 2024, Eric was named People Manager of the Year (regional exemplar) by the prestigious People Management Association of the Philippines (preeminent society of people managers in the Philippines with over 2000 member companies) at its annual conference held in Iloilo Convention Center, IloIlo City.

In 2025, Eric was recognized by CHRO Asia with an Exemplary Leader Award for his notable contribution in promoting the HR practice in the Philippines. The ceremonies were held at the Dusit Thani Hotel on April 28, 2025.

He was also named as one of the top 25 HR leaders to watch for in 2025 by Traicon at the culmination of the World HR Summit Philippines on May 23, 2025 at the Heritage Hotels in Manila.

Elisa Abalajon

CHRO and Agile Transformation Lead – Universal Robina Corporation
Bio

Lisa is an experienced leader who worked with business executives to deliver transformational and cultural changes in varying organizational environments. She has more than 25 years of solid HR experience gained from various industries including technology, retail and fast moving consumer goods, mostly in senior leadership positions.

Lisa is motivated to work in an environment that is open, inclusive and respects diversity. She strongly believes in a performance driven, values led organization. She aspires to continue making a difference to individuals and organizations by enabling them to understand their strengths and unleashing their true potentials.

She is currently the Chief HR Officer and Agile Transformation Lead of Universal Robina Corporation (URC), a food and beverage Philippine-based company, with operations in Asia Pacific. She supports more than 14,000 organic employees across different business units, and manages an HR team of >200 employees across different markets.

Lisa used to work for Mondelez International prior to joining URC. She used to be their HR Director, Human Resources for Southeast Asia based in Singapore. Prior to Mondelez, she also worked in Intel Corporation and had an expatriate assignment supporting one of the more advance fabrication factories in the US at that time.

She is a lawyer by profession graduating with honors from the Ateneo de Manila. She completed her Executive MBA from Singapore Management University in 2013..

Michelle Cordero Garcia

Chief HR Officer – Sun Life Philippines
Bio

With over 30 years of experience as an HR Leader and Influencer, Michelle continues to pursue her passion around Strategic Business Partnering, Culture Transformation, and Talent Revolution. She is a strong advocate of cultivating continuous learning, resiliency, and belongingness in the workplace. Today, she is the Chief HR Office of Sun Life Philippines.

Recognized as one of the 2024 Top 30 Filipino Leaders to follow on Linked-in, Michelle was the sole recipient of the 2023 Platinum HR Leader of the Year by the Philippine HR Awards.

Also last year, she was listed as Top 3 in the Bridge 100 Top Talent Leaders in the Philippines, recognized as one of the 22 Global Women Who Rule (GWWR), and recently accorded the Pillar of HR Award by the Philippines HR Group (PHRG)

She served as the 2018 National President of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) and today, she sits part of PMAP’s Council of Presidential Advisers.

Outside of her corporate responsibility, Michelle actively pushes for various HR volunteer advocacies that advance the practice of Filipino HR. She maintains a well-balanced life as she keeps a home with her husband and three children.

Marco Angelo B. Padernal

Human Resources Director – Robinsons Supermarket Corporation
Bio

Marco is currently the HR Director at Robinsons Supermarket Corporation overseeing its entire Human Resources function. With his over 16 years of Human Resources experience, he is leading the HR strategy of Robinsons Retail’s largest group – Food Segment, which is comprised of Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Shopwise, Robinsons Easymart, No Brand, and Uncle John’s. He has a well-rounded exposure in various industries, namely retail, information technology, cable & telecommunications, and investment management. Marco was recognised in 2024 as one of the Top 100 Talent Leaders in the Philippines by the Bridge Group. In 2022, he was also one of only six Filipinos recognised in the “40 Under 40 Asia HR Leaders” awards that celebrated 40 exemplary HR leaders who have been at the forefront of the transformations in the APAC region. Marco graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management, minor in Strategic Human Resources Management at the Ateneo De Manila University. He also completed the Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP®) Program.

Francoise Bejasa

Executive Director, Talent Acquisition APAC – TTEC

Joanne Flinn

Chairwoman – The ESG Institute
Bio

Thought leader, award-winning author and respected international keynote speaker, Joanne Flinn has brought inspiration, insight, and action to audiences across countries and industries. Her deep experience enables her to share true insights about digital disruption, change and leadership. Her empathy and realism help people succeed in business and life. As the Chair of the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Institute, Joanne works with Chairman and CEOs of global entities to develop, scale and deploy sustainability strategies.

Carla G. Lanza

Chief People Officer – Maya
Bio

Carla “Charee” Lanza is the Chief People Officer of Maya Philippines, Inc. Her insights and perspective on Human Resources Management and Corporate Culture are as rich as the history of the company itself, and its role in the digital transformation of emerging markets.
Charee was, after all, part of the telco startup that was Smart Communications in 1996. In 2013, Voyager/PayMaya was established as a response to the challenge of digital transformation in the telco industry. To help drive the company to be as agile, nimble and relevant in this rapidly changing world, Charee has been uniquely applying her experience in organization transformation and change management, talent acquisition, management, and development, strategic rewards, and employee engagement.

Since rebranding in 2022, Maya has sustained its leadership as the Philippines’ #1 fintech ecosystem, with Maya Bank growing deposits to over ₱43 billion, disbursing nearly ₱120 billion in loans, and issuing 125,000+ credit cards while achieving group-wide profitability by 2024. Under Charee’s people leadership, Maya has also gained recognition for transforming its workplace through AI-powered efficiencies, driving innovation and scale across its rapidly expanding operations.

Michelle Guce

Chief HR and Admin Officer – Malayan Insurance
Bio

Mitch currently serves as the First Vice President and Chief HR and Admin Officer at Malayan Insurance Company, a leader in the non-life insurance industry in the Philippines. This sector, fundamentally built on assessing and managing risk, provides Mitch with a unique and pragmatic perspective on long-term organizational viability.

With over 25 years of experience in Human Resource Management, Mitch’s strategic approach is underpinned by her Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Ateneo de Manila University. She has skillfully applied this expertise across diverse areas, including organizational development, quality management, leadership, and culture management, with a specialty in experience design. Mitch firmly believes that people strategies are the ultimate risk mitigation tool. She actively works to translate global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards into actionable, human-centric strategies that foster true resilience.

Her commitment to holistic sustainability is influenced by her family background, as her late father, Edgard C. Guevara, was a noted Filipino environmentalist and founder of GEO FARM, a pioneering center for organic farming and ecological technologies in the country.

In addition to her role at Malayan Insurance, Mitch is highly involved externally. She has been recognized as a Fellow (FPM) of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) and currently serves as Treasurer of the PMAP Society of Fellows. Beyond her professional achievements, Mitch finds fulfillment in her involvement with the Teens’ Ministry of the International Church of Christ in Manila. Together with a team of coordinators, she mentors and guides the youth, encouraging positive choices, responsible citizenship, and leadership development.

  

Angelo S. Macario

Chief Human Resource Officer – National Museum of the Philippines
Bio

Angelo S. Macario is presently the Chief Human Resource Officer of the National Museum of the Philippines. With 17 years of experience as an HR Practitioner in both the private and public sectors such as the Philippine Civil Service Commission, National Library Board of Singapore and Department of Social Welfare and Development, and a strong advocate for the Equal Employment Opportunity Principle. Angelo champions inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, promoting the onboarding of talent irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or other conditions.

Having risen through the ranks, Angelo possesses comprehensive experience across all facets of Human Resource and Organizational Development, including HR
administration, management, and development. He consistently instills the principles of integrity, compassion, and ethical conduct in his team, encouraging them to always take
the high road.

Angelo holds a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Bachelor of Advertising and Public Relations, both from the Polytechnic University of the
Philippines, Manila.

Recently, Angelo was honored with the National Museum of the Philippines – Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (NMP PRAISE) Award for Best Division
Chief for the Administrative Cluster and was an Achievement Awardee for the NMP PAMANA Human Resource Management Information System along with the Office of the Director for Information Communications Technology section. These awards were presented on August
11, 2025.

Rolly Zubiri

Director for Human Resource Operations – Newport World Resorts
Bio

Rolly Zubiri graduated from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) with a degree in BS Psychology. He has more than 17 years of experience handling different facets of Human Resources and Project Management in various industries such as Oil & Gas, Financial, Insurance, and Hospitality. He was part of Petron’s project team that was sent to Malaysia to set up the company’s first off-shore operations, and led the HR Digitalization and Learning Management System development with Eastwest Ageas Life Insurance Corp. and Metrobank Card Corporation respectively. Currently, he is the Director for HR Operations with Newport World Resorts handling Compensation & Benefits/Payroll, Workforce Planning, Performance Management, and HR Project Management.

  

Kiel S. Abuiza

Human Resources Director | Marikina Valley Medical Center – Metro Pacific Health
Bio

Mr. Kiel S. Abuiza is currently the Human Resources Director of Marikina Valley Medical Center (MVMC), a tertiary hospital located in Sumulong Highway, Marikina City. MVMC is a proud member of Metro Pacific Health, the largest hospital group in the country to date.

Mr. Abuiza obtained his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Our Lady of Fatima University QC, and his Master’s in Business Administration from the Ateneo de Manila University Graduate School of Business – a dual certificate program recognized by the Regis University of Denver, Colorado, USA. He earned his Certificate in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SOLAIR). Currently, he is taking up Ph.D. in Business Management Major in Human Capital and Labor Relations at the Philippine Christian University – Manila Campus.

Before joining MVMC Mr. Abuiza has extensive exposure in various industries such as Quick Service Restaurant, Retail, Hospitality, and Healthcare both locally and overseas. His last overseas post was in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as Head of Operations of 45 restaurant outlets, and manages sub-franchisees in Oman, Dubai UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain.

Vincent Benedicto

Vice President, Human Resources – UnionBank of the Philippines
Bio

Vincent currently serves as Vice President for Human Resources at UnionBank of the Philippines.
Prior to this role, he was Senior Assistant Vice President for Human Resources at the Philippine National Bank (PNB) and Assistant Vice President for Human Resources at SM Development Corporation (SMDC. He also contributed to the academic community as a Part-Time Teacher in Leadership and Strategy at Ateneo de Manila University.
He holds an MBA from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Management Economics with a Minor in English Literature from Ateneo de Manila University, where he also completed his grade school and high school education.
He is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, with Green Belt and Orange Belt certifications, and is skilled in Agile frameworks as a Professional Scrum Master (Levels 1 and 2) and Professional Scrum Product Owner (Level 1). His certifications also include ITIL Version 4, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+), and PRC licensure as a Real Estate Broker.
With his breadth of corporate, academic, and technical expertise, he brings a strong commitment to developing leaders, enabling operational excellence, and driving organizational success through strategic, people-centered leadership.

Maria Theresa G. Sebastian

Assistant Vice President – Human Resources –  SM Development Corporation
Bio

Terry is a seasoned Human Resources leader with over a decade of proven expertise in talent acquisition, people development, and HR strategy across diverse industries including real estate, financial services, and insurance.

For the past 10 years, Terry has served as Assistant Vice President for Human Resources at SM Development Corporation (SMDC), where she has been instrumental in driving HR business strategies, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and building a culture of excellence within one of the country’s leading property developers. Her leadership has significantly contributed to strengthening the company’s talent pipeline and employee engagement programs.

Prior to joining SMDC, she held key HR leadership roles in the financial services sector. As Assistant Manager for Recruitment and Development at Sun Life Grepa Financial, she spearheaded recruitment initiatives and employee development programs designed to attract, retain, and grow high-performing talent. She also served as Assistant Manager for Recruitment at Philippine National Bank, where she managed end-to-end recruitment processes for one of the largest banking institutions in the Philippines.

With a strong background in recruitment and human capital development, Terry is recognized for her ability to align people strategies with business objectives, driving both organizational growth and employee success. Her career reflects a commitment to building future-ready workforces and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.

Michelle Rubio

CHRO – UnionBank of Philippines
Bio

Michelle Rubio, EVP – Chief HR Officer at UnionBank and Corporate Social Responsibility Head, champions PeopleTech—a fusion of technology and human-centric HR—to build high-tech, high-touch talent. She leads culture and people transformation programs through UnionBank’s corporate University and UBPXcellerator to enable individuals and groups upskill, develop and adapt to a dynamic and evolving workplace. Her work drives workforce innovation and has earned global recognition.

  

Rosita Ceres Legaspi-Aguas (“Nanette”)

Chief Human Resources Officer and Head – People, Learning and Culture – Unilab, Inc.
Bio

Currently the Chief Human Resources Officer and Head for People, Learning, and Culture of Unilab Inc. She leads the human capital strategy and sets strategic leadership in the execution of business strategy, culture and organization transformation. Nanette concurrently holds the position of Head of Human Resources , with strategic oversight for Unilab International and UL Skin Sciences, Inc.

Most recently as the Unilab’s HR Head, Nanette is recognized among ‘PH Top Talent Leaders’ by Bridge Group, 50 Most Influential Women in HR and HR Icon ‘Most influential HR Leader’ SEA by ETHRWorld , ‘Culture Leader of the Year’ by TalentView ”

Previously, she was the Regional Human Resources Director for Asia Pacific at Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore), where she was also a member of the Global Finance HR Leadership Team and the Global Executive Coaching Council. She held various positions with increasing responsibilities in the Consumer, Pharma and Medical Devices business sectors in Asia Pacific. She likewise led the organizational set up for the Global Finance Shared Services Centers in Manila Center (Global Hub) and Suzhou China .

Earlier, she was Human Resources Director at Johnson & Johnson Medical Philippines., where she was awarded Outstanding ASEAN HR Business Partner for Human Resources.

Nanette also served as President of an Executive Search and HR Consulting firm and as Managing Director for Asia Pacific of the leading executive search firm. With her leadership, she took to helm the Manila Office and consumer /pharma ndustry practice.

Nanette has a degree in Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Management from Saint Louis University. She completed her Senior Management Program at the Asian Institute of Management.

Erica Lam

Head of HR – BSH Home Appliances
Bio

Erica Lam is Head of HR at BSH Home Appliance with 10+ years of experience in HR leadership across multinational and listed companies. She partners with executives and employees to drive organizational effectiveness, specializing in HR strategies that align people and business goals.
Holding both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Erica is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. She champions employee benefits and rewards while fostering a culture where People Matters truly defines the workplace.

Michelle Taylor-Jones

Global Chief Inclusion Officer – Manulife Financial Corporation
Bio

Michelle Taylor-Jones is Global Chief Inclusion Officer at the Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE: MFC). She is charged with leading the company in modeling comprehensive inclusion strategy with supporting programs, initiatives and actions that have an impact on Manulife employees, customers, and the community. Michelle is a member of the company Global Leadership Team and serves on the Manulife Investment Management Private Markets Board of Directors managing the property, business, and affairs of the company.

Prior to joining Manulife in 2020, Michelle held senior positions within multiple Fortune 500 Companies including Dell Technologies, EMC Technologies and Bank of America leading efforts in Small Business Banking, Talent Management, Executive Recruiting and Inclusion.

A member of the Board of Advisors for prestigious organizations i4CP ( A Future of Work & HR Research), Seramount ( Stronger Inclusive Workforces), and Catalyst (Workplaces that Work for Women) as well as is the co-founder of Black Women of Influence (BWOI), a New York Based organization for Mid-Executive Level Multicultural Women. The recipient of multiple honors, most recently she was recognized with the Corporate Trailblazer Award from the Ben Crump Social Justice Honors in recognition of efforts around advancing social justice as well as for her outstanding work of supporting women by the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE), awarded the NAFE Woman of Excellence – Diversity Innovator award.

She is most proud of her tireless efforts as an advocate against violence of women and children globally and serves actively within the global foundation, Safe at Home, organization that provides hope and healing for children experiencing trauma and violence.

She Authored her first book, “Sonnets from My Soul,” a collection of inspirational poetry published as a gift to her children, Alyssa, and Tyler.

Favorite Quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” Winston Churchill

Gautam Duggal

Senior Vice President, HR – APAC & MEA – Citi
Bio

Gautam Duggal is a global HR and organizational transformation leader trusted by CXOs and leadership teams to fix, stabilize, and scale complex organizations during moments of growth, restructuring, and strategic reset. He is known for delivering material financial and execution outcomes through disciplined organization design, leadership strategy, and workforce governance — without disrupting the business.

Currently, he is Senior Vice President – HR (APAC & MEA), Citi – Leading enterprise talent transformation and organizational effectiveness across regulated markets. Previously, he was Director – Global People Strategy & Talent Management | Mastercard where he partnered with C-suite globally on organization design, succession, and workforce strategy.

Archan Bahulekar

Head of Sales, Asia – First Advantage
Bio

Archan has 15 years of experience in driving B2B enterprise sales – including the past six years in the screening industry across APAC. He has a deep understanding of the background screening industry, having worked closely with strategic clients across industry verticals, collaborating and partnering with cross-functional leaders to ensure rolling out the best solutions and technology.

Archan holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce, majoring in Finance and Accounting, from the University of Mumbai. He is also the co-author of the Kindle e-book “Full Stack Salesperson: A Guide to Selling in Today’s Hi-Tech World” — a testament to his passion for sharing sales excellence and delivering exceptional client buying experiences in the tech sector. Based in Singapore for most of his career, Archan enjoys meeting people, live concerts and spending time with family.

Rita Tsui

Founder – AsiaHRM | Coaching Engage +
Bio

Rita Tsui is an esteemed HR leader with over 25 years of experience driving strategic HR initiatives in multinational companies across Hong Kong and Singapore. As President of AsiaHRM and the Asia HR Woman Club, she champions Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, significantly impacting the HR landscape in Asia. An ICF Credentialed Coach and certified trainer with the John Maxwell Team, Rita is passionate about leadership development and has conducted training sessions throughout the region. Her contributions to the field have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Employer of Choice and Training and Development Awards. Her vision for the future of HR promises to inspire and empower professionals to cultivate talent and drive meaningful change in their organizations.

Dr. Anthony Wong

Founder & Managing Consultant – Gente
Bio

Dr. Anthony Wong is a highly regarded corporate trainer, lecturer, and HR leader with over 26 years of experience across diverse industries, including media (The South China Morning Post), FMCG (Nestlé), high-tech (Sony), retail (DFI), eCommerce (RedMart), manufacturing (Johnson Electric), and conglomerates (Hutchison Whampoa). His extensive background as Head of HR and corporate trainer for renowned companies equips him with deep insights into people, culture, and organizational development.

Dr. Wong specializes in leadership development, strategic planning, and talent management, regularly designing impactful workshops for commercial firms, NGOs, and universities. He teaches HR and talent management in leading MBA programs, equipping generations of business leaders and HR practitioners with essential skills and knowledge. As a sought-after speaker and moderator at regional and international conferences, he has published research on leadership and diversity in peer-reviewed journals.

An expert in talent development and an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Wong serves on several advisory boards, including the Hong Kong Red Cross and Oxfam Hong Kong. He holds a BBA and two master’s degrees, along with a Doctorate in Business Administration. Additionally, he possesses various trainer certifications in performance management, presentation, and talent interviewing and selection.

Cynthia Lai

Founder and Executive Coach – Choose to Change Coaching and Consulting Limited
Bio

Cynthia Lai is an executive coach and leadership facilitator who helps HR and business leaders drive transformation with clarity, confidence, and credibility. With nearly 20 years of experience spanning business transformation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication — including senior leadership roles at HSBC, OCBC, and Bank of China (HK) — Cynthia brings deep, real-world insight into what it takes to lead change in complex, fast-moving environments.

As a DISC Flow® Certified Trainer and ICF Associate Certified Coach, Cynthia blends behavioural insight, emotional intelligence, and coaching methodology to help leaders influence with empathy and impact. She is also a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), a certified hypnotherapist, and holds professional qualifications in ESG analysis and corporate governance.

Cynthia’s approach is rooted on practical experience. She supports HR teams, boards, leaders, and C-suite executives across industries — from financial services and technology to education and social impact — to lead human-first transformation in the age of AI. Her facilitation style is strategic yet down-to-earth, helping leaders to shift mindsets, reframe resistance, and turn insight into action.

She is also the co-founder of MetaOptix, a deep-tech startup incubated by Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks and City University of Hong Kong. She serves on multiple advisory boards focused on innovation, governance, and leadership development.
Cynthia holds an MBA, a Master’s in Sustainable Development, and a Master’s in Professional Accounting and Corporate Governance. A trilingual facilitator fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, she brings cultural fluency and global perspective to every room she leads.

Yolice Wu

Executive Director and Chief People & Culture Officer – Hongkong Land Limited
Bio

Yolice Wu joined the Board as Executive Director, People & Culture in 2023 and assumed the role of Executive Director and Chief People & Culture Officer in November 2024. Ms Wu is responsible for overseeing all People & Culture functions across the organisation. She is instrumental in shaping and nurturing a high-performance workforce, while fostering an inclusive culture, laying the foundation for sustained success and growth within the organisation.

Ms Wu brings over two decades of experience managing human resources across Chinese Mainland and Asia Pacific regions, with extensive experience in multiple senior leadership roles across different corporations. Prior to joining the Company, Ms Wu served as the Chief People Officer at Jardine International Motors, where she played a pivotal role in transforming and embedding a new culture during a significant merger. Before that, Ms Wu was the Director of Human Resources at Zung Fu.

Ms Wu holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade from Shanghai University and a Master’s degree in Training & Organization Development from Saint Joseph’s University.

Sarah Cheuk

AVP HR – Fano Labs
Bio

Sarah is a dedicated, forward thinking HR leader who drives business outcomes through strategic innovation. Currently a strategic business partner at a SpeechAI company, she aligns people initiatives with enterprise goals to elevate engagement and performance. A pioneer who embraces new initiatives, she is known for piloting cutting edge practices and translating them into practical, scalable solutions.

Committed to advancing the HR profession, Sarah tackles complex challenges with innovative, pragmatic approaches that enable sustainable growth and capability building. She is deeply engaged in the HR community and actively gives back through mentoring, teaching, and knowledge sharing. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple honors, including Best HR Leader of the Year (2023) and the Excellent HR Professional Award (2022).

Sarah holds an MSc in Strategic Human Resource Management and a BBA in Human Resources Management from Hong Kong Baptist University, and she broadened her global perspective through the NUS Global Leaders Program. She is a DBA candidate at City University of Hong Kong and a Fellow Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKIHRM).

Emily Tang

Founder – Minds Recode
Bio

Emily’s passion for integrating wellness and resilience into the organizational fabric began with a powerful, real-world transformation: witnessing a struggling team member thrive after their team prioritized mental wellness. This journey ignited her drive to create cultures where employees flourish amidst complexity. For two decades, Emily has specialized in empowering people to master digital tools and navigate the mentally intense landscape of modern business. Blending deep strategic insight with an innovative mindset, she helps organizations confidently ride the wave of rapid change. Her fundamental belief? Resilience is the cornerstone that builds future-ready, sustainably successful teams.

Ilaria Gregotti

VP P&C East Asia, Australia & PMI Global Travel Retail – Philip Morris International
Bio

Ilaria is a seasoned leader with deep expertise in people management and organizational effectiveness. As Vice President of People & Culture for Asia Pacific and PMI Global Travel Retail at Philip Morris International (PMI), she plays a critical role in advancing PMI’s smoke-free vision across diverse markets—a vision she has supported for the past seven years.

With over 25 years of experience, Ilaria’s career encompasses talent management, organizational design, behavioral change, and HR transformation. She is passionate about continuous learning and delivering measurable results, consistently building high-performing teams that excel in dynamic environments. Her keen understanding of local HR trends and cultural nuances enables her to drive impact regionally and globally within PMI.

Before joining PMI, Ilaria held senior positions at KPMG, where she led global HR transformation initiatives and managed change programs for major corporations.

“True transformation begins when we connect strategy with people and culture.”

Charlotte Chan

Senior Director, People & Culture – Klook
Bio

Charlotte Chan leads the global people strategy at Klook, overseeing HR Business Partnering, Talent Acquisition, and Talent Management & Development. A strategic leader, she specializes in aligning human capital with business objectives, focusing on organizational development, change management, and employer branding to navigate complex workforce challenges.
Charlotte’s career began in luxury retail, pioneering business expansion in Greater China—an experience that grounded her belief that talent is the engine of commercial success. Transitioning to HR, she spent over a decade at industry leaders including Michael Page, KOS International, and K11. Today, she leverages her unique commercial background to drive high-impact people strategies that support Klook’s global growth and operational excellence.

Kristy Lam

Head of HR (APAC) – The Cookware Company
Bio

Kristy leads the Global HR function at Eternal Planet, a renewable energy company focused on residential energy storage and a subsidiary of Canadian Solar. She specializes in developing end-to-end people strategies across APAC (Hong Kong and Japan), Europe, and North America. With extensive experience spanning multinational corporations and fast-growing start-ups, Kristy has worked across multiple regions and industries—from sourcing and manufacturing to professional services—giving her a deep understanding of diverse workplace cultures.

A dedicated advocate for sustainability and inclusivity, Kristy actively champions initiatives that foster equitable opportunities and celebrate cultural diversity across global teams.

Philip Wixon

Head of HR Transformation – The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Bio

A seasoned transformation leader with over 25 years of experience spanning top-tier management consulting and strategic corporate roles across Asia-Pacific, India, the Middle East, and the UK. Philip is known for translating complex business challenges into practical, technology-enabled solutions that accelerate growth, streamline operations, and elevate employee experience.

Sebastian Ritz

Senior Director, APAC – gloat
Bio

Sebastian Ritz currently leads Gloat’s business across Asia & Australia. He has spent the last 10 years working with business & technology leaders across Asia, Europe & North America, guiding them through transformation initiatives. He has a deep passion for partnering with organizations to solve complex problems & currently focuses heavily on work & workforce transformation in the AI era. He lives in Taipei, Taiwan.

Alex Wong

General Manager – Corporate Information Technology – The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas)
Bio

Alex has over 25+ years of experience in the information technology industry served in international conglomerate with main focus on Fintech as well as currently being the General Manager – Corporate Information Technology for The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited. During all his career life in IT, his main focus has always been on bridging users (external and internal) with technology as that is actually one of the hardest and most challenging area in enabling technology in general.

He has recently joined the HKCS Specialist Group called AISG as an Executive Committee member. The objective of the group is to keep HKCS members abreast of the general movement of AI.

In the past 6 years, aside from pushing The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited forward with various latest information technology including AI and Generative AI, he values a company’s “Citizen Developer” ability dearly as well. Therefore, he established and led a cultural transformation program where the objectives is to aim for higher adoption rate of “Citizen Developer”. He believes this is a very key element in the journey of Digital Transformation.

Achievement & Awards
“Digimon” (數碼暴龍) is a cultural change program designed to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency for the company through the innovative use of technologies and Gen AI. The name “Digimon” is the abbreviation of “Digital Monsters”, which symbolizes the power and potential of technology.
Since its launch in 2023, “Digimon” focuses on fostering a digital-savvy and data driven environment where employees are encouraged to adopt and utilize new tools and systems to improve both customer interactions and internal processes in a more efficient and effective way.

Digimon earned the following awards in 2025:
HKMA Award for Excellence in Training and Development
• Gold Award at the HKMA Award for Excellence in Training and Development
• Excellence in Cultural Change
• Excellence in Digital Transformation
• HR Professionals’ Favourite Campaign

Joanne Flinn

Chairwoman of the ESG Institute
Bio

Thought leader, award-winning author and respected international keynote speaker, Joanne Flinn has brought inspiration, insight, and action to audiences across countries and industries. Her deep experience enables her to share true insights about digital disruption, change and leadership. Her empathy and realism help people succeed in business and life. As the Chair of the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Institute, Joanne works with Chairman and CEOs of global entities to develop, scale and deploy sustainability strategies.