CLARK FREEPORT—More than 1,200 engineers from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered in Clark this week for a major regional conference, underscoring the area’s growing status as a premier destination for international meetings.
The 43rd Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (CAFEO 43) took place from Oct. 28 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Clark. It began with a welcome dinner, setting a tone for collaboration, professional development and continuing education among the region’s top engineering minds.
Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president and chief executive Agnes Devanadera opened the event, highlighting the essential role engineers play in driving national progress and regional integration.
“There can be no development in any country without infrastructure, and that’s how vital your profession is,” Devanadera said, adding that the engineering sector was central to Clark’s transformation from a former US airbase into a successful economic zone following the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
“We have risen from the ashes and are now leading economic growth in this part of our country. The poverty rate in Pampanga is now just one percent. Our recovery would not have been possible without the engineers,” she said.
The conference theme, “ASEAN Engineers: Beacons of Prosperity, Inclusivity, Equity, Resilience and Sustainability,” drew attention to Clark’s strategic importance within the North Luzon Economic Corridor and its commitment to infrastructure-led development.
Devanadera also cited Clark’s recent recognition as Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination for 2025 by the World Travel Awards, an honor she attributed to the area’s world-class infrastructure and professional excellence.
The CDC chief lauded the ASEAN engineering community for pursuing continuing education and raising professional standards through the ASEAN Engineer title.
“You don’t just analyze problems, you propose solutions. That’s what the world needs now,” she said.
“We start with engineers, we end with engineers, and we are able to sustain our growth because of you—the engineers who have done a very good professional work. My salute to your profession,” said Devanadera.
CAFEO 43 included technical sessions, country reports and the conferment of ASEAN Engineer titles, further solidifying regional cooperation.
Delegates represented all 10 ASEAN member states—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—plus Timor-Leste.
CAFEO recognizes 13 engineering disciplines under the ASEAN Engineer Register, including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, mining, industrial, environmental, geodetic, electronics, marine, metallurgical, agricultural and information and communications technology (ICT).
