Bilyonaryo Kevin L. Tan, president and chief executive officer of Alliance Global Group, made his official debut on the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), joining private sector leaders in Bangkok to draft policy recommendations for Asia-Pacific leaders amid slowing global growth and rising trade tensions.
The four-day meeting, hosted by ABAC Thailand under the theme “Openness. Connectivity. Synergy.”, is the council’s third gathering this year and comes ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Dialogue in China in November, where ABAC will present its recommendations directly to heads of state from the 21 member economies.
Tan, whose conglomerate has interests in real estate, tourism, hospitality, food and beverage, and infrastructure, was recently appointed as an ABAC Philippines member. He represents the Philippine private sector alongside ABAC Philippines chair Sabin M. Aboitiz and member Joanne de Asis. Also joining the Philippine delegation in Bangkok are alternate members Ambassador Francis Chua and Guillermo M. Luz.
Tan’s entry into the regional business body comes as companies across the Asia-Pacific region navigate an increasingly challenging environment marked by trade uncertainty, supply chain pressures and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence technologies.
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who delivered the keynote address during the opening session, urged governments to focus less on introducing new incentives and more on removing regulatory obstacles that discourage investment and job creation.
“Governments are often very good at announcing policies. Businesses are much better at telling us what actually works,” Anutin said.
He added that attracting long-term investment requires “clear rules, fair competition, and easier market access.”
The Thai leader highlighted the country’s “Thailand Fast Pass” initiative, which aims to streamline government processes, improve inter-agency coordination and provide faster and more predictable approval pathways for investors.
He also emphasized the importance of keeping markets open and strengthening regional economic integration through transparent regulations and trusted partnerships.
Discussions during the meeting are focused on preserving open markets, accelerating digital transformation and AI adoption, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises, and building a more resilient and sustainable regional economy.
Dr. Yunyong Thaicharoen, chief economist and sustainability officer of Siam Commercial Bank, warned delegates that while investment continues to flow into artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and green industries, economies must also address workforce readiness, energy security and supply chain resilience to remain competitive.
The recommendations and policy papers finalized in Bangkok will be refined during ABAC’s remaining meetings this year before being submitted to APEC leaders in November.
Established in 1995, ABAC serves as the official voice of the private sector within APEC. The council consists of three business representatives appointed by the heads of government of each of the bloc’s 21 member economies.
