A delegation from the Aboitiz Group, headed by Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer Sabin Aboitiz, embarked on a three-day innovation and technology tour in Israel from March 13 to 15. The delegation was immersed in Israel’s innovation ecosystem as they explored and engaged with various tech companies and met with industry change-makers.
The region, like the Aboitiz Group, is steeped in history while also being home to a community of innovators and entrepreneurs shaping the future. In recent decades, Israel has established itself as an epicenter of booming start-ups and breakthrough technologies.
As the Aboitiz Group undergoes its great transformation to become the Philippines’ first Techglomerate, its team leaders are committed to lifelong learning. The tour added valuable knowledge to the group’s ecosystem about innovation, technology and open-mindedness.
“Exploring Israel’s innovation ecosystem has been an eye-opener. Their achievements in technology taught us that success is not just about having resources, but also about having the determination and creativity to make things happen. Their startup spirit and willingness to take risks have inspired us to think bigger and bolder, and we are eager to apply our learnings to drive innovation and progress in the Philippines,” said Aboitiz.
The delegation included Aboitiz Equity Ventures chairman Endika Aboitiz, vice chairman Mikel Aboitiz, director Montxu Aboitiz, director Luis Miguel Aboitiz, chief financial officer Toto Hilado, chief transformation officer Emilie Sydney-Smith, first vice president Gie Polanco and first vice president for sustainability and chief reputation officer Ginggay Hontiveros.
Also joining them are Aboitiz & Co. director Tony Canova, ACO director Antonio Moraza, Aboitiz InfraCapital president and CEO Cosette Canilao, Pilmico and Gold Coin Group president and CEO Tristan Aboitiz, Aboitiz Power Corp. president and CEO Manny Rubio and Aboitiz Data Innovation CEO Dr. David Hardoon.
Among the locations that the Aboitiz delegation visited was the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, where they met with its chairman and Pitango Venture Capital co-founder Chemi Peres. Founded in 1996 by Chemi’s father, Israel Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres, the Peres Center is on a mission to “promote lasting peace and advancement in the Middle East by fostering tolerance, economic and technological development, cooperation and well-being.”
“In Israel, a land lacking in natural resources, we discovered the greatest resource of all: human capital, which is richer than any of the resources on earth,” said Chemi Peres in a discussion with Sabin Aboitiz.
The tour was facilitated by the Israeli Embassy of the Philippines and its Economic Mission.
The Aboitiz Group brings back to the Philippines new ideas and insights that can contribute to the Group’s mission of advancing businesses and communities, ultimately propelling the country’s economic growth and progress.
