Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) president Donald Lim urged business organizations on Tuesday to adopt a bold leadership agenda centered on digital transformation, national development and ASEAN engagement.
Speaking during the first general membership meeting of the year, Lim said the group should move beyond following global trends to become a trailblazer in innovation. He noted that technology should drive business growth while fostering social development and the cultivation of future leaders.
The world is changing at a pace unimaginable a generation ago as artificial intelligence reshapes industries and automation transforms the nature of work, Lim said. He warned that organizations failing to adapt face the risk of being left behind swiftly and irreversibly.
Lim said the collective leadership of the private sector would determine the resilience of the nation at a time when trust is fragile and the global landscape is shifting unpredictably.
To maintain competitiveness, the MAP said it would advocate for policies that expand digital infrastructure and literacy throughout the archipelago.
Lim said these efforts aim to ensure that digital access is not restricted by geography or income level.
Lim called for active partnerships with technology companies to ensure Filipinos act as shapers of technology rather than passive consumers.
Because technology alone is not the solution, he said the organization will institutionalize mentorship programs pairing seasoned executives with young professionals to ensure tools are used responsibly.
The president outlined a strategy to position the organization as a force in national development, particularly as the Philippines prepares to assume the ASEAN chairship in 2026.
Lim said the private sector must transition from member-only programs to initiatives that serve the broader nation.
Lim said the organization would measure success by the tangible differences made in the lives of citizens who do not participate in its gatherings.
The group plans to contribute to the ASEAN business agenda regarding trade, sustainability, and digital integration through research and policy inputs.
