MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Manila became the epicenter of global marketing innovation as the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) hosted the 4th World Marketing Forum and the 53rd National Marketing Conference. Over four transformative days from November 5 to 8, marketing leaders, innovators, and professionals converged to address pivotal topics like artificial intelligence, sustainability, and next-gen consumer engagement strategies.
The summit attracted around 2,000 participants from 19 countries, including Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, positioning Manila as a dynamic hub for marketing thought leadership and collaboration on global challenges.
Setting the Stage: A Night of Ambassadors and Ideas
The event kicked off with the exclusive Ambassador’s Night at Casa Buenas, Newport World Resorts. PMA President Kathy Mercado warmly welcomed delegates, framing the discussions that would explore marketing’s evolving role in driving economic growth and societal innovation. The evening ignited a spirit of collaboration that resonated throughout the summit.
Illuminating Insights at the World Marketing Forum
On November 6, the World Marketing Forum brought a touch of Star Wars-themed creativity to the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Marketing legends, including Philip Kotler, joined virtually to discuss resilience and adaptation in turbulent times. AMF Founder Hermawan Kartajaya unveiled emerging trends, while Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar’s keynote, “The New Forces Strike Back: Quality and Cost in the New Marketing Wars,” emphasised innovation as the cornerstone of business growth and human well-being.
Speakers from PwC, Nielsen, and StoryIQ explored AI’s transformative potential in reshaping consumer engagement. Their insights underscored how data-driven strategies can unlock meaningful connections with audiences.
Navigating Marketing Wars at the National Marketing Conference
November 7 saw the National Marketing Conference tackle “Marketing Wars 6.0 and Beyond,” delving into the challenges and opportunities in today’s fast-changing landscape. Fine Hygienics CEO James Michael Lafferty advocated for storytelling and authenticity over fleeting digital trends, while entrepreneur RJ Ledesma shared resilience strategies for volatile markets. A panel featuring Chowking and CIBO Philippines executives dissected how to effectively engage Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.
Celebrating Culture and Connection
Beyond the sessions, the summit celebrated the Philippines’ rich heritage. Delegates enjoyed a Hop-On-Hop-Off tour of Manila and a gala night at the Goldenberg Mansion, featuring traditional Filipino performances and a tour of Malacañang Palace, offering a glimpse into the nation’s history.
A New Chapter for the Asia Marketing Federation
On November 8, the Indonesian Embassy hosted the Annual General Meeting of the Asia Marketing Federation (AMF). The leadership transition saw Bangladesh hand over the baton to China after two years of remarkable contributions under President Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar and General Secreatry Mr. Ashraf Bin Taj. China’s Xin Yao and Shanshan Li were appointed as the new President and General Secretary, respectively, while Mr. Sajid Mahbub of Bangladesh was named Chief Digital Officer of AMF unanimously.
Recognizing Excellence Across Asia
The summit concluded with the Asian Marketing Excellence Awards at the Hilton Grand Bar. Bangladesh’s exceptional performance was a highlight:
- Bitopi Das Chowdhury (Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh) received Asia’s Top Outstanding Woman Marketeer of
- the Year. “This award celebrates the power of women in leadership and inspires me to break barriers for future leaders,” she said.
- Alec Mithun (Bazar365) was honored as Asia’s Top Outstanding Netizen Marketeer of the Year. “This milestone reinforces our commitment to redefining possibilities in the digital space,” he remarked.
- Jahnnobi Rahman (Relaxy Limited) earned Asia’s Top Outstanding Youth Marketeer of the Year. “This recognition drives me to integrate empathy and purpose into impactful marketing strategies,” she emphasized.
A Vision for Marketing’s Future
PMA Director Albet Buddahim reflected, “This
summit tackled the rea
l wars marketers fac
e—balancing generational shifts, navigating digital platforms, and prioritiing battles strategically.” PMA Executive Vice President Michelle Ballesteros added, *”By focusing on sustainability, we’re reinforcing our commitment to marketing that drives growth while protecting the planet.”
Through groundbreaking insights and cultural immersion, the 4th World Marketing Forum and the 53rd National Marketing Conference affirmed Asia’s growing influence in the industry. By fostering collaboration and addressing pressing challenges, Manila set a benchmark for marketing excellence across the region.
