UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 Strengthens UK-Philippines Tech Collaboration

Date:

Manila, Philippines, March 26

The UK Government successfully hosted the UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 in Manila, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and investment in the region’s tech ecosystem.

Held from March 24 to 25, the event brought together leading British technology companies and Philippine stakeholders under the theme:
“Bridging Boundaries, Building a Resilient, Innovative, and Inclusive Tech Ecosystem.”

Strengthening UK-Philippines Fintech Ties

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement between His Majesty’s Ambassador Laure Beaufils, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific Martin Kent, and Fintech Alliance Philippines, represented by Martha Borja and Lito Villanueva. The partnership aims to enhance UK-Philippines cooperation in the fintech sector, promoting financial inclusion and technological advancement.

“The UK is proud to be a long-standing partner in the Philippines’ digital journey, supporting initiatives that foster innovation, improve cybersecurity resilience, and develop a skilled tech workforce,” said Ambassador Beaufils.

Showcasing British Innovation in AI, Cybersecurity, and Fintech

The UK Tech Showcase featured cutting-edge British companies, including NCC Group, iProov, and Revolut, demonstrating advancements in cybersecurity, biometric authentication, and digital banking.

Panel discussions on AI and cybersecurity provided insights into emerging threats, industry trends, and best practices, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in tackling digital challenges.

Martin Kent, who led a delegation of 12 pioneering British AI and data companies, highlighted the UK’s role as a global tech powerhouse:

“The UK is a global leader in science and technology, with our tech ecosystem worth $1.2 trillion—the third largest in the world after the US and China. The UK is committed to building opportunities for mutual prosperity with the Philippines, and I look forward to the innovation and new partnerships that will unfold from this week.”

Launch of the UK Tech Growth Programme

In another milestone, British Embassy Manila and Kickstart Ventures—the Philippines’ largest corporate venture capital firm—launched the UK Tech Growth Programme. This initiative will connect UK startups with potential investors from The Ayala Corporation Technology Innovation Venture Fund (ACTIVE Fund), the largest venture capital fund in the Philippines.

Minette Navarrete, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Kickstart Ventures, emphasized the significance of global collaboration in driving innovation:

“We recognize the vital role of forging partnerships beyond borders in fueling innovation that benefits all. Our collaboration with the British Embassy allows us to lead transformative investments with UK startups and bring in tech-driven solutions that ensure mutual growth.”

A Future of Stronger UK-Southeast Asia Tech Partnerships

UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening partnerships, and shaping a resilient and inclusive tech ecosystem in the region.

Ambassador Beaufils concluded:

“Technology is not just about infrastructure—it’s about partnerships, trust, and shared progress. The UK is working hand in hand with the Philippines to expand its tech ecosystem.”

The event featured a strong delegation of British companies, including Content Guru, CyberQ Group, Encompass, Intelligent AI Solutions, Kraken IM, Newcastle University, Open Data Institute, Smart Pension, Summatic, Sumsub, Synectics, and Veracity Trust Network APAC.

As the UK-Philippines tech collaboration deepens, this year’s Tech Week has set the stage for new investments, groundbreaking innovations, and long-term strategic partnerships across the Southeast Asian region.

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