By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will pitch Philippine investment opportunities to more than 470 business leaders from Singapore and around the world while exploring the city-state’s expertise in nuclear energy during his Oct. 7–11 working visit.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Analyn Ratonel on Tuesday said the President’s participation in the Forbes Global CEO Conference will focus on sectors that can drive the country’s economic growth, including digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and healthcare.
“The President is scheduled to participate in the Forbes Global CEO Conference, which will provide an opportunity to engage over 470 business leaders from Singapore and around the world and present the Philippines’ investment priorities,” Asec. Ratonel said in a statement.
President Marcos Jr. will also visit the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute to learn about Singapore’s experience in nuclear research, safety and regulation.
The engagement could support the Philippines’ long-term energy planning and open opportunities for cooperation in nuclear science, safety, research and capacity-building, Ratonel said.
She added that nuclear energy is particularly relevant as the Philippines faces growing power requirements from energy-intensive industries such as AI and data centers.
The visit, at the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, also comes ahead of the turnover of the ASEAN chairship from the Philippines this year to Singapore in 2027.
ASec. Ratonel said the two countries can work closely on economic integration, digital economy, energy and food security and other priorities as Singapore prepares to assume the regional bloc’s chairship.
Singapore is a major economic partner of the Philippines, with the DFA reporting that two-way trade reached US$9.27 billion in 2025. The island city-state was also the largest source of foreign investment commitments approved by the Board of Investments in the first half of 2026, at P3.15 billion.
