SINGAPORE, 11 September 2026 – Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig participated as a special guest in the “America Through the Eyes of” segment of the Regional Economic Conference 2026 (REC), organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmChamSG) on 09 September 2026 at the Shangri-La Singapore.

Moderated by AmChamSG’s CEO Dr. Hsien-hsien Lei, the segment featured a wide-ranging and informal conversation on the United States, the Philippines, ASEAN, and the evolving economic and geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia.

Drawing from his experiences in the Philippine foreign service, Ambassador Macaraig shared perspectives on the evolution of Philippines-US relations over the years. He noted the long-standing and consequential role of the United States in the Philippines and the wider region, while emphasizing the need to sustain dialogue and cooperation amid changing regional and global circumstances.

The conversation also touched on ASEAN’s role in promoting regional stability and creating an environment conducive to business and investment. Ambassador Macaraig highlighted the importance of sustained engagement between ASEAN and its external partners, including the United States, in supporting the region’s growth, resilience, and competitiveness.

Ambassador Macaraig and Dr. Lei also exchanged views on emerging areas of economic cooperation, infrastructure and connectivity, technology and innovation, and opportunities for greater business and investment partnerships involving the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States.

The discussion further covered entrepreneurship and the Filipino community in Singapore, with Ambassador Macaraig recognizing the contributions of Filipino professionals, workers, and entrepreneurs and the value of the skills and experience they gain overseas in supporting opportunities and enterprise in the Philippines.

The Regional Economic Conference brings together government, business, and policy stakeholders to exchange perspectives on developments affecting Singapore and Southeast Asia and to explore opportunities for greater regional economic cooperation. (END)