Thought leaders, changemakers to hold summit in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino 'thought leaders' and 'changemakers' are convening in Cebu on May 23 for a three-day summit featuring open collaborations and dialogues on social and economic development.

The New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF), a community of Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers, Schwab Social Entrepreneurs and Global Growth Companies, along with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), will hold the 'Open Collaboration with East Asia New Champions (OCEAN),' to discuss the current status of the Philippine economy and prospects for the future. Happening on May 23 to 25 at Movenpick Resort in Mactan, Cebu, the event features discussions on social enterprises and public-private partnerships, interactive breakout sessions, fireside chats and 'hackaton' presentations, among others.

More than 200 leaders from the public sector, business, academia and arts and culture are expected to attend the event, where participants will exchange strategies and solutions that will help the country as it prepares for the ASEAN Economic Community integration next year.

"To further fuel the momentum, OCEAN aims to develop a framework for creating Innovation Zones that promote a new class of businesses," said Winston Damarillo, OCEAN summit chair, Young Global Leader and an active participant of WEF. Damarillo said Innovation Zones will build on best practices and encourage innovation, designed for startups and entrepreneurs working on high risk and high reward ventures.

"We are honored to host the delegates of OCEAN. We, the private sector, are energized with the enthusiasm and full support that our local government leaders led by our governor have shown. By supporting OCEAN, we are bringing together Filipino leaders in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who can collaboratively work to sustain this momentum of economic growth," said CCCI President Ma. Teresa Chan.