SM Investments vice chairman and ASEAN BAC Philippines member Teresita Sy-Coson and PLDT Group chairman Manny V. Pangilinan both agree on the importance of mentorship for micro-entrepreneurs to scale up.

If only a few countries benefit and the rest will struggle, nothing will happen. Creating prosperity for all and leaving no nation behind is to me the most important objective of ASEAN.”

This is what I shared with all the delegates and guests who attended the Prosperity for All Summit on April 28. It was a successful gathering of government partners, business leaders and entrepreneurship enablers. Together with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council members, we welcomed Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Razak, and Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.).

We were also fortunate to have former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Vice President Leni Robredo, Sen. Miguel Zubiri, and Sen. Bam Aquino. Secretary Bebot Bello also dropped by. Of course, my partner, Sec. Ramon Lopez, also joined the discussion on creating an enabling environment. Science and Technology Secretary Boy Dela Peña participated in the forum on technology and innovation.

With over 1,000 guests, our objective to promote inclusive growth was fulfilled. We hope that through the messages and forum discussions, we were able to present what needs to be done to bring greater success to our micro and small entrepreneurs.