US-ASEAN Business Council

10/09/2026

On October 9, USABC hosted a roundtable in Manila with U.S. Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Kaveh Farzad, Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Urbanas, and senior U.S. government officials on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM).

The discussion brought together USABC members and U.S. government representatives to explore opportunities to strengthen ASEAN’s energy infrastructure, expand energy supply and connectivity, enhance cybersecurity, and attract private-sector investment.

Participants highlighted the role of modernized power grids, emerging technologies such as geothermal energy and nuclear power, and predictable regulatory frameworks in building resilient energy systems across the region.

USABC Chief Country Representative Atty. Third Bagro also emphasized continued engagement on the Philippines’ energy and infrastructure priorities, including the Luzon Economic Corridor.

USABC remains committed to advancing practical cooperation toward a secure, resilient, and sustainable energy future for ASEAN.

10/09/2026

On October 8, USABC joined regional stakeholders in Manila for the Roundtable Discussion on ASEAN Customs Modernization & Trade Facilitation at PASIA World 2026.

USABC Chief Representative for the Philippines and ASEAN, Atty. Third Bagro, highlighted opportunities to streamline cross-border e-commerce shipments through risk-based customs procedures.

Discussions focused on digitalization, transparency, and harmonized customs processes to reduce business costs, strengthen supply chains, and support a more competitive and integrated ASEAN market.

USABC looks forward to continued collaboration with government and private-sector partners to advance practical trade facilitation reforms.

10/08/2026

On Oct. 7, USABC, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Mission to ASEAN, convened the U.S.-ASEAN Workshop on Super Intelligence (SI) and Cybersecurity Standards at the ASEAN AI Summit for MSMEs in Manila.

The workshop brought together government officials, standards organizations, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore how standards can support secure and inclusive digital transformation. USABC’s Chief Country Representative for the Philippines, Atty. Third Bagro, moderated a panel on industry-led standards and secure digital infrastructure, highlighting practical approaches to cybersecurity adoption, trusted cross-border data flows, and digital skills development.

USABC looks forward to continuing to work with government and industry partners to strengthen MSMEs’ capabilities and confidence in ASEAN’s digital economy.

10/08/2026

USABC President and CEO Amb. Brian McFeeters was pleased to host Indonesia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arif Havas Oegroseno, during his visit to Washington, D.C. The Vice Minister briefed member companies at a roundtable also attended by Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Indroyono Soesilo. He shared insights on the U.S.-Indonesia bilateral economic and security relationship following the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, as well as evolving developments in global energy security and supply chains.

Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C. - USA

10/07/2026

During the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, the US-ASEAN Business Council convened a series of high-level engagements with ASEAN leaders, business leaders, and policymakers.

In this episode, USABC President & CEO Ambassador Brian McFeeters takes us behind the scenes of the week, sharing key takeaways from these engagements and reflecting on the priorities shaping the U.S.-ASEAN economic relationship.

🎧 Tune in to hear Ambassador McFeeters’ perspective on a pivotal week for U.S.-ASEAN engagement.

During the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, the US-ASEAN Busin...

10/06/2026

On October 5, the US-ASEAN Business Council hosted a roundtable discussion on ASEAN's cyber landscape and outlook. USABC President & CEO Amb. Brian McFeeters and Vice President Mario Masaya were joined by Deputy Assistant Secretary Lloyd Freeman of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Emerging Threats; Hubert Han, Digital Counsellor & Senior Tech Policy Advisor of the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Washington, DC; and private sector representatives.

The discussion emphasized the growing urgency of cyber resiliency and capacity building, recognizing AI as a force multiplier for cyber threats and cyber defense. USABC looks forward to facilitating further discussion and dialogue, highlighting industry best practices and innovative solutions to support ASEAN's digital future.

09/29/2026

US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) EVP & Chief Policy Officer Marc M. recently spoke with ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) about strengthening U.S.-ASEAN commercial ties and deepening the U.S.-Philippines economic partnership.

Marc highlighted USABC’s ongoing advocacy efforts and key outcomes from the highly successful 2026 Philippines Business Mission, underscoring the importance of sustained public-private collaboration to advance inclusive economic growth.

Watch the full interview here:

The Boardroom: Salve Ibañez talks to Marc Mealy, Executive Vice Pre...

09/29/2026

US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) EVP & Chief Policy Officer Marc Mealy joined Bilyonaryo News Channel’s to discuss the evolving U.S.-Philippines investment relationship amid tariff challenges, shifting supply chains, and growing competition for investment across ASEAN.

Marc shared perspectives on opportunities to deepen U.S.-Philippines economic ties, including the role of the Philippines in emerging technology and supply chain initiatives such as Pax Silica.

Watch the full conversation with Margaux Salcedo below.

The Philippines is seeking to strengthen its role in U.S.-led suppl...

09/28/2026

US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) EVP & Chief Policy Officer Marc Mealy recently sat down with ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) and Bilyonaryo News Channel to discuss strengthening U.S.-ASEAN commercial ties and the U.S.-Philippines economic relationship.

Marc highlighted USABC’s ongoing advocacy efforts and key outcomes from the highly successful 2026 Philippines Business Mission, emphasizing the importance of continued public-private collaboration to advance inclusive economic growth.

Through sustained engagement with the Philippine government and business community, USABC continues to support shared priorities including digital trade, MSME growth, and broader U.S.-ASEAN investment and commercial opportunities.

The U.S. private sector remains deeply committed to being a strategic partner in the Philippines and across the region, supporting long-term economic growth and stronger U.S.-ASEAN ties.

09/28/2026

US-ASEAN Business Council EVP & CPO Marc Mealy joined the World Economic Forum's ASEAN Business Dialogue on Digital Economy.

Speaking on the closing panel, Marc shared USABC's experience navigating the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). He pointed out that while the vision is strong, the region still faces real gaps in infrastructure, trade policy alignment, and digital capabilities.

He emphasized the need for legally binding commitments, clear and unified national laws, and better talent mobility so that workers with certified digital skills can easily operate across borders.

The digital future of ASEAN relies on turning agreements into tangible actions on the ground.